Bryony Cuff, Sam Taylor and Jake Thurman from John Hanson Community School took to the stage in the grand final of the Rotary Youth Speaks 2010 competition to take third place in the intermediate category.
The team, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Andover, were up against six other groups who had all made their way through local school and regional heats before coming to Stratford on Avon for the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) challenge.
Their presentation posed the question of whether honesty really is the best policy and through a combination of humour and observations about the existence of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and that ever tricky question “Does my bum look big in this?” the team gave the audience plenty to think about.
Paul Blunt, retired Open University director, was one of the judges: “This has been a remarkable experience. We have all been struck by the maturity of the presentations. I could have closed my eyes and adults could have been speaking. There has been effective use of humour which made presentations that much better.
“The teams have been through several rounds and we have very experienced speakers here today. What has come over is that the speakers love their subjects. When dealing with public speaking, you have to know and love your subject.”
President David Fowler presented trophies to the winners: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to make this award. Everyone here has made their way through regional heats. In their own right and own region, everyone is a winner. Congratulations to each and every one of you today. The standard is incredibly high and there are truly outstanding speakers. Their eloquence is to be marveled at and they have given the audience much to think about.
“In a time when youth is much maligned, these youngsters have shown how honourable, talented and inquisitive young people are. They are tomorrow’s leaders and it is well worth our while to encourage their talents. The future is certainly safe in their hands.
“At RIBI, we work very hard to make sure everyone has a chance to develop their leadership skills and confidence while making a difference and, of course, having fun along the way. Rotary Youth Speaks is a wonderful opportunity for young people to take centre stage and be heard. The event helps them to test out and hone their oratory and presentation skills.”
For over 30 years The Rotary Club of Andover has organised the Youth Speaks Competition in Andover to allow young people from the local schools and college the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their public speaking skills. We are delighted that Bryony, Sam and Jake were able to progress so far in this year's competition.
The trio were coached by teachers Charlotte Handley and Rebecca Collins, assisted by Assistant Headteacher Jenny Carter.
Immediately after the competition, Miss Handley said "All three of the team demonstrated a continue flair for public speaking that not only astounded the judges, but their teachers as well.".
Mrs Collins then went on to further praise the team saying "Although very nervous, they were extremely professional in their delivery of the speech. Sam answered the question with the same wit and humour that has helped them get to the final, Bryony was extremely charming and charismatic and Jake was very confident and clever in his closing. We are extremely proud of their achievement and hope for even greater ones next year."
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