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Chapel Speaking Program

 

The Chapel Speaking Program plays a vital role in the intellectual and spiritual life of St. Sebastian’s. In conjunction with our Writing Program and Chapel experience, it empowers students in every grade to write and speak confidently about topics important to them. By offering an opportunity for public expression, chapel speaking honors the sanctity of each student, inviting him to share his ideas and reflections in a supportive environment.

Each week begins with an all-school gathering in our Corporate Chapel. As a community of faith, we come together in prayer, song, and personal reflection, reminded of our commitment to Christ and to each other. In this setting, seniors deliver their speeches to the entire school community – a group of over 400 people. Whether it is a moving tribute to a parent or teacher, a humorous anecdote about time with friends, or a commentary on a political issue, each speech invites and stimulates discussion between faculty and students throughout the school day.

Though the senior speech highlights the writing and speaking skills our graduates gain during their time at St. Sebastian’s, the foundation for these skills is laid in the lower grades. Annually, each student in grades 7-11 writes and delivers a speech to his classmates in our weekly Chapel service. Faculty advisors meet individually with students to review and edit their speeches and to provide instruction on effective delivery techniques. After the speech is presented, the advisors’ written evaluations detail strengths and shortcomings and offer suggestions for improvement. This one-on-one relationship plays an essential role in each student’s growth as a writer and public speaker over time.

The results of the Chapel Speaking Program are often spectacular. By infusing their speeches with concrete detail and descriptive anecdotes, students bring their topics to life; by developing sound speaking habits of regular eye contact, proper posture and a clear and deliberate cadence, they engage their audiences with increasing effectiveness as they mature. In addition to the benefits to each individual student, the Chapel Speaking Program unites classes as well as the entire school community. Students and faculty gather to hear both the Chapel speeches and also Headmaster Burke’s reflections on each student’s message that follow. In the intimate setting of our chapel, we experience our students’ development as writers and speakers and celebrate their growth as young men. By combining community and communication, speeches and skills, the Chapel Speaking Program has therefore become a fundamental and joyous part of the school’s daily mission.