Imagine being involved in a speech contest where many of the speakers do not even stand as high as your waist. Yet, these enthusiastic young people owned the stage and enthusiastically shared their stories and poems with an audience of supportive teachers, parents, family and friends, willing their children on.

What a privilege to adjudicate such a speaking contest, organised and run by iVerbalize at St James’ RC Primary in Petts Wood. The participants were children from the school. The youngest was in reception year. The oldest in Year 6, ie from about 4 to 10 years of age. In total, there were eight younger children and 13 older children throwing their hearts and minds into their delivery. Not only had they taken control of their nerves to do what so many adults find terrifying, they had also, in the main, written their own material.

As adjudicator, I saw my role as primarily supporting and encouraging such inspirational participants, while giving them some feedback to help them improve. My main suggestions focused on adopting a stable, confident stance, taking their time to compose themselves and trying to use their beautiful smiles while they talked. For the older contestants, we looked at tips around greater use of their voice and body language to reinforce their words. The children had lovely clear voices and generally maintained good eye contact – a tremendous skill when you’re nervous. I shared with them a tip to make sure their eye contact included everyone in the audience.

 ‘Ronke Kokoruwe, founder of iVerbalize said:

It was truly OUR privilege to have you with us. Thanks so much once again for taking the time out to inspire & encourage youngsters to be great!!! It is wonderful to have you as part of our iVerbalize journey! We would love to have you back as a returning adjudicator and will do our best to ensure the weather is so much better! A nice summer’s day just for you. 

Weather aside, it was, indeed, a wonderful day. Despite almost freezing alive to get there on a very cold and snowy Saturday in March, I left glowing with pride at what these young people had achieved. I sincerely hope they keep practising their speaking and enjoy the success it will help them achieve throughout their lives.