Young speakers from all over the UK are making their way to Hull for the national final of the 2013 RIBI Youth Speaks competition. The 14 teams of finalists, who are each sponsored by their local Rotary club, were selected by judges from hundreds of competing teams at regional heats around the country. The final will take place on Sunday 28th April at the University of Hull.
President of RIBI, John Minhinick said: “All the teams have worked extremely hard to get through the local heats and this year we have seen seen a very high standard of competition. All of the finalists have already proved that they have a knack for public speaking which will stand them in good stead whatever they decide to do in the future. Whichever team wins, we hope that everyone will enjoy the experience.”
The competition offers young people aged 11-17 the experience of speaking on a public platform as members of a team about a topic of their choice. The winners each receive a trophy and a £50 gift voucher.
The finalists are:
John Ogilvie High School, Hamilton, Mount School, York, The Brentwood School, Oxford Oratory, Tavistock College, Rugby High School, Dallam School, Westmorland, Glasgow High School, Scarborough College, Hitchin Boys School, d’Overbroeke’s College, Oxford, Pilton Community College, St John Lloyd Comprehensive School and St Peter’s High School, Wigan.
The judges are:
Gordon Beastall, Managing Director, Barnstormers Drama School
Jenny Byass, former teacher of performing arts
Janet Brumby, General Manager, For Entrepreneurs Only
Bill Ramsay, Regional Development Manager, English Speaking Union
Blair Jacobs, broadcaster, facilitator and corporate media skills trainer
Helen Tait, teacher and managing director of a national training company
