Mount St Charles Academy - Excelsior Yearbook (Woonsocket, RI)

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gXl7Elg at I0 K 0 VV1'f'C PROIVIINENT MEMBERS OE THE PUBLIC-SPEAKING CLASSES WINNING CLASS IN THE ORATGRICAI. CONTEST 90 QIQLIU Q

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X9 0 E X U E 1 Q E ' I WM-f'C ST. JGHN BERCHMXXNS SOCIETY LIBRARY STAFF 89 fl 94 U ll

Page 95 text:

EXCEL Q sl B 0 a Public Speaking Classes Realizing the deep significance of being able to express thought in word pub- licly, the faculty reorganized and greatly emphasized the public speaking classes this year. The daily sessions, attended by all the high school students, one class each day, were conducted by the competent moderator, Rev. Bro. Theodore. This tactful, well-versed and ever so popular teacher immediately attracted the attention of all his pupils and stimulated them to earnest endeavor. The class began by learning the fundamental principles of speaking, the basis on which further excellence in style was to follow. Nervousness and timidity were banished by actual speaking, and replaced by confidence and forcefulness. When our teacher believed that we had overcome these primary defects, he stressed the urgent need of other qualities indispensable to good speaking, as the correct pronun- ciation, a clear, well-modulated voice, and the proper use of gestures. Having attained a considerable degree of excellence in simple speaking, our attention was devoted to familiarizing ourselves to the practicable and finer types of discourse. The course was enlivened by our participating in various forms of de- bates, and usage of Parliamentary procedure. Wits were sharpened and humor was enriched by 'open forum and round table discussion. Evidence that these classes have borne fruit may be seen by the remarkable performance of James Tobin, winner of the Bishop's award. Others, like James Rogers, Francis Carrier, Joe Donahue, Raymond Cote, Andy Doherty, Martin Cogavin, Robert Cormier, Charles Dennen, Robert Boudreau, Jules Guy, Raymond Branchaud, Leon Allard, Leo Dubuc and Charles Desmarais are excellent examples. After several months of arduous work, the faculty feels certain that it has pro- duced young men who can forcefully defend their firm ideals, and not be daunted by the prospect of speaking in public, an important capstone of education. ' JOSEPH WILLOUGH BY 9l 1940?