If you walk around the school now during lunch or after class, you will see students milling around reciting something, practicing gestures, etc. This is all to rehearse for the Toda City Japanese Speech Contest for Foreigners that will be held on February 15th.
Each of our students wrote a speech with the help of their teachers, and is now practicing presenting the five minute address. Even the beginner class is sending two representatives to the competition. Although they arrived in Japan only four months ago, daily practice and the support of their classmates have made them ready for the challenge.
Presenters are not allowed to use notes during the competition, so right now the students are trying their best to memorize their speeches. All their free time is spent perfecting their body language, accent, and intonation so it is clearly understood.
This will be the first contest outside the school for many of our students, so it is more nerve-wracking than usual. The long hours are producing the desired effects, though, and there is no doubt that everyone will do well at the actual competition.