Public Speaking

Term 2 is always a busy time for Public Speaking and this year has been no exception.  In week 3 SCEGGS hosted the first heat of the Dame Enid Lyon Oratory Award with three more heats to run over the next three weeks.  The final for this competition will be held at Government House on 10 June 2026. 

Pippa Brenner (Year 12) represented SCEGGS and spoke on the quote “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less travelled by, / And that has made all the difference.” From The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.  She delivered a clear, thought provoking exploration of the ideas in this quote and spoke about the value in leaving our roads open, exploring more than just those two roads and being open to possibilities.  The finalists will be announced after the final heat has been completed so watch this space.  Good luck Pippa!

Daisy Carson (Year 11) and Isobel Weston (Year 10) both spent last Friday at Newtown School of the Performing Arts competing against students from Loreto Kiribilli, Sydney Grammar, Newington, Riverview and more at the Plain English Speaking Award.  It was quite possibly the strongest heat I have seen at a first round of this competition in 20 years – it was a very enjoyable day but tough competition.  Daisy and Isobel spoke beautifully in both their prepared and impromptu speeches but did not progress to the next round.  Congratulations to you both, you did the School proud. 

Finally, on Monday this week the Regional final of Rostrum Voice of Youth was held.  Four of our original six competitors made it through.  They are Bianca Elias (Year 8), Siena Walsh (Year 8), Sofia Tzouganatos (Year 10) and Pippa Brenner (Year 12).  Congratulations to them all and a special congratulations to Pippa and Siena who won their heats and will progress to the State Final which will be held on 13 June at Meriden School.

Elizabeth Walsh
Speech and Public Speaking Co-ordinator