I got a chance to interview Sam and Noah, two subjects from the documentary Speak. The film documents the year-long journey of five highs school students as they prepare for the NSDA Nationals in Original Oratory competition, or OO, as they call it. We talk about their speeches, what it was like to have cameras on them, and where their life has taken them next.
I never competed in speech or debate team, my public speaking at school was done through drama club and school theater, but it was an absolute joy to speak to these enthusiastic young people who were able to channel their thoughts into a well-researched persuasive speech.
Speak. is directed by Guy Mossman and Jennifer Tiexiera and is currently making a film festival circuit.

SAM is currently a senior in high school from Minnesota (was a junior when he was featured in the documentary. His speech was about the weaponization of nostalgia. He enjoys musical theater, pickleball, reading in his hammock, and enjoys Game of Thrones. He would love to be in another movie one day, and if he was in another documentary, he would love the topic to be musical theater.

NOAH is a college freshman from Texas (was a senior in college at the time of the documentary). His current favorite film is the LEGO Batman movie. He’s working on his ping pong skills and wants to work in foreign relations. His speech was about reframing the way we think about and talk about suicide. If he was to work with film again, he would enjoy trying his hand at the work behind the scenes.

Lindsey Dunn is the film critic known as 1 of my Stories. You can find all of her reviews and interviews at 1ofmystories.com or most platforms at 1ofmystories.

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