Plain speaking

Plain English Speaking Award

Ava Jaconelli (Year 11) and I competed in the Plain English Speaking Award regional finals held at Mentone Girls' Grammar on Monday 20 May. 

I had prepared a speech called ‘Our Future.’ It was centred around how the Western World’s current education system is outdated and does not provide critical life skills. Let’s just say, it was controversial among the judges. But nonetheless, it was an extremely rewarding experience. I loved hearing the other speeches from students of nine other schools and getting to know them was even better.

We then had an impromptu speech and the topic was ‘Time Will Tell.’ Broad, right? I had four minutes to create an on-the-spot three minute speech, but once it was over, it was a huge weight off my  shoulders.

Generally, the day was so much more fun than I expected. Public speaking is such a valuable skill no matter what you do and having to do a random speech on the spot? That skill doesn’t trump many. Overall, it was a great day and given the opportunity, I’d love to do it again.

Nisha Makam (Year 10)