Be a Judge? A Fun Opportunity to Pass It On!

Silver Spring Toastmasters family members:

You are invited to volunteer your time as a judge at the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest for D.C. and other schoolchildren, taking place Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 9-11, 2010, 9:30 to 4:00, at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (in the Visitor Center auditorium).

The contest, which has been held annually for decades, will have four divisions: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. This year, in addition our metro area, it is expected to draw kids from New York, New Jersey, and maybe Texas.

Contestants' objectives are similar to those for "The Oratorical Speech" in our Interpretive Reading advanced manual: Memorize a speech, or portion of a speech, by Frederick Douglass (ranging from 1-3 minutes for the little ones to 6-12 minutes for high schoolers). Give a speech, not a dramatic presentation (no costumes or props allowed in this case). Focus on "delivery, accuracy, and emotional appeal to the audience." No notes allowed!

Laura and I visited the Frederick Douglass house recently, and somehow it came up that I was a Toastmaster . . . hence the invitation. Braden Paynter, the National Park Service staff member organizing the event, says we can volunteer for one day, all three days, or just half a day. Toastmasters from the Red Cross chapter and a Capitol Hill chapter will be volunteering also. Sounds like the more, the merrier/the better!

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (house and visitor center) is located at 1411 W Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020. If you'd like more information, let me know, or call Braden Paynter at 202.426.5961.