日本国際連合協会長賞・受賞スピーチ②

2月14日（土）に開催された「外国語発表会」。この発表会の英語スピーチの優秀者には、日本国際連合協会長賞が授与されました。先の中学3年生の受賞スピーチに加えて、高校1年生の部の受賞スピーチ原稿を以下に掲載します。

全体構成の一貫性、論理性が高く評価されたスピーチです。これに加えて、スピーチをする時のposture（姿勢）、presence（存在感）、persuasion（説得力）の点でも非常に優れたものでした。本校の目指す外国語教育到達点の１つのモデルになってくれた高校1年生・小畑奈津美さんのスピーチです。

– To advance Japan more –  Natsumi Obata　

Have you ever spoken up in front of a foreigner? It is often said that the Japanese are shy and modest. This makesit hard for Japanese citizens to communicate with people from a different country. Some avoid foreigners just because they think that they can’t make themselves understood. In addition, they have a hard resistance to speak to them.I believe that we, Japanese, should become more outgoing in order to compete internationally.

First, I think we should spread the Japanese traditional culture much more to the world. For example, we have traditional events that we celebrate such as “Hinamatsuri.” Tourism has also increased in the past few years. Japan has the oldest building and architecture in places such as Nara and Kyoto. If we can get rid of the resistance to speak to foreigners, I think it is a great chance for us to spread our history too.

Second, not only gaining communication skill, it is important for us to become able to participate actively in debates. Now, English is being taught at a younger age. However, only teaching children how to communicate is not going to be enough in the upcoming years. In order for Japan to advance, we need to be assertive during international conferences. Therefore, I believe it is important to teach children how to express their opinions clearly.

The future of Japan is in our hands. It is up to us whether we can develop this country.