27 September 2024
The finals of the annual W H Irwin Public Speaking Competition took place this term on Wednesday of Week 8. Open to students in Years 11 and 12, the long-standing competition allows students to build their confidence and celebrate their public speaking skills.
Congratulations to all contestants on their engagement. 2024’s finalists included Year 12 students, Alexander Piscioneri and Johnny Turner, and Year 11 student, Alexis Prakash. Contestants presented their speeches to an audience of Year 11 students and judges, Ms Jan Tollner and Ms Katie Duffield.
The competition consisted of two components, a prepared speech and an impromptu speech. Firstly, competitors presented a prepared five-minute speech in response to one of four topics: “A Future Vision”, “The Power of Kindness”, “Lessons From History” and “Overcoming Adversity”. Secondly, finalists presented a short speech written in only 15-minutes in response to one of the three impromptu topics: “Life in Colour”, “Connections” and “Actions Matter”. The competitors spoke on a broad range of passions, putting their own spin on each prompt.
Well done to all contestants and congratulations to Johnny Turner, our 2024 W H Irwin winner. Johnny presented impactful speeches on “The Power of Kindness” and the importance of “Connections”.
Nia O’Loughlin
Coordinator of Public Speaking
