Boys’ School Speech Competitions
Boys’ School Speech Competitions
June 22, 2017 at 4:39 PM
The all-important weather conversation, enjoying no traffic, a heightened chance of being an All Black, being tough enough to wear shorts in winter, dagging sheep… is Sam McLeod, the winner of this year’s Middle School speech competition, hardy enough to be a true Southern Man? And what was the chance that his family pet, the ‘Latte Lab,’ could adapt to life on a farm? After weighing the odds, Sam had to conclude he’s probably a true Aucklander at heart, but Southern Man or not, his fantastic speech delivery earned him a well-deserved first place!
Our Middle School boys were the first to put their speaking skills to the test in front of this year’s judges, skilled communicators, Wendy Petrie and Kate Hurst. All nine boys gave fantastic speeches but it was Chris Revell-Devlin’s hilarious account of his parents’ take on ‘The Gift of Failure’ that earned the second spot, with Theo Colyer in third place, having asked if we would choose a chocolate bar over the life of an orang-utan, in choosing products with palm oil.
The following day, it was the turn of the senior boys with Ms Hurst returning to judge along with brother, Ben, a noted speaker. This is the third time they have judged for Saint Kentigern.
Recognising the traits of good leadership, along with a natural gift for public speaking proved to be a winning formula for George Beca. With great stage presence, he said he has come to recognise that not all leaders are good leaders and as 12 year olds, they have much to aspire to as they learn to make the world a better place. Austin Alcock was runner up with a powerful speech about the selfless act of organ donation, knowing the difference it made for his own mother. He beseeched us all to leave a legacy – tick the organ donation box on our driver’s license.
To understand the calibre of the two small groups of finalists who represented each age group in the finals, keep this in mind - well over 400 boys in the Middle and Senior School gave speeches in the preceding weeks, gradually moving through the ranks to be finally selected as finalists. Every one of the finalists was a strong contender with excellent speech making skills. Consequently, judging was not easy! However, having given close consideration to speech construction, delivery and presentation, content and engagement, use of language and the overall impact – our winning boys ticked all the boxes!
Our sincere thanks to Wendy, Kate and Ben for giving so freely of their time to come and judge. We are most appreciative.
MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNERS
1st Sam McLeod 6MJ If I was a Southern Man
2nd Chris Revell-Devlin 5CW The Gift of Failure
3rd Theo Colyer 4GK Orangutans
SENIOR SCHOOL WINNERS
1st George Beca 8KK Leadership
2nd Austin Alcock 7HT Organ Donors
MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALISTS
Thomas Hageman 6AW Quiz Night
Taylor Bai 5CW If I Were a Superhero
Oliver Hardie 5GE Luck
Johnny Ormond 4GK The Middle Child
Jett Evans 5AL My Great Great Uncle in World War Two
Sean Trombitas 6CT King Henry VIII and His Wives
SENIOR SCHOOL FINALISTS
Sebastian Hardie 8BC Multitasking
Will Tisdall 8WH How Much is too Much?
Robson Reidy 7FM Passchendaele
Louis Eglinton 8KK A Candy Marshmallow Land
Fionn Steele Smith 7MT World War Three
Brendan Meyer 7FM Life Choices
Nick Bigio 8WH First and Third World Problems
Jashil Rana 7CV Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
OUR JUDGES
Wendy Petrie is a presenter of Television New Zealand's One News at 6pm. She is an excellent presenter, public figure and communications expert. She believes that every young person should develop the life skill of public speaking.
Kate Hurst is the director of Head Held High, School of Confidence. She has been teaching public speaking and Speech and Drama to people aged 3 to adults the last 11 years. Kate is passionate about public speaking and loves her job building the confidence, creativity and communication skills of her students.
Ben Hurst a former Crusaders and Canterbury rugby halfback is an exceptional public speaker. He is a well-respected MC and is called upon to speak regularly at functions. He is Kate’s brother.
