Speech Team

St. Mark Speech Team is a nurturing environment where you can develop your public speaking skills and learn speech techniques. Our High School tournaments are not just about competition but also about providing positive feedback that leads to improved performance. Starting in October,  our weekly meetings are an excellent opportunity to learn how to deliver Impromptu, Informative, Persuasive, and Extemporaneous speeches in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.

Why join your school's Speech Team? 

Time Commitment
One afternoon a week, practices are optional but highly encouraged as we limit the number of students we can register for the tournaments. We are available from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. on that day to advise, edit, critique, and encourage team members as they choose, refine, and practice their pieces. All team members must meet with an advisor and perform their piece before they will be registered for a tournament.

Tournaments
There are three tournaments. Students may compete in all or just one, depending on their schedules.

1. Archbishop Murphy Speech Tournament is  November 16, an all-day event that ends by 6:30 p.m.
2. Bishop Blanchet Speech Tournament is December 14, an all-day event that ends by 7:00 p.m.
3. Seattle Prep Speech Tournament is Saturday, February 8th. 

The following criteria will be used to determine who goes to the competition if we have more students than open slots:

• All deadlines are met
• Attendance
• Use of time during the meetings
• Quality of piece/performance in late November
• Eighth graders (who are eligible for a scholarship) who have met the above criteria will get precedence if all other factors are equal