If you haven’t been hearing in the halls or in freshman lounge, It’s Moth talk season. Currently, Ninth graders in English classes are writing their own takes on the Moth talk. This year’s theme: Rebellion.
The moth talk storytelling organization began in 1997 in New York City. The Moth Talk Radio Hour which broadcasts on NPR attempts to recreate the feeling of swapping stories on Mothy summer porches. The moth talk shows are known for the range of talented human experience that they showcase. Every show or Radio Hour begins with a theme, and the storytellers explore what It means to them. It promotes live stories told without notes, and it focuses on authentic and unique experiences for an engaging audience.
For ninth graders this year, the Moth talk is something more. The project consists of writing, revising, rehearsing, and delivering a personal narrative presentation to their entire English class, all based on the theme and an element from the course texts read this year. Whether students decide to incorporate moments of rebellion into their talks from Romeo and Juliet, or from Holden Caulfield’s Catcher in the Rye, the ninth graders must find something that means something to them, and deliver it in 5-7 minutes, just like real Moth performances.
As the final Moth talks are underway, some students have shared their thoughts and experiences.
For many freshmen, the assignment became a lesson in empathy and public speaking. Ninth-grader Adelle noted that the project was a very positive experience. “It taught you how to publicly speak and speak from a general perspective in front of an amount of people,” Adelle explained, “but it also taught you different perspectives when you were listening to other people.” Leena, another ninth grader, found that the project became a tool for self-discovery. “This Moth talk has taught me more about myself,” Leena shared. “I realized I finally was able to express in words this feeling about change, and it felt really good finally sharing this part of me that I feel like not many people knew.”
Having completed her speech, Leena described the relief of opening up to her peers. “It really feels really good to have it done and to have it in the open, and it was nice to hear other people’s opinions.”
However, presenting a story naturally without a script wasn’t easy. Leena admitted that the transition from the written work to a presentable speech was the toughest challenge. “I think the hardest part was making sure I wasn’t missing any parts that I wanted to include and share. So that was kind of stressful when I was memorizing.” For future freshmen facing day one of the project, her advice was this: “Don’t stress about it. It’ll work out.”
Lastly, some of our students are going to the 9th grade grand slam. For many people, this is an opportunity to share personal stories with the entire grade as your audience. Most 9th graders only ever get the chance to present for their class, but to the lucky ones who get voted to represent their section, it means they get to do it all over again.
The event is sparking a lot of interest for the freshman class, offering an opportunity to connect across different English sections. Adelle said “I think that the Grand Slam is a great opportunity to hear other people in other classes they may not talk to, and hear their perspectives as well.”
For the finalists taking the stage, the event brings a mix of nerves and anticipation. Leena, who will be presenting at the Grand Slam, shared her feelings about the moment. “I’m a little bit nervous to share this side of me that I feel like not a lot of people know, because it’s definitely a more sensitive version,” She said. “But I am excited. I like doing this type of stuff.”
As the final classroom presentations come to a close, the stage is now set for the 9th grade Grand Slam. What started out as just another English class project has become a highly anticipated event, offering a unique opportunity to connect across different sections of the freshman class. By stepping up to the microphone without notes, these ninth graders did more than just connect their stories to Holden Caulfield or Romeo and Juliet, they found a way to rebel against their own comfort zones. When the finalists take the stage for the Grand Slam, the audience won’t just be hearing speeches. They will be witnessing the true value of the Moth, a collection of authentic experiences, shared openly with a room full of peers who are ready to listen. The Moth has evolved in many ways from back porches to Radio Hours, and finally onto our beautiful campus, but as our freshmen have shown, it still holds the exact same values, a personal talk that is personal to you.
