AHS offers new speech class to students

Do you like to present in class? Most people have a fear of public speaking. And in response to that situation, the English department at Aurora High School created a speech class to help students overcome that fear.

The class is taught by English teachers Rose Brown and Greg Pinzone.

Every Monday students have to participate in a speech in front of the class, and in various other speaking opportunities in front of the class throughout the semester.

Students will practice critical viewing of both historic and contemporary speeches. The topics that the class have discussions on are: what is communication, how do we convey meaning beyond the words, what are some different types of speeches, how can we become better listeners, why does audience matter, how can media help or hide our message, and what are some different types of speeches.

Students get graded on demonstrating and building knowledge and skills.

Brown stated that “20% of the grade is for homework, classwork, engagement/participation. 80% - Assessments: quizzes, projects, speeches, papers.”

Public speaking is a very important skill to develop.

Teacher Greg Pinzine stated, “This class can help you prepare for many careers. There are probably too many to mention. Many careers today require you to be able to communicate effectively.”

Senior Alena Paul, a student taking Speech class, stated, “This class has helped me decrease my nervousness and anxiousness with speaking in front of a class.”

Taking this class enables students to feel like they are becoming a better public speaker.

Paul believes that this class will help her in the future, “With a career in medicine I will need to be able to communicate scientific results.”

Another student taking Speech is Junior Katelyn Vargo, and she took the class to get over her fear of public speaking.

Vargo believes, “This class has definitely helped that, as we speak in front of the class at least once a week. We have learned a lot about the different aspects of speech and communication, so I feel like I am becoming not only a better public speaker, but also communicator in general. I 100% believe this class will help me in the future.”

Speech is a critical part of life, whether it is for career success or for personal and interpersonal situations.

Speech class introduces students to speaking contests through the Toastmasters Club, Rotary 4 Way Speech and high school oratorical contests. And these contests provide students with chances to compete and show their improvements with speaking.