The latest in what has now become an established series of Public Speaking Competitions, organised by the Mistress Educator, Freeman Pamela Taylor, took place on March 16th in a splendid room at Eversheds, thanks to the continued generous hospitality afforded by Glynne Stansfield. This year, it was pleasing to note a larger number of participating schools, with three 'newcomers': one of the new Academies in London, Westminster Academy; Little Ilford School; and the James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS), as well as two schools which have become 'regulars' and which always give excellent value: City of London School (CLS) and Mulberry School.
Coincidentally, the value and quality of public speaking received a boost from the television programme 'The Speaker', and it was pleasing to note how well our own group of speakers stood up against those entering that national competition. As in previous years, the speakers selected from a wide range of topics of social importance, especially to the young; the variety of styles and content sustained the rapt interest of members of the audience, who contributed greatly by asking the speakers some challenging questions, although the enthusiasm of the students to interrogate their competitors meant that it was quite hard for mere grown-ups to get a word in!
As always, the Guild has been fortunate in its panel of adjudicators. Last year's Chair, Freeman Lyn Williams, had done so splendidly that there was no hesitation in inviting her back to reprise the role. She was aided greatly by the wealth of experience of Freeman Lady Butterworth, and the Master made the third member, The quality of the contributions gave the judges a hard time, and their deliberations were thorough. While they cogitated, the students from the various kinds of school mingled happily with each other and with the adults over the excellent refreshments. The Master presented the Awards, after excellent words of feedback from the Panel. The names and schools of speakers, together with the results of the adjudication, were as follows:
- Emma Simmons - JAGS - 'In the battle of the sexes man will always win'
- Sumaya Begum - Mulberry - 'Governments should have the right to restrict freedom of speech'
- Sam Joseph - CLS - 'Bullying is a constant feature of all schools'
- Ubah Mohamed Rashid - Westminster Academy - 'London: a city for the future'
- Imran Hussain - Little Ilford - 'Do we live in a nanny state?'
- Fatima Zohra Taleouine - Westminster Academy - 'Role models for young people today'
- Muneema Raafa - Mulberry - 'All students should be required to perform community service'
(Commended) - Allan Ross - CLS (Girls) - 'Freedom is an illusion'
- Agonita Qerimi - Westminster Academy - 'The Olympic Games - what will they do for London?'
- Gemma Wells - JAGS - 'The English are a nation without an identifiable culture'
(Winner) - Sabir Chowdhry - Little Ilford - 'Does advertising exploit young people?'
(Second Runner-up) - Jean Vila - CLS - 'Is the future bright or bleak?'
(First Runner-up)
The Mistress Educator was warmly thanked for her efforts in single-handedly liaising with schools, putting together such a good programme, and ensuring that administrative arrangements all went extremely smoothly.
David Taylor
The winner of the 2009 Public Speaking Competition, Gemma Wells, receiving her prize from the Master,
David Taylor.
Successful competitors with their certificates, and the Master and Mistress Educator, David and Pam Taylor
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