Lincoln FInancial Group Sponsors Speech Tournament

MarketWatch reports that more than 3,200 students from across the nation competed in the week-long Lincoln Financial Group(R)/National Forensic League National Speech Tournament from June 16-20 in Las Vegas.

All of these students were champions in their own right having had to achieve acclaim locally to even be considered for the competition.

As the article says, a $5,000 prize was awarded to the champion of all 22 events. These events included Policy Debate, U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation and Duo Interpretation to name several.

In addition to the $5,000 scholarships, five scholarships of $1,000 were given randomly.

The Philadelphia Eagles were well represented with a Donovan McNabb signed jersey and a trip for four to a Philadelphia Eagles' Football game.

MarketWatch quotes Gary Spence, Vice President of Lincoln Financial Group as saying "Being able to communicate effectively is a key to success in any career". He couldn't be more "on beam".

In 1967 I was an introverted high school senior. Our speech team, as with most schools, was woefully under-represented. I was recruited by our speech coach to do "Humorous Interpretation". I did Max Shulman's "Barefoot Boy with Cheek". You older readers may remember Max Shulman as the creator of the hit television show "Dobie Gillis".

We had 12 speech meets in which I placed 8th or worse. However, my speech coach made me go in to listen to my competition during the last meet; it was something I had avoided doing. When I saw that the other kids were human and made mistakes it changed my attitude.

Our next meet was the district championship where you had to finish in the top three. I finished third. The next meet was the sectional where one had to finish in the top two. I finished second. At that point I was eligible to go to the state tournament but, unfortunately, I became ill.

Lincoln Financial is doing a great thing sponsoring this competition. Not only are they helping kids pay for college, but I know from personal experience that the area of "Speech" can enhance a young person's self esteem.

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