"Speak," Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman's documentary, follows the journey of five teenagers competing in the National Speech and Debate Association Nationals, from preparing to delivering their personal speeches.
An opening montage showcases notables who also competed in speech and debate as teens, including Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Colbert, Samuel Alito, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Brad Pitt, Paul Rudd, and Bruce Springsteen, demonstrating a long tradition of public speaking.
The film highlights the students' dedication and passion by interweaving scenes of speech preparation and their personal lives. Esther, the reigning two-time national champion and the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, tackles the hypocrisy of "protect our children" rhetoric. From rural Texas, Noor cares for her disabled brother and speaks about advocating for others with similar challenges. Sam, who is gay and a cyber-bullying survivor, discusses the dangers of social media. Noah, whose mother died by suicide, explores the complex and contentious topic of assisted suicide, and Mfaz, a Sudanese immigrant with a TikTok following of over 3 million, speaks on the media representation of Muslims.
"Speak" culminates in a suspenseful final competition, leaving viewers cheering for the inspiring young orators.
On the KPCW sun rating system, “Speak” receives five out of five suns.
