Public Speaking

Year 6 Public Speaking Competition!

One of mankind’s greatest fears is public speaking.  Whether it's forgetting your lines or realising you have a tail of toilet paper hanging out of your pants, fear of public speaking really boils down to fear of being ridiculed, rejected, and publicly humiliated.

A brave group of eager Year 6 students from Pakenham Springs Primary School recently took on the challenges of public speaking in the lead up to the annual Rotary Public Speaking competition held on (Tuesday night) the 23rd October.  The intensive course enabled the students to explore creating and presenting an effective and exciting speech that communicated their point of view with the greatest of impact.

The main focus of the course was to discover how to handle the nerves and to present with a clear, strong voice, using body language to enhance the message in their speeches.

Even though the competition only allows two representatives from each school to compete on the night, the skills gained prove incredibly valuable as the students move through their education.  Not only can they use their new speaking and leadership skills in the school environment; such as in class or in front of assembly, but also at home, in secondary school and later in their chosen field of work.

Vicky, Shaylan, Mason, Grace, Hayden, Senitha, Hayley, Isis, Jemma, Jess, Kai, Olivia and Evelyn all rose to the challenge and presented engaging speeches on topics ranging from Technological advancements to stepping outside your comfort zone, to the effects of plastic pollution on the environment.   Each student presented in front of a group of parents and an independent judge to decide who would represent the school in the competition.  A beautiful tale about the love of reading and an impassioned speech about goals and aspirations of becoming a dancer saw Grace and Shaylan heading on to the competition.

Held at the Pakenham Golf Course, 23 students from 12 local schools presented their three-minute speeches in front of over 100 people on the night.  The level of, not only the subject of the speeches but also the delivery,  was astounding and both Pakenham Springs students stood proud and held their own. 

A huge congratulations to both Grace and Shaylan on doing an amazing job on the night.

The entire staff and students of the school congratulate you both and are immensely proud of your achievements.

Teague Rook

Media Arts Teacher