And if you missed the first episode (because you were at a Toastmasters meeting or contest ?) watch here or go to BBC iPlayer where it will be for the next 29 days.
If you've just watch it I hope you enjoyed the first episode as much as I did.
Did you have misgivings before this show started? After all the reality shows, X-factor and other contests I have to confess I was slightly concerned that The Speaker might turn out to be too much contest and not enough content. Luckily this was not the case. We got a good flavour of the quality of speaking that these young people can already achieve. Comments from the judges that were short and to the point. And a good feeling that the ten contestants who came through from the Glasgow/London heats will impress us when we see them again in Episode 3. And what a range of subjects: adoption, graffiti, prison, mobile phones, punk rock, gender inequality, multiple sclerosis, teenage love, education....
The overall standard of public speaking from the 160 from whom the final 20 are being chosen appears to be high. I recognised one speaker whom I've heard before (in the Jack Petchey Speakout Challenge!) from her first word "Georgina!". She was certainly memorable. Although not in the final ten tonight her speech was very good and an illustration of just what a difficult task the judges have ahead of them.
Hope you will be watching Episode 2 tomorrow evening or soon after. I'll be going to iPlayer after Excalibur Speakers!
Remember there are 8 episodes in total at 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday until 29 April.
