Armuchee Middle School students participated in the Floyd County Schools (FCS) Oratorical Contest in the beginning of 2026. 5th grader Blakeyln Bennett came in second place in the district competition at the central office boardroom, and 7th grader, Reese Dixon was recognized for qualifying. The participants, through grades 5-8, faced many challenges, but each speech was unique and conveyed their own message on what community meant to them.  

Preparation is one of the many steps taken to give a speech. 5th grader, Blakelyn Bennett, said, “At first I made sure I memorized the speech by working through one card at a time. Then after that I really just made sure I had good pace and body language. After all of that, I focused on how to deliver with confidence.” However, this approach does not apply to everyone. Some people do not find practice to be overly important, like 6th grader, Lizzy Cranford. She said, “I didn’t do too much to prepare for my speech. I really focused on the writing process rather than practicing on delivering it.” The approach taken when it comes to a public speaking competition is special to each student, making each delivery truly unique and different. 

When faced with a large crowd and judges, every student’s experience giving their speech is different. Emotions can bleed into a student’s speech, making it personal to them. 7th grader, Reese Dixon, said, “I found it to be very nerve racking. I was very nervous, yet still excited.” Most of the time this is the case. However rarely, some kids find public speaking to be enjoyable, like Lawson Roberts. 7th grader, Lawson Roberts, said, “I found it to be fun, I don’t get very nervous, so I saw it as an opportunity to share my experiences with other people.” The emotions the speaker is feeling while giving their speech radiates off them and into the crowd, this can affect how each student can be judged, as well as the emotion the audience feels. Some students start off nervous but gain confidence over time because of their peers’ inspiring words.  5th grader Blakelyn Bennett gained her confidence from her parents when they told her “No matter how you do, we will always be proud of you.” Many believe that the inspiring words given to students truly alter the approach and emotions they take on big events, like this speech. 

7th grade teacher Mrs. Hailey Burns prepared her students for this speech. She said, “To prepare for their speeches, we went through various mini-lessons about verbal and nonverbal elements of communication. Then, students watched and evaluated several different speeches.” Reese Dixon, a 7th grader, made it all the way to the district competition. She said, “Mrs. Burns taught me a new, easier, stronger format. She would check in with me to make sure I was on the right track.” Reese’s writing is one of many who are positively impacted by good teachings and guidance by teachers. 

Representing Armuchee High School in the district competition, was Reese Dixon and Blakelyn Bennett. Blakelyn specifically won second place in the entire district, and Reese was awarded for qualifying. Blakelyn said,  “I think what made my speech different was really the personal story and the wording. I started the beginning of my story when I doubted myself and then finished when I realized I belonged. I really tried to use descriptive, higher vocabulary words and walk the listeners through my journey from unsure to confident.” She pointed out her vocabulary and structure specifically, and how she approached her writing in order to make listeners understand her experiences. These experiences, which are unique to her, offer a personal and compelling speech. Reese Dixon said, “I think my writing stood out due to the story behind it: how I had my own definition of community, a group of people who look out for each other during difficult times, and the belief that everyone needs help in the toughest times.” She pointed out her unique stories and definition of community. A unique and different outlook on the topic at hand as well as compelling storytelling earned both Blakelyn and Reese a spot at the district tournament. 

The FCS Oratorical Contest occurs every year, so most of this year’s participants will return next year. The middle school participants represented Armuchee well, displaying their optimism for all to hear. People’s view on community varies from person to person, which was the main focus of the speech this year. Next year, the returning participants will receive their new topic a mere 2-3 weeks before their first delivery in front of their class. Each student will have to shift their mindset from this year, creating a new speech they can present.