Standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech may seem like a simple task.
For Crawford International Fourways Grade 7 learners, however, a recent public-speaking competition demonstrated that effective communication goes far beyond memorising words. With nerves, preparation, and the pressure of an audience to contend with, the learners took to the stage to present their prepared speeches and put their developing skills into practice.

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Principal Shivani Sahadeo said the school deliberately introduces public speaking at a young age because of the role the skill can play throughout a learner’s life. “Public speaking is offered as an extracurricular activity at the school, with learners attending weekly sessions where they can develop their abilities and discover what aspects of the activity appeal to them.

“Learners who participate in the programme are given guidance and support before being selected to represent the school in competitions.” She credited Monica Miller, who assists with public speaking, for helping learners prepare and develop their skills.

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While the competition tested the learners in different areas, Sahadeo said their prepared speeches stood out. She also highlighted that impromptu speaking remains an area where the learners can grow. “Unlike prepared speeches, impromptu speaking requires learners to think on their feet and communicate their ideas without extensive preparation.”

Public-speaking judge Marcelle Pincus challenged the learners to bring more of themselves into their presentations, encouraging them to draw on personal experiences when preparing their speeches. She explained that phrases such as ‘I remember’ or ‘my first memory’ can immediately give an audience insight into the person behind the speech. “Every one of you is different. Every one of you has a different personality, and that’s what makes life so exciting.” She also noticed how learners handled their notes, praising those who understood when to look down, turn a page, and then return their attention to the audience.

With public speaking forming part of their extracurricular programme, Sahadeo said the learners will have further opportunities to refine those skills… One speech at a time.

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