Firstly, we met our team leader for the day, Abbey Quinn, who taught us the importance of Public Speaking and how it could benefit us in the future.  However, for this to happen we had to learn the top ten tips for speaking in public, this included things like - Be Yourself, Eye Contact, Structure your Speech and most importantly, Smile! T hen we were given a chance to speak out on anything we felt strongly about; when I was told this I jumped up and I couldn't wait to get pen to paper (although we were not allowed any notes)!

 

I created a speech about how you should never let anyone or anything get in the way of your dreams, hopes, wishes and desires in life and that you should never give up chasing them because at the end of the day "It's My Life! It's My Choice!" When it approached the end of the day we were asked to perform our speeches (without any notes) in front of a panel of judges who were, Ms Hawkes, Mrs Grima and Abbey. Out of the 25 speakers, they had to chose a winner and a reserve, however because everybody's speeches were AMAZING, it was so hard for them to decide just two. Instead, they chose 6 students who had to then perform the speech again in front of our year assembly. I was thrilled when I was told that I was one of the lucky 6 who had made it to the next stage.

 

When it came to the day of the assembly I was very nervous but I didn't give up and I told myself that if I believed in myself then I knew I could do it. My wish came true as I had won and was able to go through to the Regional Finals with Rachel Roberts who was asked to be the reserve. I still can't imagine how the judges were able to choose the winner as everyone there was fantastic and you could tell that they learnt a lot from the day they spent with Abbey. 

 

The Regional Final was held at Cheam High School and whilst there I met a lot of new friends from different schools who also helped encourage and support me. Once I sat down the adrenaline kicked in and I was a mix of nerves and excitement. When it was my turn to go up on stage and perform my speech all the butterflies in my stomach had left me and I stood up and I Spoke Out. I felt so proud of myself because I never thought I was capable of standing up in front of a hundred people and have the courage to perform and speak out loud. Although I did not get through to the next stage, in my heart I still felt like a winner because for the first time in my life I got through a fear of standing in front of a large audience and speaking out. From this challenge I gained a lot of self-confidence and self-esteem. I also learnt how to become a better communicator with a greater awareness of the importance of speaking up. Going to the Regional Finals and performing in front of everyone was the best day of my life! I'm very grateful that I was chosen to take part in the challenge, I have no regrets and if I could, I would repeat the whole day again!