Please keep speaking
IR Griffith Primary School hosts public speaking contest.
On 31 October 17 Johannesburg primary school pupils took part in a public speaking contest at IR Griffith Primary School in Blairgowrie.
The event was hosted by the Northcliff Rotary Club and pupils had the opportunity to address the audience and received constructive advice from judge Brian Appleton. The topic given for the prepared speeches was “Changing lives through community service”, and most pupils spoke about rotary clubs. There was also an impromptu section and topics included peer pressure, reading, and an individual’s right to be heard.
Appleton said public speaking courses are his passion. “I do it all over Gauteng. The pupils really entertained us tonight. The judging is 50 percent content and 50 percent speaking. These two should compliment each other.”
He said you cannot always be the best, but you can always give your best. “To all pupils I say, please keep speaking; it is an important life skill. It will help you throughout school, varsity and the business world.”
Appleton offered several pieces of advice; use vocal variety, emphasise important words and use hand gestures. “Obviously not too dramatic, but you cannot talk with both your hands holding your speech cards.”
The winner for the prepared speeches was Mercy Namfukwe from Midrand Primary School and Jordan Dowds from Crawford Preparatory School in Lonehill took second place. Crawford Preparatory School Lonehill won the event overall, with Midrand Primary School coming in second.
Crawford Preparatory School Lonehill’s Danishka Moodley won for the impromptu section, with Minenhle Makhubu from Jeppe Preparatory School coming in second.
