Harriet wins through to the Region Final of the Plain English Speaking Award
On Thursday morning I accompanied our Year 11 Public Speaking student Harriet Hahn to a Sydney Local Final of the Plain English Speaking Competition. There were nine speakers in the heat, and all presented their eight-minute prepared speech first before participating in a round of three-minute impromptu speeches. The standard of speeches and presentation was high from speakers ranging from Year 10 to Year 12. It is a complex task to write a thoughtful and well-structured speech whose content catches the attention of the judges. Harriet gave an insightful analysis of the motivations behind RUOK day and how the particular challenges of schizophrenia might be better dealt with by our society. She was rewarded for her hard work and confident speaking skills with a win through to the Regional final to be held on 2nd June.
Harriet has represented MLC School at multiple public speaking events from Year 7 right through to this year and always puts in a focused effort that has been rewarded with many wins over the years. She has developed her skills to a high level and over the next few weeks will be preparing to compete in two important competitions, the Plain English Region Final and the Final of the inaugural Dame Enid Lyons Oratory competition held at the Opera House on Wednesday 21 May 2025. All this while also training and debating every week as our essential 3rd speaker in our Senior debating team. Harriet is a great example of an MLC student who has used the opportunities provided by our co-curricular programs in Debating and Public Speaking to develop some lifelong skills and personal accomplishments.
– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator
