Seventeen Elphinstone students received their certificates in public speaking on April 5. Students in the Youth Leadership class in grades 10, 11 and 12 participated. Over the course of eight weeks, in addition to giving two prepared speeches, students evaluated each other using positive feedback, practised impromptu responses to a variety of topics and took on the roles of chairperson, timer and grammarian. New words were practiced, ranging from jejune to aberration.
The students impressed the organizers with their maturity and support for each other. Speech topics opened eyes to personal struggles, encouraged riotous laughter and stimulated new thoughts on controversial topics. During the short duration of the program, the ease and confidence of students grew with the calibre of the speeches and their impact keeping pace.
Toastmasters Youth Leadership training has been provided at Elphinstone Secondary School for five years on the instigation of and guidance by teacher Sarah Mani. Neil Booth and Kay Wotton from Morningstars Toastmasters assisted Mani in presenting the program.
– Submitted
