CSDA Public Speaking Round 1
On Friday 5 August, twelve students from Years 7 to 12 proudly represented the College in Round One of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition. These students included Annalise E, Annie M, Sophia C, Diadem A, Tamanna M, Evie M, Monique R, Ysabelle O, Erica B, Olivia L, Annabelle M and Amadee T. This competition focuses on the students’ ability to compose and deliver a speech with a sophisticated approach to ideas, style and structure.
Annabelle M, Monique R, Ysabelle O, Olivia L, Diadem A and Evie M
Two weeks prior to Round One, students were presented with the following list of topics to choose from:
- If only
- Dreams
- I am strong, I am invincible, I am...
- Let us build a house...
- Dear Santa
- One who is in chains, cannot run
Preparation for this competition involved multiple training sessions where students worked to brainstorm, develop, perfect and practise a speech. The key here is for the student to find something that they are passionate about, and we were blown away by the passion demonstrated by all our speakers as they tackled topics related to gender, equality, gratitude, the environment and multiple paths to success.
The competition was held over zoom, with each student entering a 'Breakout Room' for their heat. Rooms consisted of up to 10 students from 10 other schools, all of which did a formidable job. It was a valuable expereience for our girls to view and learn from all speakers in their heat.
Adjudicators certainly had a tough decision to make, but we were lucky enough to have four students make it through to Round 2:
Diadem A of Year 8 made it through with a speech asserting the importance and relevance of third wave feminism, arguing that freedom is essential for female success.
Tamanna M of Year 9 with a speech exploring the Human Bill of Rights, questioned whether these are truly respected by all people, communities and governments today.
Ysabelle O of Year 10 won her room by critiquing the myth of equal access to success, using an extended metaphor of a race and the multiple opponents we must fight as we run it.
Monique R of Year 10 made it through by using an extended metaphor, but this one focusing on the 'Game of Life' and all the complexities needed it win it.
We are very proud of all our speakers from Years 7 to 12. It was gratifying to watch all of them grow as speakers, thanks to their hard work. A big thank you to Mr Duncan, Miss Hilder, Miss Bella, Mrs McGillicuddy, Miss Iler, Mr Godbee and Ms Lennox for their support.
Laura Bryant - Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator
