St Leonard’s College recently served as the venue for the annual ACS Public Speaking Competition, an event that brought together talented students from seven prominent schools. Held on Monday 5 August, the competition was a celebration of eloquence, critical thinking, and the power of the spoken word. The event was expertly MC’d by St Leonard’s College Assistant Principal Lisa Slingsby, and adjudicated by the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV), ensuring a high standard of judging throughout the evening.
The participating schools included Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Loyola College, Overnewton Anglican Community College, St Aloysius College, St Leonard’s College, St Michael’s Grammar School, and Westbourne Grammar School. Each school was represented by students who had demonstrated exceptional public speaking abilities, making the competition fierce and the atmosphere electrifying.
The competition was divided into three categories—Junior, Intermediate, and Senior—allowing students of different age groups to showcase their skills.
In the Junior division, David from Overnewton Anglican Community College emerged as the winner. His speech captivated the judges and audience alike with its clarity, confidence, and insightful content. David’s performance set a high bar for the competition and earned him well-deserved recognition.
The Intermediate division saw Fadzai from St Aloysius College take the top spot. Her powerful and persuasive speech demonstrated not only her command of language but also her ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. Fadzai’s win was a testament to her dedication and skill in public speaking.
In the Senior division, Richie from St Leonard’s College claimed victory with a speech that was both compelling and thought-provoking. His eloquent delivery and ability to engage the audience showcased his exceptional talent, making him a standout in the competition.
Assistant Principal Lisa Slingsby, who MC’d the event, praised all participants for their remarkable performances. “The ACS Public Speaking Competition is an important platform for our students to develop and demonstrate their public speaking skills. Each speaker tonight has shown tremendous courage and talent, and they should all be proud of their achievements,” she said.
The event was adjudicated by members of the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV), who provided expert feedback and ensured that the judging process was thorough and impartial. Their involvement added an extra layer of professionalism to the competition, making it an invaluable experience for all participants.
As the evening concluded, the winners were celebrated for their achievements, and all participants were commended for their efforts. The ACS Public Speaking Competition continues to be a cornerstone event that nurtures the next generation of leaders by honing their public speaking skills—a vital component of leadership and personal development.
This year’s competition once again highlighted the incredible talent and potential of students across the ACS community. With the bar set high, future competitions are sure to inspire even greater levels of excellence in public speaking.
