26 Nov 2024
Yesterday students from Marian, MRHS - Wade and MRHS - Griffith came together to share in the joy of public speaking at the Griffith Interschool Speakfest.
The Griffith Interschool Speakfest aims to encourage the use of clear and effective spoken English. Its purpose is to improve the confidence of students interested in public speaking and to help them to develop their speech writing skills.
The first event of its type in Griffith, the competition was held at Marian Catholic College. There were categories open to under 14s and 15 to 18 year olds. There were 9 speakers in total.
The speakers had to present both a prepared and impromptu speech. The younger speakers were required prepare a speech for 5 minutes and the older speakers had to speak for 8 minutes. The impromptu speech was on a subject chosen by the adjudicator. The contestants received five minutes of preparation time and then had to speak for two minutes on the subject.
The event was honoured to have Justine Clark from the Arts Unit lead a team of adjudicators. Her and her colleague’s expertise in the field and their comprehensive feedback was of great use for the fledgling speakers.
Overall, Wade ended up taking out the day with Allanna King winning best overall speaker and the best 14 years and under speaker. Anna Ooi from Marian won best 15 and over speaker.
“Sam Malagre (from Marian) and I struck up a conversation about the limited availability of public speaking opportunities for students in rural areas,” explains competition coordinator Libby Ridgway, “We decided that this would be a great opportunity for all of our schools to come together, challenge ourselves and network.”
“The kids thought it was the best fun they’d had all year,” Libby continues, “They were supportive of each other, they were praising each other’s work and there was productive discussion and commentary about the different topics of the presentations.”
The competition is set to continue next year. Thank you to all of the school staff and the Arts Unit staff who made the Griffith Interschool Speakfest possible!
