Public Speaking
Our students have the opportunity to compete in a variety of public speaking competitions throughout each school year.
Late in term 1, junior students, in grade 7 - 10, are encouraged to participate in The Sutherland Shire Public Speaking Competition and are provided guidance and practice in public speaking technique during lunch time sessions.
In the Sutherland Shire Public Speaking Competition, students are marked on their ability to present a prepared speech on a topic of their own choosing using appropriate matter (content) and manner (delivery) within three and a half minutes. They are also marked on their ability to present an impromptu speech of two minutes with only four minutes preparation time.
In term 2, senior students aged 15 - 18 are encouraged to enter The Sydney Morning Herald Plain English Speaking Competition. This competition will consist of knock-out heats, regional, state and a National final hosted by various schools.
At each stage of the competition, contestants will be expected to give two speeches: a Prepared Speech of 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) on a subject of the speaker's own choosing based on any item (story, article, review etc.) from The Sydney Morning Herald and an Impromptu Speech of 3 minutes (warning bell at 2 minutes). The speakers have 3 minutes to write their Impromptu Speech. Contestants should note that adjudicators are required to give equal consideration to the Prepared and Impromptu speeches in making their final decision.
The adjudicating process will follow the guidelines used by The Arts Unit (www.pau.nsw.edu.au). The adjudicator will be looking for knowledge of the subject matter, sincerity in the presentation of material, skilful development of the theme and the effective use of plain English.
All contestants receive a certificate of participation. All local winners receive a certificate of commendation. All state finalists receive a silver medallion from The Sydney Morning Herald and a cash prize of $100 from the Australia-Britain Society. The NSW winner will receive $500 courtesy of The Sydney Morning Herald and a gold medallion. The winning student's school will receive the Australia-Britain Shield for Plain English Speaking and the Westminster Stone. The National Winner and runner-up will receive return flights to London courtesy of BBM Ltd. to take part in the international competition.
Information regarding the efforts and achievements of our students will be featured, as it becomes available, in "Upcoming Events/News" on the home page.
