Mission

Grades 4-8th (homeschool, traditional school)

High School (homeschool only)

This league is for two groups of participants: children in grades 4-8th who are homeschooled or attend public, private, or parochial schools, and high school participants who are homeschooled.

The league was founded on Christian principles and we look forward to serving you.

What

Participants memorize and master a speech. The league offers two categories: Original Oratory, in which participants perform a speech that they have written, and Dramatic Interpretation, in which participants perform a speech from a published work. The speeches must be memorized and be at least two and a half minutes in length and no more than seven minutes in length.  

Participants who are homeschooled often do not have an outlet to participate in an in-person public speaking competition. This league aspires to serve homeschool participants and recognize them for their public speaking merits. 

St. Louis participants who are in grade school do not have an opportunity to participate in a public speaking contest. While these participants may engage in brief class presentations from time to time, presenting a speech that must be memorized and performed without props is an intellectually stimulating experience that goes beyond classroom assignments in helping participants learn the art of communication. 

Both groups of participants will learn how to become confident and skilled orators. Finally, participants are recognized for their efforts, receiving feedback and awards at the conclusion of the contest. 

Public speaking competitions benefit our youth in many ways.

In the Original Oratory category, participants organize their thoughts, construct a message, and deliver that message in the best way that they can. They learn the craft of storytelling, the art of persuasion, and how to connect with an audience. 

In Dramatic Interpretation, participants develop powerful communication skills. Whether they perform a solo or duet, participants must imagine scenarios and role play, learning the craft of dramatic performance, which will serve them in many settings. 

Other benefits include memorization, creativity, learning the lost art of patient practice, and personal growth.

Memorization: The public speaking categories of Original Oratory  and Dramatic Interpretation makes memorization relevant and interesting. Participants usually enjoy their speeches and take ownership over their performances. Further, as the cognitive benefits of memorization are well-established, participating in the speech contest will improve a child’s mental agility and academic abilities. 

Creativity: Whether a student is writing an original speech or interpreting a published piece of work, they have the benefit of choosing their own expression. Because the league does not allow props or costumes, participants must use their imagination to create a scene. This often is expressed through verbal cues, and non-verbal cues such as body language, gestures, and movement chosen at the discretion of the speaker. 

The Lost Art of Patient Practice: In order to master a speech, participants need to practice–over and over. While we consistently have instant gratification via near universal internet access, going through the trials and errors of practicing different versions of a speech teaches young people to be patient. The speech is not something that can be mastered in an hour or a day, but over many, many days and weeks, and even months. 

Personal Growth: Competition challenges kids to step out of their comfort zones, which helps them learn how to handle pressure and stress. In turn, kids develop resilience and have personal growth.

We hope to make this simple and fun!

1. Read about Sovereign Speech League.

2. Choose a speech or write your own.

3. Sign up for a meet.

4. Read the HANDBOOK.

5. Check your speech for time and edit, if necessary.

6. Practice, and practice, and practice.

7. Arrive at the speech meet, perform, and be recognized for your efforts.