Mastering English Speech Contests

Excelling in English Speech Contests: A Guide for Chinese Students

Introduction:

English speech contests in China provide students with a unique opportunity to showcase their language skills and communication prowess. To help you succeed in this challenging yet rewarding endeavor, here is a comprehensive guide with valuable advice on preparing and delivering an impressive speech.

Choose a Compelling Topic: Start by selecting a topic that genuinely interests you. Your passion for the subject will shine through in your delivery, capturing the attention of the audience. Ensure the topic is relevant and aligns with the theme of the speech contest.

Structure Your Speech: Organize your thoughts into a clear and coherent structure. A well-structured speech typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Clearly define your main points, supporting them with examples, anecdotes, or relevant data.

Language and Vocabulary: Focus on using a diverse range of vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency. Avoid overly complex sentences that may lead to confusion. Strike a balance between clarity and sophistication, and practice enunciating words clearly.

Practice Pronunciation and Intonation: Pay careful attention to pronunciation and intonation. Practice with native speakers or language exchange partners to refine your accent. Correct pronunciation enhances comprehension, while varied intonation keeps your speech engaging.

Master Non-Verbal Communication: Your body language, facial expressions, and gestures contribute significantly to your overall communication. Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures, and be mindful of your posture. Non-verbal cues reinforce your message and help establish a connection with the audience.

Capture Attention with a Strong Opening: The beginning of your speech sets the tone. Start with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. Consider using a relevant quote, a thought-provoking question, or a captivating anecdote to draw your listeners in.

Engage Your Audience: Actively involve your audience by asking rhetorical questions, encouraging participation, or incorporating relatable examples. A speech that engages the audience is more likely to be memorable and impactful.

Be Mindful of Time Constraints: Respect the allocated time for your speech. Practice delivering your speech within the time limit to ensure you cover all essential points without rushing. Timing is crucial, and an effectively managed speech demonstrates professionalism.

Receive Feedback: Seek constructive feedback from teachers, peers, or language experts. Incorporate their suggestions to improve both content and delivery. A fresh perspective can help you identify areas for enhancement that you might have overlooked.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural nuances when delivering an English speech in China. Consider the diverse background of your audience and avoid topics that may be sensitive. Tailor your language and examples to be culturally appropriate.

Record and Review: Record yourself delivering the speech and review the footage. Analyze your body language, tone, and overall presentation. This self-reflection will help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence.

Conclusion:

Participating in English speech contests is a commendable pursuit that not only hones your language skills but also builds confidence in public speaking. By following these guidelines and incorporating feedback, you'll be well-prepared to deliver an exceptional speech that leaves a lasting impression on your audience and judges alike. Good luck!

Watch my video talking about the tips and after that see some of the speech on the activity (YouKu / YouTube)

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 03 Dec 2023

 

Lost in Faces (Names)

Embracing the Art of Forgetfulness: Navigating Names in a Foreign Land

Ah, the saga of name amnesia continues, and here I am, proudly embracing my talent for forgetting names, especially in a language as captivatingly complex as Chinese. Now, I confess, name recall has never been my forte, not even in the comfort of my native tongue. There's this one cringe-worthy incident from years past when I completely blanked on my brother-in-law's name. Trust me, the embarrassment was palpable, and I became the unwitting star of jokes, with whispers suggesting early-onset Alzheimer's. Ridiculous, I know – it's just names that play hide-and-seek with my memory.

Fast forward to the present, and I find myself in the heart of China, sharing the gift of English education. Lo and behold, my struggle with names has taken a peculiar turn, and let me tell you, it's gotten worse.

Sure, I could wallow in frustration and self-directed anger – after all, it's undeniably awkward to engage with students, share meals, and conduct English corners, all while they effortlessly recall my name while I grapple with theirs. And let's not even talk about the mispronunciations; that's a cringe-fest of its own.

But, dear reader, there's a twist in this tale. In China, much like elsewhere, social media and text messages are our communication lifelines. However, here's the plot twist: no one, and I mean no one, uses their actual picture in their profile. Picture this – it's not a profile picture but a random avatar or some artwork. Now, I might not remember names, but I've got a knack for faces. I can recognize if I've interacted with a student before. The catch? When a message pops up without a face to put to the name, it's a guessing game.

So, I resort to tactics. I've turned my chat backgrounds into a collage of photos with students. It's like a memory aid, and it works wonders. But, let's be real – snapping pics with everyone is not always feasible. In those instances, I've learned to let go, not allowing a name lapse to hinder new connections. After all, life is too short to stifle the blossoming of friendships just because names slip through the cracks.

backgrond with the student picture

Now, I'm penning down this piece not just as a therapeutic release but also as a response to the perpetual queries I face about this peculiar habit here in China. I find myself explaining it repeatedly, and perhaps, through this article, I can spark a conversation or gather some fresh insights. And hey, while I'm at it, let's unravel the mystery of the avatars – why do Chinese folks avoid using their real pictures in profiles?

The top three explanations I've received so far are:

1. Shyness – a common reason everywhere.
2. Modesty – a claim that beauty isn't a prerequisite.
3. Privacy – a shield to guard their personal lives from prying eyes.

If you've got another angle on this or a unique take, drop it in the comments. Let's turn this forgetful journey into a collective exploration!

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 25 Nov 2023