The inaugural BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China (BIBS • C) Speech Invitational took place on October 19, 2024, bringing together over 250 students from eight BASIS International & Bilingual Schools campuses. This event provided a platform for students to showcase their skills in six speech events, including Impromptu Speaking, Original Oratory, and Extemporaneous Speaking. BIBS • C set itself apart by offering Solo and Duo Interpretation and Informative Speaking, giving students the opportunity to engage in unique formats and experiences.
A Significant Milestone in Public Speaking
“The inaugural BIBS • C Speech Invitational represents a significant step forward in fostering the art of public speaking within our schools,” said Colin Malinak, BIBS • C Director of Speech & Debate. “We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing how they will continue to grow as confident speakers and leaders in the future.”
Although BIBS • C has hosted regular Speech & Debate competitions for three years, this was our first event focused solely on speech. The structure encouraged students to compete in multiple categories and led to our largest number of entries in multiple categories to date. The tournament highlighted the exceptional talent of students across the BASIS China network, reinforcing our commitment to fostering public speaking and performance skills among youth.
New Competitors Eager to Learn
Students from one of our new campuses, BASIS Bilingual School Guangming, were there to observe and soak up the experience. While they didn’t compete this time, they were preparing for future tournaments, emphasizing BIBS • C’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of confident communicators across all campuses.
Celebrating Talent and Teamwork
The invitational celebrated individual talent while also underscoring the importance of teamwork and collaboration among the schools. The impressive turnout and enthusiastic participation showed our collective commitment to excellence in speech and performance, paving the way for future events in this growing field.
Speech Invitational Results
Every student was recognized for their efforts. The day concluded with the announcement of the Top 5 Individual Events Sweepstakes Champions:
1st Place: Ryan X., G10, BASIS International School Shenzhen
2nd Place: Chloe W., G8, BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
3rd Place: Krish M., G10, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
4th Place: Chris X., G10, BASIS International School Shenzhen
5th Place: Claire L., G7, BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
In the overall Team Sweepstakes, BASIS International School Shenzhen emerged victorious, with BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour and BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen, claiming second and third places, respectively.
As BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China continues to expand its reach and impact, this tournament sets a precedent for future competitions, empowering our students to hone their skills and express themselves confidently in front of audiences.
