CSDA Public Speaking Competition

On Friday 27 February, MSCW competed in Round 1 of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition at Marist College Eastwood. I am so incredibly proud of Sarah-Jane (Year 7), Ahana (Year 8), Phoebe (Year 9),  Amber (Year 10), Sophie (Year 11) and Angelina (Year 11) who represented our College. Each student demonstrated confidence, preparation, and a willingness to challenge themselves. 

A special congratulations to Ahana and Sophie who progressed to the Preliminary Finals held at Rosebank College on 6 March. This was a significant accomplishment, and reflected the dedication and effort they invested into their speeches. 

Additionally, Alissa, Charlotte, Demitra, and Harriet, who are the College’s Debating and Public Speaking Leaders, led the speakers to success with their unwavering support. 

To celebrate all of the students’ success, here is an overview of what each speaker discussed: 

• Sarah-Jane explored ‘No need to speak, you only have to look’, highlighting the power of silent connection and how small gestures and presence can make people feel seen, understood, and supported.

• Ahana’s examined how individuals adopt masks and perform according to social expectations through the topic of  ‘Masquerade’. 

• Phoebe’s ‘Future Shock’ challenged audiences to consider how rapidly technology will transform our lives, acknowledging its overwhelming nature while encouraging curiosity, adaptability, and humour in facing the future.

• Amber’s interpretation of ‘Crisis, what crisis’ exposed the ongoing global issue of gender inequality, highlighting discrimination, violence, and limited opportunities for women and girls, and urging action to confront these injustices.

• Sophie’s ‘What’s in a name?’ explored how media language and labels shape perception, often softening perpetrators and minimising victims, and encouraged audiences to question these frames critically.

• Angelina’s ‘Crisis, what crisis’ highlighted the hidden “quiet crisis” of modern life, showing how constant comparison, unrealistic expectations, and a culture of performance leave young people and workers exhausted, and emphasised prioritising meaningful choices, balance, and personal fulfilment over perfection.