JCC SPEECH Head Coach Renae Bahr,  847-3442 Assistant Coach Tracy Steiner, 847-6661

There are thirteen categories in speech.  Some involve student writing while others do not.  The categories are Discussion, Extemporaneous Speaking, Extemporaneous Reading, Storytelling, Prose, Poetry, Drama, Dramatic Duo, Great Speeches, Original Oratory, Creative Expression, and Humorous.  All categories develop poise, speaking skills, and presentation skills. Click the button "Speech Categories" in the table below to see a detailed description of each category and it's rules.

Pay your  activity fee for speech.  If you have already paid the family cap, you are covered.  Pay coach before practicing.  

Get your eligibility form signed by your parents and turned in (front and back sides).  You do NOT need a physical.  Pass all classes and maintain an appropriate grade point in order to be eligible to sign up and compete. 

Choose a category to compete in (see list – there are 13).  On very rare occasions you may be able to double enter at a meet. 

Select a speech (or write one depending on the category rules).   When choosing your selection, make sure it is published and has literary merit.  See each category for specific details.

Make a speech folder to keep track of your speech, schedule, critiques, and information.   Bring this folder to practice. 

Make sure you put your speech on black construction paper or in a black binder before your first performance.  It looks more professional.

Sign up for a practice time (20 min. time slot) in the High School Media Center (library).  Sign up at least one day in advance.  In general, a coach will be available Mon.–Thurs. 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and at least one night a week after 5:00 p.m.  You may also make special arrangements to practice before school, after 5:00 p.m., in Lakefield, or on Fridays by talking to a coach.  Schedule will vary slightly each week, so watch the posted schedule. 

In order to compete at a meet - you must have practiced with a coach during the week preceding the competition.  You must have at least 5 practices in with a coach before competing at your first meet.

Practice at home regularly.  The more familiar you become with your selection, the better chance you have to do well at meets.

Read over the attached criteria for lettering in speech.  

Varsity meets will be on Saturdays.  Plan on having meets every Saturday in February and March.  You must sign up about two weeks in advance.  The deadline dates to sign up to compete at meets will be announced at school and put on your speech calendar. 

Entry Fees/Policy - Once you sign up for a meet, you are responsible for the cost of the entry fee. IF you drop out for an unexcused reason after the fee has been paid by the school. Only serious illness or an extreme emergency situation is an acceptable “excused” absence (must be approved by a coach).  Please call one of us at home if you are sick or have an emergency and will not be at school to catch the bus.  

Busing to Meets - Departing times will be announced in school the week before each meet and posted in the media center.  Jackson students will depart for meets from the upper SOUTH parking lot at the High School and return there for those driving and to Casey’s for those who need to use a phone.  Lakefield students will depart from the Middle School office door and return there for those driving and to Food-N-Fuel (BP) for those who need to use a phone.  The arrival time is estimated – it depends on how fast results are & if we stop to eat.

Dress – Please dress appropriately!  The way you look is a reflection on our team.  Do not wear jeans, wind pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tennis shoes, mid drifts (no tummy showing), “mini” skirts, or clothes with words or JCC on them.  Appropriate attire includes: dress pants, skirt/dress (females only of course), button down shirt, tie, nice sweater/top, etc.   Also, do NOT change into comfortable clothes until after results.  You represent JCC and want to look nice when receiving your award or cheering for your teammates receiving their awards. (You may wear comfortable clothes or pajamas on the bus only)  

Please come and see us if you have questions regarding any of this information.  Once again, thank you for joining the speech team.  Let’s have a lot of fun, learn a great deal, and make this a memorable season!  

Renae Bahr, Head Coach                               
Home 507-847-3442                                        
Cell Phone 507-840-0744

Tracy Steiner, Assistant Coach                     High School  847-5310 or 1-888-847-5310
Home 507-847-6661                                        Tracy_Steiner@jccschools.com

Jackson County Central Speech
Letter Criteria

 1.   First Time Letter Winners:                   Returning Letter Winners:

100% attendance at varsity meets          80% attendance at varsity meets
                         OR                                                    OR
     80% attendance at varsity meets       60% attendance at varsity meets
     AND attendance at Sections                AND attendance at Sections
                         OR                                                    OR
     50% attendance at varsity meets       50% attendance at varsity meets
     AND advance to Sections                    AND Advance to Sections
              OR                                                               OR
     Advance to State Competition            Advance to State Competition

2. Regular attendance at practices with coaches (must see both).

3. Maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times in representing our school (includes appropriate dress and behavior).

4. Coaches maintain the right to the final decision on whether or not letters are awarded to members on an individual basis / coaches’ discretion – issues such as excused absences, attitude / behavior, etc.

5.  Participation at the home speech meet is required.

6. Attendance at Sub-Sections is required.  

7.  Members may earn extra points toward lettering by: attending sections, peer coaching a middle school member, helping at a junior high meet, or assisting at practice under coaches’ supervision.