Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Dear teachers

I'd like to know-- what is the proper greeting being said by a kid who takes part in a competition of telling a story in English in a school?

I'm referring to what the proper greeting to the teachers(judges) and the audience on the spot is after a competitor mounted the platform before starting his/her story. Thanks for your help.

PS: A kid is referring to a student who is a second grader at an elementary school in Taiwan.

Sincerely
rice

[CP]

I'm not sure there is any particularly correct or incorrect way to do it. Since we are talking about second graders, age 7 or so, I could imagine that the child would be introduced by the announcer, would come up to the front of the class or auditorium, and then just begin telling the story. If the announcer does not say the title of the story, then the child should begin with the title of the story, then go on:

"This story is called, 'The Long Way Home.' Once upon a time, . . . ."

If there is no announcer: "Good afternoon. My name is Albert Wong. This story is called, 'The Long Way Home.' Once upon a time, . . . ."


If you want to make it a little more formal, you could tell the children that they should greet the dignitaries and audience in a specified way, much as a grown speaker might begin a formal speech to a large audience. For example:

"Principal Wagner, Vice-Principal Johnson, honored guests, esteemed judges, parents, friends, and students, thank you. My story is called, 'The Long Way Home.' Once upon a time, . . . ."

Because the story-tellers are so young, it would be all right to write out their little greeting speech and leave it at the lectern, so that each child will be able to read it and get it right. This is also a good idea because often the first words are the hardest, and if the children have something to read and say at first, they will have an easier time beginning to speak.
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[rice07]

Hi CP

Now I know how to teach my son what to do in that situation.
That really is a big help I get from YOU.Many thanks!

Sincerely
rice