For Beginners:
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: This classic poem is dramatic and full of strong imagery, making it engaging for audiences. Its relatively short length makes it manageable for beginners.
* "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.: This iconic speech is powerful and inspiring, and the repetition of key phrases makes it suitable for speech choir performance.
* "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost: This short but powerful poem offers opportunities for contrasting voices and emotional expression.
For Intermediate Levels:
* "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer: This humorous poem offers opportunities for dramatic timing and comedic delivery.
* "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman: This elegy for Abraham Lincoln is moving and memorable, allowing for a range of vocal expression.
* "The Gettysburg Address" by Abraham Lincoln: This short but powerful speech is a classic of American oratory.
For Advanced Levels:
* "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson: This epic poem is demanding but rewarding, requiring strong projection and dramatic delivery.
* "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry: This short story offers opportunities for character development and emotional range.
* "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling: This collection of stories offers a variety of voices and styles, providing a challenge for advanced speech choirs.
Other Considerations:
* Theme: Consider the theme of your event and choose a piece that aligns with it.
* Audience: Think about the age and interests of your audience when selecting a piece.
* Length: Choose a piece that is appropriate for the time you have allotted for the performance.
* Difficulty: Select a piece that is challenging but achievable for your choir members.
Ultimately, the best speech choir piece is the one that resonates with you and your choir members. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your group.