Talented young speakers from across the Canberra region recently competed in the Grand Final of the ACT Rostrum Primary School Public Speaking Competition at Canberra College in Phillip.

Having successfully navigated the quarter and semi-finals, on 12 September the eight young finalists were cheered on by a full house of parents and teachers as they spoke on a variety of topics.

Congratulations go to the winner, Pinipa, from Kaleen Primary School, for her speech on ‘Reach for the Stars’, and runner-up, Leo, from Marist College for his speech on ‘The Power of the Sea’.

Founded in 1930, the Rostrum Australia public speaking club is the main continuation of the original Rostrum club founded in Manchester UK in 1923. Members of all ages are welcome.

This year, Rostrum ACT hosted the 51st Primary School Public Speaking Competition.

The winner and runner-up were presented their trophies by 96-year-old Dorothy Hine, benefactor and one of the original instigators of the competition.

When Pinipa ascended to the stage to accept her award, both were so excited about her win that they spontaneously hugged in what ACT Rostrum President Jane Shelling would later call “a real feel-good affair.”

In addition, every young speaker received a certificate and a medallion presented by patron of Rostrum ACT, Joy Burch MLA.

Adjudicators from ACT Rostrum Clubs selected the two best speakers and, for the first time, the Randall Falkiner Award for Excellence in Research. 

This award was presented in memory of Randall Alan Falkiner, who was a member of Rostrum for nearly 30 years, before passing away on 18 April 2022 at the age of 69.

An ex-CSIRO scientist, as an adjudicator, Randall always lauded the young public speakers who had a solid reference, a book, or a fun fact to expound in their speech.

This year, Emily from St John the Apostle Primary School in Florey sparkled through her research, securing the win and surely inspiring other children to rise to follow suit next year, says Ms Shelling.

While the adjudicators judged based on impact on the intellect, and impact on the emotions, one prize was allocated to the young orator who cranked up the charisma and had the whole crowd laughing.

Hugh from St Jude’s Primary School, Holder collected the most votes from the room, snagging the People’s Choice Award.

Cohesion, language, and structure; pitch, pace, and pause, Ms Shelling notes that even in the Zoom age, public speaking skills are essential for youngsters’ future career aspirations.

“The kids learn to persuade, to inform, and to entertain. It helps to build their confidence as well; we see this especially in young girls.

“As our contestants are in Years 4 and 5, they are taking these research skills, and the confidence to speak up in class into high school with them.”

Rostrum ACT has four clubs across Canberra. Their coaches guide participants in prepared and impromptu public speaking, as well as how to run meetings in a work setting. Visit rostrum.com.au/clubs/act-clubs to learn more.

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