Schools
27 April, 2023
Caboolture scholar makes her voice heard
Caboolture State High School student Jessica Davidson is moving ahead in leaps and bounds with public speaking during her final year of school.
She was named best public speaker and was awarded first place overall for the Caboolture/Morayfield division in the Lions Youth of the Year competition, held at St Columban’s College in Caboolture.
Jessica had an interview with a panel of judges, followed by two impromptu speeches lasting two minutes each, before she gave a five-minute prepared speech on her chosen topic of child marriage.
Each competitor had to speak in front of the judging panel and the crowd, which consisted of competitors, parents, and Lions Club members.
Jessica said she was very excited and proud of herself when she achieved her first placing, as it was the first time she had accomplished this.
“Due to having multiple assessment items at school during the time, I didn’t get as much time to rehearse the prepared speech, however I was able to make some time,” she said.
The year 12 student went on to speak in the regional final at Wamuran where the same process took place.
“There are rules regarding changing your speech topic between rounds, so I stayed with the same topic,” she said.
“However, the impromptu questions were different each time.”
Despite not advancing to the next round, Jessica said she was pleased to have had the opportunity to compete against other district winners.
“The quality of the speeches was incredible,” she said.
“After having delivered my speech, I was approached by some parents who were interested in my topic as they weren’t aware of the issues regarding child marriage, so again I was pleased that I could create awareness about a somewhat unspoken problem.”
Since then, the year 12 student was a guest speaker at a Zonta Caboolture dinner meeting where she gave her speech on child marriage.
Jessica has also entered a public speaking competition, held by The English-Speaking Union. The first heats will start at 5.30pm on July 20, at the Brisbane-based Seven Hills Hub.
“It’s a similar process except they give the topic for the speech and therefore all speakers have the same topic,” Jessica said.
Jessica said it was only this year that she became more interested in public speaking, after she was asked through Caboolture State High School if she would like to compete in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition.
“I enjoy being able to spread awareness about different issues in society,” she said.
Jessica said that when doing public speaking, she generally maintained “a formal approach as the speeches are quite mature”.
“I also utilise several persuasive devices to engage the audience and create more impact throughout the speech,” she said.
As for pursuits after finishing school, Jessica said she intended to study environmental science or ecology.
“Public speaking will be involved in my future career path, as I believe it is a key 21st century skill,” she said.
