• Oral Interpretation
• Public Speaking
• Extemporaneous

Download the Summer Speech Institute Registration Form

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The SSI Director is Michael Mahanes. In addition, students will receive customized coaching by outstanding college coaches and members of the nationally renowned Hastings College Speech Team.

The SSI will be held July 11-14, 2013. The SSI lasts from Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon. Students will check-in at approximately 10:00am on Friday. Students will be ready to leave SSI Sunday afternoon. Parents are encouraged to attend the final performance on Sunday.

There will be a showcase performance, so two competition outfits are needed. Students should dress to be comfortable but not sloppy.

Hastings College has had a long tradition in forensics. On June 9, 1920, Hastings College became one of the first colleges in the nation to become a member of Pi Kappa Delta, the national forensics fraternity. Since then, the Hastings College forensics team has distinguished itself as among the very best in the Midwest. Our institute reflects a coaching philosophy which includes the education and execution of communication skills, while maintaining an atmosphere of fun while doing so.

• You will see performances by college champions.
• You will receive daily individualized coaching to help you prepare and polish your event.
• You will learn fun warm-ups to prepare you for competition.
• You will learn how to select, build, create, and refine cuttings and speeches.
• You will learn to use the special talents you have within yourself.

For additional information contact: Michael Mahanes at mmahanes@hastings.edu. 

The SSI is for students who have completed eighth grade or above. We cater to those of all levels, from those with no experience to the seasoned competitor. Applicants must designate whether they prefer to be placed in the oral interpretation, public speaking, or extemporaneous division. Coaches are also encouraged to attend the SSI to observe. Coaches who bring five students will have the cost of their room deducted from their SSI fee. There is also a group discount for the SSI — Contact Michael Mahanes for details. 

Hastings College is located in the heart of south central Nebraska, only fifteen minutes south of Interstate 80. Housing is provided in modern, air-conditioned residence halls. Students are asked to bring their own linens and toiletries. Students in residence halls will be supervised by SSI residence staff members. A major portion of social and planning activities occurs at meals. Therefore, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on campus and in restaurants located in the Hastings community. 

Students will have access to Perkins Library, the Lexis-Nexis database, which provides hourly updates to 10,000 publications world-wide, and the Hastings College forensics team library. While basic materials will be provided, pens, note cards, and notebooks should be provided by the student. Interpretation students should bring a selection to work from. The camp cost is $325. A $50 deposit (non-refundable) is due by June 1 ($275 is due at registration). A late fee of $50 will be assessed if submitted after June 1, and an additional late fee of $100 will be assessed if postmarked after June 10. A $25 discount per student is given to any high school that sends five students to camp. A $50 discount per student is awarded to any high school that sends 10 students to camp.

Questions or Comments? Contact Michael Mahanes at mmahanes@hastings.edu.