Think Big – IPSHA Public Speaking

Think BIG was the topic for this year’s IPSHA Public Speaking Competition. Six MLC School girls were selected to compete in the event which was held at William Clarke College in Kellyville. Schools from all over Sydney competed. 

What makes this competition so compelling is the high quality of the speeches. Our girls were nervous but prepared. Round 1 of the competition required speakers to compete against eight other students for a place in the final.  Only one student in each group progressed to the final round. Unfortunately, no one from MLC School made it to the final, but that did not matter.  The experience was priceless, with the girls learning so much from the other successful speakers and adjudicators. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

• “I learnt so many techniques about public speaking that can help me expand my current knowledge. I also learnt a tip about impromptu speeches – you can prepare a generic speech and memorise it. Then all you need to do is tweak to suit the topic given.”
  – Zoe Fotoulis (Year 6)
• “A key takeaway is that it’s not about the speech as much as the way you present it.”
  – Cherie-Louise Moses (Year 6)
• “I learnt the importance of interacting with the audience as this makes a speech more engaging. I also learnt to use the stage to my advantage.”
  – Gaia Bigolin (Year 6)
• “I learnt the importance of using your voice and posture when presenting.”
  – Mariette Karam (Year 6)
• “One key takeaway was to use your creativity. I heard many amazing speeches and hope to incorporate the things I learnt in future speeches I do.”
  – Abira Sanan (Year 6

– Jan Falls
Teacher, Mind Challenges Coordinator

Click on gallery to view full mages