Young Tasmanian speakers charmed judges at the Rostrum Voice of Youth state final on Saturday night.
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Students confidently presented their prepared speeches but had their skills tested when they were given 15 minutes to prepare a three minute short notice speech at Scotch Oakburn College.
Participants were assessed on their ability to achieve a perceived purpose by developing a theme logically and their ability to present the material in a way that would draw an emotional response from the audience.
New Town High School grade nine student Kelly Stone said he was a finalist in 2015 so it was great to come back and win the junior competition this year.
Stone’s prepared speech looked at the basis of creativity as an important part of education, something he said was extremely passionate about.
“The prepared speech was something that I found really interesting, it was an awesome topic to cover and I think I did it really well,” Stone said.
Writing the short speech was “super intense”, Stone said.
Launceston Church Grammar School grade 11 student Eamonn Shorter won the senior competition.
Shorter’s prepared speech focused on gun control in America.
“I love speaking, I love the whole process of writing a speech and getting to talk in front of an audience about issues which I am passionate about,” Shorter said.
“I think this year was the most passionate I’ve been in my speaking, so I am really glad that I won.”
Both winners received $300 and a trip to the national final in Melbourne on Saturday, July 30.
The runners up received $150.
Stone and Shorter will travel to Melbourne the for Rostrum Voice of Youth’s national final on Saturday, July 30.
Tasmanian Rostrum Voice of Youth President Dave Asten said he was extremely impressed with the students short notice speeches.
Around 1400 students across Australia competed in the competition.
There were 16 speakers from Tasmania.
