MTS Divs take on Public Speaking Competition

writes Benyamin A. (Divs):

On Friday, March 22nd, I had the honour of representing my school in the heart of London’s financial district, Moorgate, specifically at the Guildhall. After a lengthy journey of sixteen stops along the Metropolitan line, we made our way to the designated room to manage our anticipation for the forthcoming hours. The event was set to commence at 6pm, and the speakers, including myself, followed in quick succession. My presentation, slated for shortly after the 7pm break, loomed over me, with my Apple Watch reminding me every five minutes of my escalating heart rate, despite a lack of physical activity.

The transition to my moment on stage was marked humorously with the announcement, "Let us just wait before I announce the next talk, 'In Defence of Procrastination' by Benyamin A." As I approached the stage, I decided to tackle my nerves head-on by dedicating the first 50 seconds of my speech to listing synonyms of 'procrastination,' beginning with the most formal iterations and concluding with 'lollygag'—a choice that elicited considerable amusement from the audience. This strategy not only dissipated my anxiety but also engaged the audience with humour and enthusiasm, bolstering my confidence with each laugh I drew.

The conclusion of my speech was met with hearty applause, signalling a job well done but also the onset of the Q&A session. Despite initial apprehensions, I found my stride, answering each inquiry comprehensively and with a sprinkle of humour, which further endeared me to the audience and elucidated my arguments.

After the presentations, as the judges deliberated and the catering team served sandwiches, I had the pleasure of engaging with a member of the staff who expressed interest in my talk on procrastination—a testament to the universal appeal of the topic. Audience members also approached me, curious about the etymology of 'lollygag,' a word they vowed to incorporate into their lexicon.

The culmination of the event saw me being named a runner-up, a commendable recognition of my efforts and a proud moment for my school. The trophy I received now occupies a place of honour in my room, a tangible reminder of a fulfilling experience. Reflecting on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my insights and connect with others over the uniquely human experience of procrastination. It was, without a doubt, a remarkable day.

writes Rien D (Divs):

On Friday evening, I had the privilege of attending the esteemed Worshipful Company of Educators Public Speaking Competition alongside Benyamin A. I first had the difficult task of selecting a topic that resonated with me. This was important, as it would enable me to deliver a compelling speech. After careful consideration, I opted to present on the topical issue of "Should Doctors Be Allowed to Strike?". Benyamin took a more philosophical approach, fearlessly defending the merits of procrastination.

As we boarded the train at Moor Park heading northbound to the London Guildhall we felt well-prepared. This was largely due to the numerous practice sessions led by Mr Hilton-Dennis, who also accompanied us to the event. The evening brought together talented speakers from various schools across London, many of whom had won competitions within their own schools to qualify. Being selected to participate was a great honour and the grandeur of the 600-year-old Guildhall emphasized the prestige of the occasion. Following my serious speech and Benyamin's humorous and theatrical one, we had the opportunity to listen to a diverse range of presentations. Topics ranged from the “Impact of music on the brain” to the “benefits of plant ownership”. The speeches delivered were of a high standard, setting a formidable benchmark. The experience of delivering our speeches and answering questions from the audience was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. When it finally concluded, a mixture of relief and disappointment washed over us, although this quickly dissipated as we engaged in discussions about our speeches with fellow students afterwards proved to be an insightful experience.

During the announcement of the winners, Benyamin was awarded the runner-up prize, which he thoroughly deserved. Overall, this experience greatly boosted my confidence and enhanced my public speaking skills. I am immensely grateful to Mr. Hilton-Dennis for organising, guiding and coaching us.