Declamation

One of the foremost School experiences recalled by our alumni as integral to building confidence for public speaking.

In this Section

All Lower and Upper School students gain experience and confidence speaking publicly at monthly Declamations in front of their classmates in the Alumni Theater.

Students challenge themselves to master and declaim celebrated works of poetry and prose, including speeches, sonnets, excerpts from novels, plays and songs, and self-written works.

In the Upper School, students work to hone their declaiming skills, focusing on poise and appearance, dramatization, eye contact, voice and articulation, and pacing, as SPS faculty provides feedback on the performances and decides on one winner each month.

Entering high school, I felt prepared. I felt I was more mature than others in my grade. Declamation helped me feel confident when speaking in public and also made it easier to speak up.

— Carolina Viswanath ’17

Through declamation, St. Peter’s School has prepared me to become a confident public speaker.

— Joey Picciotto ’15

Declamation was huge! I honestly think it was the best educational experience I’ve had at any institution I’ve attended. The moments of learning were so special at St. Peter’s.