A rich vocabulary and lot of conviction is required during an elocution competition in schools. An elocution competition at school level gives students a good opportunity to combat with the biggest fear factor i.e. stage fear. This allows the student to connect with the audience and also understand the concepts of voice modulation. Practice is very much essential before going on stage and the preparation must be a sincere effort.

A student going to participate in competition must realize that a confident personality has to be cultivated. The audience and judges are highly knowledgeable and are masters in their own right. Hence while preparing the speech or essay for elocution, student must gather all the possible justifications and research related to facts. It is important to understand the premise of the competition and also know the various levels involved in the same.

Relevant information must be gathered. Highlight the main points and weave the story along the central theme. This can be done well with animated gestures though a formal demeanor is preferred. Dressing immaculately for going on stage is another criterion. Being comfortable with your footwear and clothing is absolutely essential.

The topics for an elocution competition must be appropriate in nature as per the event as well as the school level of the student who is participating. The general rule is same and that is about loads of confidence. Practicing about intonation or the various skills regarding body language is important. Given a chance, the student must also learn a few aspects about speaking using a mike. The right punctuations must reach the audience and impress the judges. It is important to practice at home, before peers and surely before a mirror to get the message across. Striking a chord with the audience is essential and this can be done by using words emphatically.

Topics for elocution can be general or serious in nature. The general topics can be about farming, parenting and student aspirations or about the demerits of technology. There are more interesting topics like global warming, rainwater harvesting and also relevance of educational streams.

Preparing for Elocution Competition

While preparing for an elocution competition, it is very important to organize well. There are several factors which are adjudged during a competition. It is a culmination of voice quality, speech content and the delivery standards. The people who are judging are very much influential and have deep knowledge of the topic. The topic has to be correctly understood. The topics can range from environment issues; global warming and women related issues to simple topics like playground playing, festivals or similar ones.

Once the date is decided, student must make adequate preparations so that there is no clash of priorities. The child must be at ease. A topic like ‘save water’ sounds easy but can go up a very high level. Whatever the content, the essence must be a simple message that does not lose focus. Getting the speech written by a good writer is essential. This is imperative so that the flow of thought is uninterrupted. Moreover, practice sessions are indeed essential. Once the topic is clearly understood, it must be important to go through finer details.

Knowing the platform is again good. Inter school competitions depend on the age and maturity of the child. The topic is a choice given to the students. Generally, for a competition the topic is similar. This is to evidently bring out the best essay and eloquence. While participating, the winning idea must not be the main aim. This is a ground to understand and realize. Once the children are exposed to various levels of competitions, it is important to let them rehearse well. The topics go from easy ones to other issues at the international level.

The phrases or sentences must have a very strong impact. Eloquence also means in expressing the right punctuations. The punches must be actually felt by the public. The electronic representation of the same speech certainly lends a different voice quality. It is best to consider this form of practicing and hence using the mike is recommended. There are several eminent speakers who speak easily and noticing their body language helps us to know more about style and composure.

Once the confidence on stage is high, it is good to improve other grounds. The uniqueness in the style of eloquence comes with years of experience. There rendition technique is learnt by the constant correction of a good teacher. There are several classes on elocution or public speaking which is good if you suffer from stage fear. The classes offer sessions that negate your fear, stage factor and apprehensions. The neutralization of accent is another viewpoint of the classes which is brought well in each session.

It is interesting to note that while speaking during extempore speeches, the confidence is highlighted with the nodding consent of the interested audience. Taking cue from the same, the speaker can highlight a particular point and use a good vocabulary to impress his matter. The highlight of any elocution is the beginning and summary.