English Public Speaking Competition
On Wednesday, March 5th, the Secondary English department held its 4th annual Speak! Public Speaking Competition, which is an event aimed at showcasing the English public speaking skills of our students from grade six to grade eleven, as well as giving students the opportunity and confidence to speak on stage.
All of the participants selected one of two categories, formal or informal, then wrote their own speeches on a topic of their choice.
The arduous path to the March 5th Final included two rounds of auditions - first a video audition, then a live audition in front of judges - before we were left with our eleven finalists consisting of four from middle school, and seven from high school.
The talented contestants gave speeches on topics ranging from the importance of pets, to dangers of social media addiction, from Pluto’s status as a planet, to self-actualization, and from the mental benefits of ant-keeping, to the personal effects of learning differences; the eclectic mix of topics kept the audience both entertained and interested.
While there were eventually trophy winners, adjudicated by our panel of five judges, each with their own expertise connected to public speaking, all of the competitors on the day who braved the stage - including our MCs - were the winners, having overcome any nerves to put on a memorable performance. Well done, everyone!
Ben Weil - Head of MYP English
