4-Way Test High School Speech Contest

Carol Lam, our first speech contestant, spoke on the issue of declining politeness and respect in society.  Increasing rudeness is often viewed as normal, and “nice guys finish late” (if not necessarily last).

We can observe others to see how people act around each other.  A friendly smile goes a long way to affect people's attitudes around us.  However, increasing use of voicemail and text messaging encourages some people to communicate into their devices while ignoring the people around them in a social gathering or even in an audience where silence is expected.  She related each of the 4-Way questions to the effects that our behavior and attitudes have on those around us and the harmony in our society.

Liliana Pond, our second speech contestant, spoke of the events that occurred during the year of her mother's birth and the typical social environment when her mother was growing up.  Liliana, who is 16 years old now, contrasted the social and financial differences now with when her mother was her age.

A study showed that only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their lives.  Suicide rates have increased, and there are 10 times this number of attempted suicides.  The quality of life seems to have decreased in spite of the greater quantity of things, conveniences and technology now.

Liliana spoke of the need for all of us to slow down our lives and learn more about the world around us instead of being wrapped up in our own cocoons.  She related each of the 4-Way questions to how we treat others and influence the social environment around us.

After the Speech Judging Committee deliberated on the outstanding quality of each of these closely-matched contestants, it was decided to give each of them $100.  Our Club thanks each of them, and their parents, for their efforts in participating in this Speech Contest!

(Madelyn Creighton has announced that Liliana Pond will enter our District Speech Contest to compete for the $1000 District Speech Award.)