By Natasha Fujimoto
WHEN you give kids an opportunity to shine, you’re never disappointed, in fact, they usually manage to astound with their thought, creativity and courage.
Rising to the challenge of public speaking, students from both Kialla West and Kialla Central Primary Schools came together on Thursday, November 24 for the inaugural Lions Public Speaking Competition.
A pilot program for the region, students from grades three to six chose their own topics to present to a panel of judges and were assessed on their ability to engage their audience, while maintaining a logical, well researched argument that concluded succinctly.
Wowing the audience with her speech about the importance of equal right for girls in education, grade three student Amelia Papallo took top honours and said, “In lots of countries it’s not fair that girls cannot get an education. I believe this really needs to change and when it does poverty will go down.”
Choosing to speak about the intricacies of bee colonies, grade six student Lily Moulsdale said of her public speaking experience, “I was confident but then I was also a bit nervous, and I wasn’t sure if I was speaking too fast or too slow, but I will definitely consider more public speaking in the future.”
An avid reader of the Percy Jackson series fellow grade six student, Eliza Cowan chose the Greek Gods as her theme for public address and said that while she had been nervous to begin with, she was proud of her efforts.
“I’d like to say it’s pretty fun and interesting to speak publicly and it shows that you’re more confident than you think.”
