Public speakers show creativity

On the weekend I had the pleasure of being a judge for the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual public speaking competition.
(Unfortunately, due to a mix up with the names, we had to withhold printing the photos until next week.)
I was very impressed with the quality of all the speeches. Some speakers tackled serious issues, some spoke on their favourite things, while others took a light hearted approach to life. In the primary division (Gr. 1-3) we heard about having to do chores, and also about procrastination.
With seven speakers in the junior division, the topics were wide ranging. One spoke on the importance of giving blood – from a speaker who isn’t yet old enough to donate, but knew how valuable blood is. Another spoke on the organization Free the Children. The audience was much entertained by another speaker who told how things would be different if he ruled the world.
The topics in the intermediate division took on more serious subjects including foreign aide, and (again) Free The Children, while the three senior speakers (Grad 10-12) spoke on the powers and dangers of the Internet; stem cell research, and about growing up Dutch.
It isn’t easy going up in front of an audience to give a speech. In fact, it’s one of the highest ranked ‘fears’ in adults. So, I just imagine how nerve wracking it was for the speakers.
When I was a member of the Kinsmen organization I twice made it to the nationals in public speaking. On my second attempt, I went over the allotted time by four seconds and was thus disqualified. The worst part of that came when I was later told by a judge that I would have won had I not gone over the 10-minute maximum.
But, thankfully, we didn’t have any disqualifications on Saturday. Instead we got to enjoy some delightful and thought provoking speeches. Well done everyone!