Welcome to the Annual IFHS Statewide Speech Contest! Below you'll find important information on speech requirements, judging criteria, etc. Winners of the IFHS speech contest will present their speeches at the Statewide Graduation! Please Note: In order to participate in the Statewide Speech Contest you must be registered for Statewide Graduation by March 11th.

Contents of Speech:

The speeches are to be about something that has inspired you. Some examples might include how you were: inspired to improve in any area of your life, inspired to be a better citizen, appreciate those around you, etc. Ideally, you will be able to tie these into the homeschooling experience in some way. These are not to be sermons given to a congregation. You are using your experience to give a graduation speech that may inspire your fellow graduates and their families.

Length of Speech:

Your speech must be 600-900 words, or 5-7 minutes when delivered. Note: that the average person speaks at about 150 words per minute.

Speeches will be judged according to the following criteria:
Speech Development – Structure, Organization, Support Material
Effectiveness – Achievement of Purpose, Interest, Reception
Speech Value – Ideas, Logic, and Original Thought
Physical – Appearance, Body Language
Dress – Dress for this speech contest is to be professional, not casual
Voice – Flexibility, Volume
Manner - Directness, Assurance, Enthusiasm
Appropriateness – To Speech Purpose and Audience
Correctness – Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection