A Survival Guide to Speech Day- Molly N

A Survival Guide to Speech Day- Molly N

With Speech Day coming up (and stuck for ideas for an article!), I thought it might be a good idea to give some tips and warnings for the very busy day. Whether this is your first time or your seventh, it’s always good to be prepared of the day to come, although something new and unexpected seems to happen every year, such as people bursting into song during speeches in the marquee.

Firstly, stay hydrated!!! It’s probably going to be a hot day, and even if it isn’t, it definitely will feel like one in the marquee- that thing is like a sauna! So accept any water being given out and a programme you can use as a fan.

It has quite a simple plan for the day, so try to fully understand where you are meant to be and when, and what you are supposed to be wearing. It can sometimes be very chaotic (e.g. if you leave your gidge back house because you thought you didn’t need it so you have to run back before prizegiving- don’t ask me how I know!), so to avoid any stress, know what you need to do in advance or at least hang around someone else that knows.

The Nelson march off in divisions takes quite a long time. Whether you are in band playing Olde Lang Syne 20 times, or standing in your squads, just be ready to be standing around for a while- the pupils in Nelson slow march off of the parade square, so it takes ages!

And finally, there is lots of clapping in the presentations, and I mean lots! So don’t be too enthusiastic because your hands will start to hurt only half way through.