Representing MLC School at the highest level in Public Speaking

On Wednesday night, the Grand Final of the Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition took place for its second year. MLC School was proudly represented by Meena Kanthathas (Year 11). As a seasoned debater and public speaker, Meena embraced the opportunity to tackle this new challenge. Impromptu speaking demands mastery, making success in this contest particularly impressive.

Open to students from girls’ schools across NSW, 30 participants competed in the initial heats. Each contestant was given 15 minutes to prepare an eight-minute speech based on a prompt chosen from three quoted topics. Ten finalists advanced to the Grand Final. Achieving success required not only outstanding speaking style but also careful attention to form and content. The competition’s purpose is to empower articulate and passionate young women as they address issues meaningful to them.

Meena delivered a compelling speech exploring the challenges of using AI to imitate deceased loved ones as a way to cope with loss and grief. Although she did not win, Meena demonstrated admirable resilience and represented our school with honour.

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– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator