On Thursday 20 November, three talented teams of public speakers took part in the Rotary Youth Speaks public speaking competition at St Joseph’s College.

Sophia and Jessica in Lower IV and Janani in Upper IV demonstrated their keen skills and fierce intellects in the intermediary competition, debating the motion “Disney films should be modified to recognise diversity.” As chairperson, Jess set out a clear definition of diversity. Sophia proposed the motion and presented a compelling argument that Disney princesses present an unrealistic and unhelpful model for girls. Janani opposed the motion with an impassioned speech referencing research that shows fears concerning the influence of Disney films are perhaps overstated. While our Abbey intermediate public speakers did not win the day, we are very proud of their excellent performance and look forward to seeing them continue to develop as public speakers.

Two teams participated in the senior competition. The first to compete were Alicia, Gabrielle, and Saanvi in Lower V. This team only had a few weeks to write and practise their speeches as the Rotary made a last minute decision to include additional teams. As chairperson, Alicia deftly presented the controversial topic, a quotation from Nicolo Machiavelli: “we would rather be feared than loved.” Gabrielle demonstrated her superb timing and rhetorical talents proposing the motion, arguing that fear fosters loyalty and produces meaningful social change. Saanvi opposed the motion with wit and charm, carefully referencing Gabrielle’s arguments in her own excellent speech. The judges commended this team for the logic and nuance of their arguments.

The second Abbey team, also made up of Lower V students, reprised their winning performance from last year’s Brigstocke public speaking competition. Krisha introduced the motion ‘we should continue teaching nursery rhymes to children’ with clarity, force, and without once consulting her notes. Ellanya, who also presented without recourse to notes, proposed the motion and performed brilliantly, arguing that nursery rhymes are potent teaching tools while incorporating pregnant pauses, asides, and well-timed jokes. Nikita, once again note-free, opposed the motion, arguing that the dark and often disturbing themes in nursery rhymes ought to convince us to avoid them. She matched Ellanya joke for joke and delivered a masterful speech. The judges praised this team for their dynamic and engaging performance.

Alas, both of our talented senior teams were beaten by a team of sixth form students from St Joseph’s in a very close competition. In typical Abbey fashion, both senior teams immediately sought feedback from the judges to improve their performances next year.

We could not be more proud of our public speakers’ accomplishments.