Public speaking. Two very simple words that can often strike fear into, even the bravest of men. Standing up in front of an audience and being forced to talk, whilst trying to engage them, remember what you have to say, using hand emotions, seeming confident and spending the entire time trying not to run away screaming- what could be more terrifying? These were my point of view on public speaking before the 6th of February, when I was selected to partake in an event called the ‘Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge.'
The Challenge is basically a day dedicated to learning about different skills needed for public speaking. A professional speaker came into talk to us, a man named Chris. Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘another boring professor,’ however Chris was anything but. His up-beat and happy personality instantly put us all in a better mood and helped us to ease up a bit. As he took us through different activities, including telling stories in groups and having to introduce yourself in a ‘different’ way, the day hardly felt like school at all. It was fun, refreshing and completely new, yet we were all learning along the way. However, towards the end of the day we were all asked to come up with a short speech on something that really matters to us, we would then all have to perform it and a final 3 winners would be chosen. For me, the topic was easy: guns. They are something that have affected me my whole life, and I felt as if I really had a lot to say on the matter. As everyone proceeded to give their speeches, you could really see how much people had learnt throughout the day. Those that were once shy and quiet now spoke with confidence, gesturing to get their point across and really drawing you in. Now of course, it was nerve racking to give my speech, I’m not going to deny that. Yet, I tried my best to keep a steady head and to recall everything that Chris had taught me that day and…it worked! I was selected as one of the final 3 and now we shall all compete on Monday the 4th to see who shall go through to the Regionals at St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls. Honestly? I am terrified, but I feel as if I am prepared and honestly would never have known there was this whole entire world of public speaking, if the ‘Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge’ hadn’t shown me.
The challenge is a programme run by Speakers Trust and funded by The Jack Petchey Foundation. They set up the scheme, as they believe everyone should have the skills, confidence and desire to speak in public, and therefore wanted to do what they could to achieve this. They have already trained over 150,000 people and worked with over 1,000 schools and voluntary organisations throughout the UK.
Personally, I think this is a brilliant idea. If the youth of today can learn to speak confidently and without fear, it will help them so much throughout the course of their lives; the sooner they learn, the sooner they can make an impact. Public speaking is such an important skill, yet very few people really realise it. Of course, you have to have good ideas and strategic plans in order to really make a difference, but if you can’t voice what you’re thinking, does any of that really matter? So, thank you Chris. I really do owe you one.
