Posted by Dorothea Stuart
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if you'd starting your toastmasters career when you were just 15 years old? If only...
20,000 plus Year 10 students across London and Essex have been given the fabulous opportunity to take part in the Jack Petchey "Speak Out" Challenge! organised by SpeakersBank. Culminating this year in the Gala Grand Final 2008 18 contestants enthralled the audience of 600 people with their extraordinary speaking skills.
The 2008 winner Sultan Ahmed received a standing ovation after his 3 minute speech. Combining great humour with a serious message about discrimination he convincingly showed us despite being short he is a giant.
As you might expect members of Toastmasters have been involved with Speak Out Challenge. Working for SpeakersBank Sean Kennedy of London Communicators has project managed the whole endeavour.
Others of us have been MCs and judges at Regional Finals (an extremely hard job!) and a part of enthusiastic audiences.
Iain Duthie, 2007/08 Assistant Division B Governor, attended the 2008 Gala Grand Final. His first impression? "What struck me most was the exceptionally high standard of the speakers. The speeches were as diverse as the individuals' backgrounds and some were very powerfully delivered." Will he be back? "I'll certainly be back for the 2009 Final. I learned such a lot this year, about techniques for speaking in public and the fact that not all groups of young people want to cause mayhem - they can also be inspiring."
See the contestants in the video clip below from the 2007 Challenge.
And the Wandsworth Borough Final 2007:
But what happens once the grand final is over? Sean Kennedy would love to see more Toastmasters clubs getting involved with a Youth Leadership Program or finding other ways to help the students continue developing their promise. Could your club forge links with a local school or holding 'junior evenings' where young speakers can perform? "As we all know the more we speak the better we get. Toastmasters have a chance to provide more opportunities for these young people, and connect with a future generation of members."
The Jack Petchey Foundation has increased funding of the "Speak Out" Challenge! so it will be extended to 20 cities in the UK from September. Members of Toastmasters will be very welcome as guests at Regional Finals and Sean would welcome Club Presidents to join the team of judges. SpeakersBank are developing the www.speakoutchallenge.com site as public speaking resource for young people. Video tips and other resources from Toastmasters would be greatly appreciated. Email Sean to offer your support.
And for real treat buy the DVD of the 2008 Gala Grand Final and learn from some truly exceptional performances.
