Last night I has the daunting privilege of being a judge. I was invited to Cornelius Vermuyden school to be one of an X Factor-style panel, judging a public speaking competition for primary school pupils on the Island .
I was blown away by the high standard of contributions from the children who had had to write their own short speech and deliver it to a large audience with clarity and personality. It was almost impossible to judge.
The topics covered were really varied. Charlie Cole gave a funny and moving account of the death of his pet lizard! Liam Radley from Leigh Beck was a natural performer and I wouldn't be surprised to see him doing stand-up or starring in a sitcom one day. Jack Duffield also from Leigh Beck gave a great speech about his love of books. Louise Goddard from Lubbins Park was also formidable. I could go on as there were so many superb and memorable speeches.
Eventually, the panel decided to award first prize to a Micaela Tapsell from St Joseph's, who talked passionately and persuasively about the destruction of her home country, Zimbabwe, by Robert Mugabe.
It was a really inspiring evening, and all those who contributed, their teachers, Speakers Bank the great organisation which ran the competition and school authorities who helped organise it should be very pleased.
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