On Saturday, 11^th May, Riverside High Student Yuxuan S (Year 8), participated in the annual Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition held at Scotch Oakburn College.  Rostrum Voice of Youth is a national speaking competition that provides an excellent opportunity for secondary school students to gain experience and confidence in expressing their views and communicating a message. Yuxuan was one of 19 speakers in the junior category and completed 2 speeches and was awarded an Encouragement Award.

Speaking in a competition might have been a little nerve-wracking, however, I would say the experience was definitely worth it. Participating in the Rostrum speaking competition, I was given 5 different theme choices, and I chose the theme “from little things”. I wanted to inspire youth at the competition about how, from the smallest of actions, big things can be achieved, through some storytelling of my personal experiences.

When the competition day came, I was quite stressed and nervous. I had not spoken in a speaking competition before, and the thought of being judged loomed in my mind. There was a total of about 22 competitors at the competition from all different schools, and we were split into two different groups and put into a room for the speaking. I enjoyed hearing others’ speeches and having a view into their perspective and passions. When it was my turn, I was still very nervous, but I gave it my best shot, and while I thought the competitors and judges would be intimidating, they were quite supportive.  I may have messed up a few times, but they were all keen to listen.

The short notice speeches were next and we were put into a room and given three themes with 15 minutes to make up a 3 minute speech, I chose the theme “being in nature” to reflect the beauty of nature, and closing it of with how I wish future generations can continue to be inspired by nature and the importance of taking care of our environment. I was originally scared of the short-notice speech, but the topics are very adaptable.

At the end, I was excited to hear that I got the encouragement award, awarded to someone who demonstrated potential. While I  may not have been the best, I was glad of giving it a go, and I encourage anyone next year to take on the opportunity, it will inspire you to grow to be a better self and speaker, gaining confidence and courage, no matter how you do, giving it a go is what really matters.

Yuxuan