Erica Beckman made Cotter Speech History on Saturday, making finals in four categories –  Original Oratory, Duo, Prose, and Impromptu. The meet took place on Saturday, March 23, and Cotter hosted the meet.

Erica has been part of the Cotter speech program since 5th grade, so this is her 6th year in speech.

“This was the first time I have been entered in four categories, so it was pretty intense.  There were 4 rounds and so I gave each speech for times. Original Oratory, Duo, and Prose are memorized pieces that are about 1o minutes apiece and in impromptu there is a new topic, or choice of two topics, each round and once you choose the topic you have 7 minutes to prepare and deliver the speech. So I was speaking for about 37 minutes per round.

In the finals Erica placed 2nd in both Original Oratory and Impromptu, 3rd in Prose, and 4th in duo.

Erica works with 3 coaches, Bob French, Amy French, and Sam Wantock, on different categories and aspects of her speeches. She practices every day after school or at night.

She also has a secret weapon at home: her mom.  Deb Beckman was a coach with the Cotter speech team for a number of years.

“She helps me with all phases of the speech, from helping me with writing ideas, to practicing and giving suggestions or even going over my comments with me, so she is really my 4th coach,” Erica said.

When the MSHSL State speech competition entrants must select one category to compete in and Erica will be competing in Original Oratory.