Public Speaking Triumph

What an amazing show of confidence there was in this year’s Public Speaking Contest. How did these children get so good, so young, at something that adults often can’t handle, let alone own? We were so impressed across the board! Every speech was special and well-delivered. It was extremely difficult to choose winners. Topics included why sleep is so important, Canada’s Food Guide, laughter, hockey, Minecraft, hot sauce and dolphins. The children told jokes (and waited for the laughs before moving on), asked leading questions to pique our interest and engaged directly with the audience to demonstrate their ideas. These are very sophisticated techniques and to see the speakers employ them so skillfully was a wonder to behold. We are incredibly proud of the public speaking opportunities made available to the kids every day at CGS and to see the children make such good use of their experience is so satisfying, for Marie and all of us involved.

The children are judged out of five on Content (research, understanding of their topic, familiarity with material), Voice (intonation, expression, projection, speed fluency), Captivation of Audience (attention-getting, interesting), Eye Contact (looking up at the audience), Posture (standing tall, standing still) and Memory (how much of the speech is memorized, use of memory aids).

Congratualtions to our 2019 winners, Luke and Gavin, for their engaging, funny, informative and totally professional speeches. A huge well done to all the participants. To the Grade 1’s – get ready for next year! Thank you Lisa, Jordan, Michelle L and parents at home for supporting the children to do such a great job.

Kelly Scott
Judge, CGS Public Speaking Contest
Children’s Garden School