Young leaders speak up

YOUNG public speakers have gathered to take part in the Ballarat round of Legacy’s Junior Public Speaking Competition.

The event, held last week at Legacy House, featured competitors from Loreto College, Ballarat Grammar, St Patrick’s College and Phoenix College.

The competition winners were Charlotte Irvin from Loreto College and Phoebe Pittard from Ballarat Grammar, and they will go on to compete in the state final in September.

April Yearwood from Loreto College was runner up.

Speech topics ranged from the Lucas Girls to social media and domestic violence, and Charlotte said the competition was a great chance for her to push herself.

“I wanted to challenge myself and I also wanted to improve my public speaking skills as I’ve always loved it,” she said.

“I enjoy doing it and it is a good extra-curricular activity to do.”

The competition also provides an opportunity for the speakers to listen and learn from each other.

“It’s good listening to others and learning off them and seeing what you can improve in your next speech,” said Charlotte.

This year is the first time the state and national finals will be held in Ballarat and Phoebe said it is an exciting opportunity.

“It’s really good that Ballarat’s getting recognition having it hosted here,” she said.

“It will definitely calm the nerves a little bit in future times.”