This week marks the final week of classes before our summer vacation begins. While many students are looking forward to a well-deserved break, there is one important event that always takes place before the holidays at NILS—the Speech Contest Preliminary Round.
The speech contest is one of the biggest and most exciting events of the year at our school. Every student who participates begins by choosing one of three themes and writing a speech in Japanese. After receiving detailed feedback from their teacher, they revise their work, practice again and again, and finally stand in front of an audience to deliver their speech.
The preliminary round is an important step because it decides who will represent each class in the final competition after summer vacation. The final will be held in a large hall, where students from across the school gather to watch the best speakers. The representatives are selected not only by the teachers but also by fellow students, making the competition even more meaningful. For many participants, standing in front of a crowd and speaking in a foreign language is a nerve-racking experience. It is natural to feel nervous, and we could see that excitement and tension on many faces before the speeches began. However, once they started speaking, many students showed exactly what they had practiced. Their confidence grew with every sentence, and it was wonderful to see them perform at their best.
If you are studying Japanese now—or thinking about learning it in the future—you might be wondering, “Will I ever be able to give a speech in Japanese?” The answer is yes. With step-by-step guidance, regular practice, and encouragement from your teachers, students at NILS discover that they can achieve far more than they imagined.
That is why the Speech Contest is much more than a competition. It is a chance to challenge yourself, overcome fear, and see how much you have grown. Many students dream of speaking on the stage in the final because they know that the experience will stay with them long after the contest ends. The confidence they gain helps not only their Japanese language skills but also their future studies, careers, and everyday life.
We are looking forward to seeing our finalists take the stage after summer vacation. Until then, congratulations to everyone who had the courage to stand up, speak Japanese, and challenge themselves. Every speech was another step forward on their journey.
Let’s learn Japanese language and culture together at NILS!
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