On Wednesday 28 August, the annual Year 9 MISA Youth of the Year public speaking competition was once again hosted by Mount Carmel Catholic College. Each year, two competitors are selected from the Year 9 cohort of each participating school. All of this year’s competitors were of the highest calibre, and each demonstrated a comprehensive and extensive understanding of current contemporary issues facing modern society.

It was an enriching, enlightening and highly motivating experience as we were surrounded by such like-minded, knowledgeable and articulate young people who courageously shared their thoughts, ideas and beliefs; making insightful commentary on a number of environmental, social, cultural and religious concerns facing our modern world.

The competition consisted of a short interview, followed by a 3 minute speech on any topic which the speaker deemed relevant and topical in the climate of today’s society. The topic I selected was ‘what we owe to each other’, while Jasmine spoke on the topic of ‘expectations’. The adjudicators consisted of three Toastmasters, interviewing each student as well as adjudicating the speeches. The speakers awarded first, second and third place were equally deserving, as they demonstrated a thorough command of language and were able to gain, and retain, the audience’s attention; a vital component to the art of public speaking. 

MISA Youth of the Year is a great opportunity to practice good public speaking and communication skills, as well as have the chance to refine your manner of speaking, and focus on the finer details, such as facial expression, intonation, and gesturing. 

A big thank you to Jaiden Legaspi for his mentorship and assistance in helping us to prepare for MISA Youth of the Year, especially in giving up his time to give us advice and feedback. We would also like to thank Mr Pletikosa for his support and guidance over the past two months as we prepared ourselves, and in providing us with the opportunity to enhance our own public speaking skills by coordinating this event.

It was a great honour and privilege to represent the College for MISA Youth of the Year 2019!

If you are interested in partaking in public speaking and debating within the College, come join the Oratory Society, which meets during sport on Tuesdays, or email Mr Pletikosa!

Gabriel Garcia & Jasmine King

2019 MISA Youth of the Year Competitors