Public Speaking Success

Girls continue to speak up and speak out this term, qualifying for regional and national finals.

Students have participated in ten different events, competitions and friendlies in 2021 so far. Highlights include successes in the GDST Chrystall Prize and the English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition.

Congratulations to Erin (Year 11) our semi-finalist for February’s Chrystall Prize heat. After a compelling speech on the topic, All people should have a universal basic income, as well as confident, articulate responses to questions, she was announced as the winner. Erin will go on to compete in the grand final in March.

In round one of the ESU competition, Charlotte (Year 11) gave a wonderful speech on the topic, Is it time for the cinematic race of superheroes to become extinct?, while Olivia (Year 9) was a highly professional chair and Manon (Year 11) an insightful, focused questioner. The team did extremely well to win their round and qualify for the Regional Final in March. We wish all of them the very best of luck!

Last year, South Hampstead was awarded the ESU Oracy Culture Prize 2020 for supporting young women to find their voice. Despite lockdown, debating and public speaking have continued to thrive online this term.