The student begins with a brief introduction that includes stating the Scripture reference and the Bible version. No other introduction is required. The student will then recite the Scripture, following it with a concluding explanation (in his or her own words) of one or two sentences. As the student prepares, adult help may be necessary to explain the passage, but the student must express the meaning in his or her own words, not those of the adult. Facial and vocal expressions and good speech techniques should be evident. Gestures are not required, and only minimal natural speaking gestures are appropriate. The presentation is not to be dramatized.

Bible memorization verses may be selected, per grade level, from the ACSI Elementary Speech Bible Memorization Sampler. Scripture passages must come from one of the following Bible versions. Students may select other passages as they wish.

• King James Version (KJV)
• New King James Version (NKJV)
• English Standard Version (ESV)
• New American Standard Bible (NASB)
• New International Version (NIV)

Students must begin their presentations by announcing the title and author. No further explanation is necessary. Students should make the poem come alive through facial and vocal expressions. The entire presentation must be memorized.

See the ACSI Elementary Speech Poetry Sampler for sample poems. Selections must be truth-telling (Philippians 4:8) and must be approved by the school coordinator. Comparable material may be chosen from other sources:

• The Children’s Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett (1995, New York: Simon and Schuster)
• Bedtime Hugs for Little Ones by Debby Boone (2004, Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers)
• Christian text (such as language arts and reading) publishers as sources
• Internet sources are permitted as long as required copyright policy is followed

Students must begin their presentations by announcing the title, author, or source of the story (Aesop, etc.), and moral application (can be given at the beginning or the end) or introductory information regarding the selection. The entire presentation must be memorized.

Note: See the ACSI Elementary Speech Fables and Folklore Sampler for sample pieces. Comparable material may be chosen from other sources if approved by school coordinator, and the teacher may compose a moral application for the student to present.

All presentations must begin with an introduction. The introduction shall include the title and scripture address from which the story is found. This category is for the dramatic presentation of a Bible story, in the form of a speech or an interpretation, but it is not to be acted out as in a play. The student is not to walk about. The presentation is given by one student, working alone. No costume or prop is permitted. The student should make the selection come alive by mentally becoming a part of the story. The entire presentation, including an introduction of the title, must be memorized.

See the ACSI Elementary Speech Dramatic Bible Prose Sampler for sample selections. Comparable selections may be chosen from other published materials and must be approved by the school coordinator. Selections should be approximately 300–500 words in length. Students may also select passages out of The Message or the New Living Translation.

Entries for the original speech category must be written and presented by one student. The speech should be at least 300 words and not more than 500 words in length. Three copies of each original speech must be submitted with the participation forms, and each judge must receive a copy well in advance of the student’s presentation. The student should announce both the speech topic and the speech title. An original speech entered in this category is a persuasive, informative, or inspirational essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The body should contain two to five points. While the speech is not intended to be a sermon, the speech must reflect Christian principles and/or Christian influence.

Note: The chairperson has the responsibility and authority to disqualify the original speech entry if the content is deemed inappropriate for the ACSI Elementary Speech Meet.

Quotations from the Bible or other sources (e.g., outstanding patriots of our nation, news sources, or commentaries) may be used to support the writer’s position, but no more than 60 words of quoted material may be used. Topics for the speech are limited to those listed. Students may select their own title (the examples given may be used for themes or titles).

Speech Topics and Sample Titles:

Christian Walk

• A House Not Made with Hands
• What Is a Disciple?
• “Magnify the Lord with Me”
• Character Without Compromise

Church

• My Place in the Local Church
• Is Regular Attendance Really Necessary?
• The Church: Ministry or Social Registry?

Entertainment

• Christians Can Have Fun
• Finding Satisfaction in the Christian Life
• Accent the Positive, Nix the Negative

Family

• Family Communication
• The Necessity of the Family
• The Art of Listening
• Love in Action

Friendship

• Choosing the Right Leader to Follow
• Choosing Who Will Control You
• Somebody Is Out There
• The Greatest Gift I Ever Received

Our Nation

• Under God, In God We Trust
• A Patriot I Admire
• Freedom or Chains
• Why I’m Proud of My Country

This category is for patriotic material written by or presented by famous persons. All presentations must begin with an introduction consisting of two to three sentences. The introduction should include the title and some background information regarding the time or circumstance surrounding the speech. The background does not have to be original material by the student. The ACSI Elementary Speech Patriotic Oration Sampler provides this background for several of the selections in the italicized paragraph prior to the body of the article. For those articles without such information, the background must be provided through knowledge or research (adult assistance permitted). The entire presentation must be memorized.

See the ACSI Elementary Speech Patriotic Oration Sampler for sample orations. Comparable material may be chosen from other sources, such as the Book of America Series I and II. Selections must not be controversial and must be approved by the school coordinator. If there is any question, please see the chairperson for approval. Length of selections should be approximately 300–500 words (patriotic poems are not appropriate for this category).