Students speak the ideals of legacy

ST Patrick’s College will host the 2021 Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition regional final in July.

Ballarat Legacy’s Allan Mckinnon said the 33-year-old contest for secondary school students aged 12 to 14 has been held in Ballarat for many years, and selected pupils from most of the city’s high schools will participate in 2021.

“The aim of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition is to enhance the oral communication and public speaking skills of students, and to help young people appreciate the ideals of Legacy,” he said.

Entrants must present a prepared five-minute speech on any topic linked to the ideals of voluntary service, care, comradeship or remembrance, and a two-minute impromptu speech on a topic chosen by the competition’s chief judge.

Judges will look for an impactful opening and conclusion, entertaining subject matter that stays on topic, originality, coherent plain English, a steady, clear, and strong presenting voice, good posture and body language, eye contact, and some appropriate humour.

The regional final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition will run from 9.30am on Wednesday, 28 July. All participants will be awarded a Legacy badge and certificate.

Some schools will conduct their own public speaking contests to select members for a team to compete at the regional final.

Following this event, successful speakers will perform at the preliminary finals in September and could contend for a trophy at the Victorian final in October.

The national final will follow. The winning student receives a $500 cash prize, and the perpetual trophy with their, and their school’s, name engraved on it.

Visit melbournelegacy.com.au/schools for more info.