Public Speaking News

Public speaking, as difficult as it is for many people, involves much more than the act of speaking. Before they take the stage, competing students research a societal  issue and apply it to a metaphorical topic. They then compose a thought- provoking and original speech and deliver it to a small audience of adults and students in an engaging and confident manner with minimal use of notes.

Some of the popular topics were:

• Defying gravity
• Unconventional wisdom
• Words and the spaces in between
• Now what?  

This year a number of our students participated in the Sydney Catholic Schools Public Speaking Competition. The event involves over 75 high schools across the Greater Sydney Area and this year, more than 500 students entered. 

Our Round 1 participating students, who all performed admirably in their specific age group were:

Three  of our students delivered outstanding speeches and were selected to progress to the next round of the competition, the Qualifying Final:- Saoirse O’Brien, Sophie George and Sophie Hammon. Of these, Saoirse O’Brien was again nominated for her skilful delivery and fresh interpretation of ‘defying gravity’ and will now proceed to the Grand Final taking place on Friday 14 March.

Thank you also to the parents who attended and supported this event.

Ms Susan Kamp

Co-ordinator Public Speaking and Debating