MULTIMEDIA: Confidence is key in public speaking

The grade 4, 5, 6 and 7 pupils of Sharonlea Primary School participated in an internal speech competition, where each speech was centered around the theme of South Africa.

Although the Grade 4 prepared speeches were not included in the judging, each grade performed their prepared speech, which had titles such as ‘South Africa for Girls’, ‘My Blended Family’, ‘The Soul of a South African’ and ‘Learn the Lingo’.

“They spoke with such confidence and ease. A special congratulations to each pupil gracing us with their presence,” said adjudicator, Linda van der Poel.

Winners from each grade were awarded a medal and a certificate for their performance. Speeches in Afrikaans, African languages and impromptu speeches were also delivered by the Grade 7 pupils.

“The organisation of the evening was top notch. Well done, and a huge well done to the speakers who spoke so confidently, so eloquently and so fluently delivering speeches of a very high standard. They truly are proudly South African,” said Linda Herholdt, ex principal of Sharonlea Primary and an adjudicator.

Between rounds of speeches, the school’s Rock Challenge dancers performed to music from different genres. The Sharonlea School Choir also made an appearance at the beginning of the competition and entertained the audience with Demi Lovato’s Confident and Elle King’s Ex’s and Oh’s.

The following pupils won their category:

Grade 5: Kiara Mathomes – ‘Learn the Lingo’

Grade 6: Dora Di Noira – ‘A Whole New World’

Grade 7: Lavani Naidoo – ‘South Africa as One’

Grade 7 (Afrikaans): Darian Smith – ‘Trots Suid-Afrikaans’

Grade 7 (Impromptu): Luyanda Dube – ‘No Regrets’

“I was so proud of all the hard work and dedication the speakers put into their speeches and I was blown away by their confidence and poise on the night,” said organiser, Samantha Howell Botes.

Details: Sharonlea Primary School, 011 704 3088/9.