Plain English Speaking Association 2026 

Congratulations Joseph Thorsen- Runner Up 

SEMI – FINALS

Students from a range of schools across Melbourne gathered to present their speeches.

Joseph Thorsen, delivered his six-minute prepared speech, entitled ‘A Private Pretense’, on the topic of the current state of government funding for the education sector. His speech was engaging, attacking and was delivered confidently and with precision, just falling short of winning the event. His impromptu speech – whereby students are given an unseen topic, then five minutes to prepare a three-minute speech – was also highly effective. The topic for the impromptu speech for all speakers was – ‘History Repeats Itself’. A student from the private school of Saint Aloysius was the eventual winner of the event.

Joseph’s effort is to be particularly commended, given that most of the speakers were from private schools, and all spoke very effectively. Indeed, the standard of speechmaking was so high for all speakers, that it was little wonder that the three judges complained to the audience about the difficulty of choosing a winner for the event before setting off for their task. It is no easy task to present yourself in front of an audience, deliver a structured speech, then create and deliver another in a matter of minutes, so Joseph has done very well.

The schools, whose students participated in the event, were as follows:

1. Braemar College.
2. Strathmore Secondary College.
3. Haileybury College.
4. Melbourne High School.
5. St. Aloysius Catholic College.
6. Broadford Secondary College.
7. Yarra Valley Grammar School.

Finally, congratulations to Joseph, and a special thank you to Ms. Chaudary who assisted with the drafting of Joseph’s speech, as well as providing him with valuable advice in the delivering of it.

Mr. C. Bassios.

Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator.