Congratulations on deciding to take part in the Speaking Proudly 2023 oratory competition. It will bring girls from all over our state to the Minnesota State Capitol Saturday, June 17, 2023.

The Speaking Proudly organizers are hard at work to give you an enjoyable and rewarding experience you will remember all your life.

Some of you have been part of speech contests before. For others, public speaking—especially speaking competitively for prize money—is a brand-new experience. But each one of you will likely appreciate a few suggestions about how you can do your best in Speaking Proudly. That’s the aim of this document—to provide information to help you get started on a successful speech.

Here’s how you can help at Speaking Proudly 2023.

 Speaking Proudly requires many energetic and dedicated workers to conduct a first-rate oratory competition. The event is Saturday, June 17, at the Minnesota State Capitol. The event runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A training session is scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday, May 25, at Mendakota Country Club in Mendota Heights.

To inquire, go to the Contact Us email form and send us your name (as you would like it to appear on a nametag) email address, phone number(s); the position(s) that interest you and whether you want a morning, afternoon or all-day shift.

We’re looking for:

Room managers – Read a prepared script about rules and procedures, introduce judges, keep the competition on schedule, enforce rules and create a welcoming, orderly environment.

Assistant room managers –Work with the Room Manager, control traffic in and out of the room and ensure a quiet, calm and friendly atmosphere.

Timers – Accurately time speeches and raise signs to alert competitors to time remaining.

Tabulation runners –At the end of each round of competition, collect completed timesheets and judges’ ballots (scoring sheets) and deliver them to the tabulators elsewhere in the Capitol.*

Guides – Escort judges, volunteers, competitors and their guests through the Capitol so they arrive for rounds of competition on time and without difficulty.*

Lunch assistants – Arrange box lunches (vendor delivered) by menu choice. Collect lunch tickets and promptly give the correct lunches to competitors, judges, volunteers and guests in the Capitol Rathskeller. Make sure tables are cleared and all trash is deposited in bins. (Approximately 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) FILLED

·       Job requires considerable walking at a quick pace.