Young Communicators Challenge
Jumpstart
Track 1
Track 2
Fast Track
YOUNG COMMUNICATORS CHALLENGE (YCC)
Ages 6 - 10
Convention Prep (required)
Bring a short platform speech or recitation. Anything you have been working on in your Chapter is fine.
Maximum Time: 2 minutes.
Convention Challenge (optional)
Bring an additional speech. If you have already prepared a platform speech, bring a recitation to meet this challenge. If you have already prepared a recitation, bring a platform speech to meet this challenge.
JUMPSTART
Ages 11-12 (and 10 year old Chapter members with 3 prior BPS conferences!)
In this interactive track, students will learn to energize their communication through games and workshops! Available for ages 11 and 12, the purpose of this track is to jump right in and get a good start on learning the basics of communication in an enjoyable way. Carefully read and follow the assignments so you will be prepared to take full advantage of your National Convention experience!
Students in the Jump Start track will participate in some outdoor activities, so please keep that in mind when selecting wardrobes items. Come dressed for success and fun!
Convention Prep (required)
Prepare one Phase I ICCFS Speech. You can choose either:
- Oratory
- Limited Prep
- Oral Interpretation
Visit the ICC website for more information about each of these speech events.
Convention Challenge (optional)
Prepare 2 Phase I ICCFS Speeches as well as one of the following assignments:
Bible Verse with Explanation
Prepare a presentation including your favorite Bible verse with an explanation. The speech should be approximately 1-2 minutes in length. A few ideas to talk about are:
- A situation in your life to which this verse particularly applied
- You especially appreciate this verse when you are feeling…
- You have shared this verse with…
- This verse affects the decisions you make such as…
- This verse affects the way I…
Current Issue
Bring one recent news article. It can be from the local newspaper, God’s World, World magazine, Newsweek, or your favorite news source. Somewhere on the article be sure to record the author (if available), the date of the publication, and the magazine or newspaper in which you found it. Read the article before you come and be prepared to summarize and explain it in one minute or less.
TRACK 1
Ages 13 - 15, First Time at an ICC Training Event
Ready for a fun introduction to speaking, meeting new friends, and incredible experiences? If you're coming out to your first ICC training event and are between the ages of 13 and 15, Track 1 is just the place for you! We'll learn about communicating what we believe, relating to others, and commanding the public platform through interactive discussions, exciting simulations, and hands-on practice. More than all of the skills you'll gain, you will come away from this track with a clear understanding of why communication matters in your day-to-day life and what next steps you can take in your journey as a communicator for Christ.
Convention Prep (required)
My Favorite Bible Verse
Prepare a presentation including your favorite Bible verse with an explanation. The speech should be approximately 3 – 5 minutes in length. A few ideas to talk about are:
- A situation in my life where this verse particularly applied
- I especially appreciate this verse when I am feeling…
- I have shared this verse with…
- This verse affects decisions I make such as…
- This verse affects the way I…
Convention Challenge (optional)
Prepare “My Favorite Bible Verse” as well as one of the following assignments.
Prose Interpretation
Select your favorite bible passage, poem, scene from a book, or play. Prepare your speech using your voice and whole body (think gestures, posture, movement) to convey the meaning of the selection. The speech should be approximately 3 seconds to 5 minutes in length.
Current Issue
Bring one recent news article. It can be from the local newspaper, God’s World, World magazine, Newsweek, or your favorite news source. Somewhere on the article be sure to record the author (if available), the date of the publication, and the magazine or newspaper in which you found it. Read the article before you come and be prepared to summarize and explain it in one minute or less.
TRACK 2
Ages 13+
Exception: 12 year old Chapter members with 3 prior ICC training events may move to Track 2.
Track Two is for any student who has been to an ICC event before and is 12 or older. In this track we will be taking part in a simulation and several activities while at the same time learning communication skills.
Track 2 days are longer with fewer breaks and no outdoor time or physical activities.
Convention Prep (required)
- Bring an article on an event that has occurred within the past two weeks. Be prepared to share what the article was about (1-2 minutes) and how effective the author was in communicating a message.
- Find a piece of media (a graphic is preferred). Be prepared to share about the effectiveness of media in communicating a message and if it has a positive or negative effect on culture.
Convention Challenge (optional)
Do the Convention Prep as well as the three following assignments:
- Bring two articles supporting and two articles dissenting the current ICCFS Resolution: Resolved: that federal disaster relief is more effective than localized relief in the United States.
- Create an original speech 5-7 minutes long. It may be on a subject of your choosing and can inform or persuade.
- Prepare an interpretation of a piece of literature or a poem 5-7 minutes long. Be sure to memorize it and think of ideas to make the piece come to life for your audience.
Note: it is acceptable to use some of your ICCFS speeches to fulfill your conference assignments.
FAST TRACK
Ages 16+, First time at an ICC Training Event
Welcome to the Fast Track!! Have you ever wanted to drive a race car? Have you ever wondered what it feels like to travel at such extraordinary speeds? Well if you are sixteen years old or older, and have never been to an ICC event, this is your chance to travel at unbelievable speeds around the track of communication!
Convention Prep (required)
- Review your current standing in the Young Speakers Guild Training Series. Review what you have accomplished and look at some goals that you would like to accomplish in the near future. Bring your portfolio and be prepared to do more hands on work at the event.
- Prepare a 5 minute Interpretive presentation on a literary piece of your choosing and be ready to share it with the rest of the Fast Track participants. Your piece should be modeled around one of your upcoming speeches in the Young Speakers Guild Training Series
Convention Challenge (optional)
- Prepare a 5 minute Platform presentation on a topic of your choosing and be ready to present it to the rest of the Fast Track participants. Your speech should be modeled around one of your upcoming speech in the Young speakers Guild Training Series.
- Find a piece of common video media (commercial, movie or a Youtube video) and analyze its effectiveness or ineffectiveness in communicating a message. Be prepared to share your findings with the rest of the track participants.