Being a ‘speechie’ means one thing in the world of KHSSL and that is that you are a speech competitor. Speech itself could be taken as mostly talking or giving a presentation but that’s not how I mean it. Speech to me and others who competed on the KHSSL circuit means memorizing pieces lt writing your own to use in competition as a way to bring recognition to your school or to beat out other students and to show your own talent.
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Being a speech kid brings a individual a lot of confidence and I highly recommend it to those who have a difficult time speaking in front of large crowds. Being a ‘speechie’ brings with it a few things that most either love or hate. Here are a few things that come along with the gig.
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Long hours of practice rather it be after school or on the weekends
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Weekends spent away from home at competitions.
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Long hours on a bus to get from place to place
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Early mornings and late nights running the halls performing your hearts out.
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Practicing in hallways and hotel rooms the night and mornings before competition
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Eating fast food for days at a time.
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Sharing hotel rooms with way more people then it’s intended purpose
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Wearing suits and tights and heels just to look professional no matter where you go
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Changing on buses underneath of blankets as you drive down the highway
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Making a family with others who you normally would not think to
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Being a ‘speechie’ is something I never really got to take for granted, it’s been a amazing ride from grade school to high school for a total of 8 years. Followed by two years of judging, it’s a family dynamic and it’s a safe place to just have fun and let loose.
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If you are know someone who is shy or afraid to speech in public tell them about this because your college may also have a speech team you did not know about until now.