Alongside our Sixth Former’s, some of our Year 10s also participated in this year’s English-Speaking Union’s 2024-2025 Public Speaking Competition and did great considering the challenging layout of the competition. The initial round was held online and round two happened at the Guilford Guildhall. The team that progressed ahead speaks of their unique experience below:
WILHEMINA – SPEAKER (The Speaker: Delivers a clear, engaging speech with strong arguments, evidence, and respect for different views. Their goal is to inform or persuade effectively.)
“As the speaker for the ESU competition, competing was an unforgettable experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and refined my ability to communicate with clarity and confidence. The first stage took place on Zoom, which presented its own challenges, from managing virtual engagement to ensuring a strong delivery through a screen. Despite this, my team and I adapted quickly, I presented my speech with conviction and handled impromptu questions with composure. As the competition progressed, we grew stronger, despite being paired with other schools. My group and I still managed to shine as a team. Our hard work paid off when my team won, a moment of immense pride that validated our preparation and teamwork. Engaging with fellow competitors, each with their unique perspectives and styles, that was both inspiring and enlightening. The competition not only strengthened my public speaking abilities but also deepened my appreciation for the power of rhetoric and the impact of persuasive communication.”
JEREIL – CHAIRMAN (The Chairman: Introduces the speaker, manages time, and ensures smooth, orderly discussion. They facilitate respectful and productive exchanges)
“Participating in the ESU Churchill speaking competition was probably one of the best experiences ever. I’m not really a confident speaker in general when it comes to publicity, but this experience really allowed me to further my skills and knowledge. I got to learn about how projecting your voice and having clear intentions in your speech is effective and can capture your audience easily. I also learnt how your body language determines if you’re enjoying it or not. There’s so much more I could list, and this shows how ESU Churchill probably helped me realise that I do have a voice, and I can show the world what I am capable of. Once again, this program furthered my skills by representing my school, and I am beyond grateful for the school allowing us students to shine and for Miss Bibi for preparing us in all those lunchtimes and after school sessions. I would love to do this program again but come back even better and ready.”
NICOLE – QUESTIONER (The Questioner: Asks relevant, thought-provoking questions to clarify or challenge the speaker’s points, keeping the presentation dynamic and insightful.)
“The ESU Churchill Speaking Debate was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence to speak up, share my ideas, and hold my ground in discussions. Before, I sometimes doubted whether my voice mattered, but this experience showed me that it does. Debating in front of an audience and responding to challenges helped me think on my feet and trust my own perspective. It wasn’t just about winning arguments it was about learning to communicate clearly, listen actively, and believe in what I had to say.”
