ON Thursday, October 17, the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre welcomed the community to the annual Rotary and Country University Centre (CUC) 2024 Primary School Public Speaking Competition. This year, 11 local schools participated, showcasing the incredible talent and confidence of young speakers from across the region.
Ten outstanding students took to the stage, each delivering a compelling five-minute speech on topics ranging from personal experiences to pressing global issues. Their eloquence and passion not only captivated the audience but also highlighted the importance of effective communication in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi president Nicki Chung hosted the evening, welcoming panellists Ray McCurry (Rotary) – timekeeper, alongside judges Don Paproth (Rotary), and CUC student ambassadors Sophie Hogan and Alex Charlton.
Throughout the evening, the judges were looking at voice projection, body language, gestures, storytelling and confidence to speak slowly. “Many years ago, there was a significant project conducted in the United States and in Australia in which they found ‘what were peoples greatest fears’,” said Don. “Was it snakes, heights, clowns? No, it was public speaking by the length of the straight, but the world has moved on folks, as you saw this evening. What an incredible group of students we’ve witnessed.”
The competition provided students an opportunity to express their ideas for the future whilst developing firsthand their public speaking and communication skills.
