That same instructor also introduced me to the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. He saw that I liked to write, and that I didn't mind speaking in front of an audience. He encouraged me to participate. I didn't - but I don't remember why not. If I were to imagine a reason, it would most likely be that I was too busy, and that is most likely the case for children today.
Some Optimist Clubs struggle to get three people into their competitions. Other clubs have 800 participants. Some children are overwhelmed with sports, projects and homework today and to add one more extracurricular activity often seems overwhelming. So as Optimist Club members we must make it both easier and more urgent for children to participate.My thought? Change the timing. Make the oratorical contest a 2-month event that begins on March 1 and ends on April 30.
Optimist Clubs often pin their success on whether they are able to get their contest into the school curriculum. They give the information to teachers in August or September for a contest that will not be completed at the district level until May. Nine months preparation for a 5-minute speech? I don't think so. You've lost my interest already.
We get more done when we have deadlines. Any time we can take away the opportunity to procrastinate and increase the opportunity for immediate gratification, we win.
