HONG KONG SPEECH FESTIVAL 2012

You can find the texts and a pronunciation guide for the 2012 Hong Kong Speech Festival poems below…

Below are some tips to help you give a good performance!

  • Make sure you understand your poem. Ask for help if there are any words you don’t know. Think about when and where the poem is set. What is the message? The meaning?
  • Try to find out about the author.
  • Make sure you can remember your poem well. Read it aloud, practice at home, write it down and learn it line-by-line, piece-by-piece. Perform your poem for your mom, dad, helper, grandparents, cat, dog, me – anyone who will listen.
  • Use expression and intonation carefully. This means you should show some emotion and use your voice to match your poem. Express the exciting parts, sad parts and happy parts. However, don’t get over-excited and try to keep your body and hands still – most judges do not like actions or body language.
  • Take breaks, relax, don’t be nervous. Take a deep breath before reading!
  • Go to howjsay.com for help with pronunciation or download this video as an MP3 to your computer/ipod/phone.
  • Find more tips and advice here: http://bit.ly/R0nVwJ and here.

Below is a 2010 presentation on the Hong Kong Speech Festival, shared with permission from HKU’s Gary Harfitt…

Good luck!

– Mr Tom.

Speech Festival 2012

SPEECH FESTIVAL: There Are Big Waves – Elanor Farjeon

Speech 2012 Festival Poem: There are Big Waves – Elanor Farjeon

This video is a pronunciation guide for the Hong Kong 2012 Speech Festival poems – it is to demonstrate articulation only, performers should decide on how to deliver the poem!

There are Big Waves

There are big waves and little waves,

Green waves and blue.

Waves you can jump over,

SPEECH FESTIVAL: Town Dog – David Orme

Speech 2012 Festival Poem: Town Dog – David Orme

This video is a pronunciation guide for the Hong Kong 2012 Speech Festival poems – it is to demonstrate articulation only, performers should decide on how to deliver the poem!

Town Dog

I’m a town dog.
Usually I walk on a lead with my mistress;
I let children pat my head,
And politely use the gutter.

SPEECH FESTIVAL: The First Bit – Coral Rumble

Speech 2012 Festival Poem: The First Bit – Coral Rumble

This video is a pronunciation guide for the Hong Kong 2012 Speech Festival poems – it is to demonstrate articulation only, performers should decide on how to deliver the poem!

The First Bit

I love the first bit of the morning,
The bit of the day that no one has used yet,

SPEECH FESTIVAL: The Railway Children – Seamus Heaney

The Railway Children – Seamus Heaney

This video is a pronunciation guide for the Hong Kong 2012 Speech Festival poems – it is to demonstrate articulation only, performers should decide on how to deliver the poem!

SPEECH FESTIVAL: Breakfast – P.H. Kilby

Speech 2012 Festival Poem: Breakfast – P.H. Kilby

This video is a pronunciation guide for the Hong Kong 2012 Speech Festival poems – it is to demonstrate articulation only, performers should decide on how to deliver the poem!

Breakfast 

Good morning little earthworm,
Said the speckled thrush,