180 students actively participated in Colchester and North Essex branch’s third annual Primary School Public Speaking Competitions for school year 4 on 20, 25 & 29 March 2019. Generously hosted by Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, by kind permission of Vice Chancellor Professor Watkins, the events represent substantial year-on-year growth of the project developed and delivered by committee member, Public Speaking Training Manager, Nicky Browne. In the process, over a thousand children attended workshops in public speaking at the participating schools before the competing chairs, speakers and questioners were finally selected. Thirty teams from twenty-four schools took part over the three days of competition, paired together for authentic cross-questioning.
Nicky was most ably assisted in delivering the programme of workshops this year by Sarah Kiedish and Nicola Daly, who were an inspiration to the pupils. Orla O’Reilly provided a wealth of experience in general management and was the chief photographer. Rebecca Curry proficiently handled the myriad aspects of administration, including the liaison with teachers. Susie Cullen, Events Manager at Anglia Ruskin University, provided invaluable support in staging this year’s events for the third successive year at a highly prestigious venue.
