English Public Speaking Competition
Dear Concordians,
This year, on February 1st 2024, the English department had the honor and pleasure of running the third edition of the Speak! Public Speaking Competition. It is an event which aims at showcasing our students’ oratory skills.
All the participants selected one of two categories (formal and informal), then wrote their own speeches on a topic of their choice. This year, as there were many student sign-ups, we went through not one but two auditions to determine the best public speakers.
Once the finalists emerged, they spent almost 4 weeks editing, refining, honing, practicing, polishing, and finally perfecting their speeches.
Those that sought additional support could even participate in Mr. Jun’s public speaking CMA, where he showed them how to use their body language effectively. I am particularly proud of this year’s speeches and performances. They were of the highest quality we have yet seen, and the topics they covered were varied and amazingly thought-provoking.
Speakers, your diction and enunciation skills have vastly improved as well: it was an absolute pleasure listening to your performances. Your emotions really shone through, and your messages reached many members of the audience -- so much so that we’ve been asked for copies of your speeches, which is unprecedented!
On behalf of the English department, I would like to thank every student who signed up for the event. Even if you did not make it to the final performance, I strongly encourage each and every one of you to try again next year. I would also like to specifically mention and thank the Speak! team without whom this event would not have taken place: Ms. Viorica, Ms. Ederelene, Mr. Jun, and Mr. Maurice.
Lastly, I want to recognise that while we teachers may put in all the work in the world to support you students, ultimately the success of an event like this rests on your shoulders, and you were phenomenal. Thank you again, and here’s to an even more successful 4th edition next year!
Admiringly, Mr. Alessio
