Soapbox Challenge

• TTO
• Middelbare school
• mavo, havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2-5

Soapbox Challenge

A public speaking contest  for pupils in bilingual education

School round: January 2025

Selection round: March 2025

Final: 12 April 2025 (Amsterdam)

Why "soapbox challenge"?

A soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make a speech, often about a political subject. 

The term originates from the days when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on a wooden crate originally used for shipment of soap, or other dry goods, from a manufacturer to a retail store.

What is the SC

The Soapbox Challenge is an English speech contest for students in bilingual education (TTO 1-3). This event provides students with the opportunity to showcase their presentation skills and speak about current affairs.

What makes a speech
a good speech?

• A famous/important person delivering it
• Important moment in history
• Use of language is important: Repetition, metaphors, inclusive language
• It has to motivate people to do something.
• Confident speaker
• etc

List of speech techniques / rhetorical devices known to you

Writing a speech - the elements

Introduction:

You have to capture your audience's interest and state your cause. 

Body:

This is where you provide the audience with background information.

Conclusion:

What do you want your audience to take away from your speech?

Your choice of words is important

What makes a good speech?

Pathos - an appeal to emotion

Inclusive language 

using 'we' and 'us' instead of 'you' and 'they' (especially in an appeal to action)

Rhetorical questions 

"Have you ever thought about..."? 

Descriptive language and literary devices

imagery, repetitions, metaphors... 

Logos - an appeal to logic

Facts and figures

Use outcomes from research done on the topic.

Examples

Provide clear examples to support your statements.

Ethos - an appeal to credibility

Speaker credibility

The speaker has to be knowledgeable and experienced in the field.

Ethics

What are common values about the topic?

There are lots of public speaking competitions and events. This clip shows a Canadian teenager giving a speech about mobile phone addiction. 

00:43

How does the speaker use 'ethos' in his introduction?

02:27

How does the speaker apply "logos" in the body of his speech?

06:42

How does the speaker use "pathos" at the end of his speech?

"Did you know that 80% of children check
their phones every five minutes? Crazy, right?"

This is a(n)

1. simile
2. metaphor
3. rhetorical question
4. hyperbole

Rhetorical question:

A question the speaker does not expect the audience to answer.

Now hold on a second. I'm sure many of you are thinking "that's not me, I'm not addicted."

"Now hold on a second" is a(n)

1. simile
2. metaphor
3. alliteration
4. interjection

Interjection:

Phrases such as "Hold on", Wow", "Stop", "Yay"

"So then you post another photo and another photo just to see how many likes you get"

This is an example of:

1. metaphor
2. repetition
3. alliteration
4. interjection

Repetition:

When words are repeated for effect.

What's next?

You are going to write a speech. 

Guideline: 

3 minutes is about 400-500 words.

You will have to learn your speech by heart and practise it so you stay within the time limit. 

You may be selected by your fellow pupils to perform your speech during the school round.

Soapbox Challenge School round

The class round will take place in December 2024

The school round will take place in January 2025

All tto pupils  will be present as audience.

There will be a jury consisting of two people and a timekeeper. 

But wait... There's more!

Only at the preliminary selection round 

pupils will write two speeches on the spot! 

Short-prep round 

• Students will have 30 minutes to prepare a 3-minute speech. During preparation, students receive coaching from their mentor, but they must deliver the speech independently. 
• Use of the internet is NOT permitted during short-prep rounds. Students will be given a specific speech assignment on the day of the competition. 
• With limited time, the focus is on public speaking skills rather than developing a stance or topic.

Deliver your speech and receive feedback

TAKE NOTES whilst listening

1. What was good and should this person reiterate in their final speech?

2. What could this person improve (on) en incorporate in their final speech?