Public Speaking

Public speaking is a cherished tradition at Fay and a key part of the academic program from the earliest years.

 

In Primary School, students have opportunities to practice speaking in front of their peers in informal settings, during class time, at lunch announcements, and at all school meetings. The first and second grade classes also put on musicals each spring.

 

In Lower School, beginning in third grade, students work with their teachers to craft speeches that they share with appreciative family members. (You can click here to read about how our third graders write speeches inspired by their favorite picture book characters.) In safe, supportive settings, students have opportunities to plan and craft their ideas and to practice speaking with volume, poise, animation, and confidence.

 

By Upper School, students are ready for a beloved Fay tradition: the annual speech contest. Each year, students in every English class write essays based on themes that the students select themselves. The speeches run the gamut, from laugh-out-loud anecdotes about life as a middle schooler to thoughtful reflections on family, responsibility, and world events. The speech finals, which take place every spring, are an event not to be missed: the supportive applause and genuine joy that everyone takes in the students’ accomplishments make for an evening of inspiration.

 

What do students get out of a cohesive public speaking program? Tools that they’ll use for a lifetime: the ability to craft an argument, speak persuasively, and share opinions about topics that matter.