The annual Chilver’s Cup Senior Impromptu Public Speaking event took place on Monday 17 January in the Jeffrey Auditorium, a wonderful 'live' start to the year's speaking programme after two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
The UIV, LV, UV and the Sixth Form students were given a quotation by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and 10 minutes in which to prepare their speeches. The topics evoked interesting and sometimes mischievous responses and we were proud of the intellect and bravery displayed by our speakers on the evening.
Special mentions go to the following students with their topics reflected in italics.
Kali Selepe (UIV Hill): I wish I could shut up, but I can’t, and I won’t
Jonathan Shiferaw (LV Hill ): The price of freedom is eternal vigilance
Graytin Pretorius (UV Fleming): Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness
Mdvumo Dlamini (UV Fleming): Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it
Heartiest congratulations to Lili Spinazze (LVI Runge) who won the Cup with a provocative, insightful speech entitled “We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners.”
Kheyan Vallabh (LIV Clayton) was a most charming and professional Master of Ceremonies and kept the evening running smoothly, offering interesting comments and insights as he did so.
It was lovely to have Mrs Wendy Young, previous HOD of the English Department, back as a judge. Her comprehensive adjudication was helpful, and we thank her for staying for an extra hour after the competition to give personal feedback to all the speakers.
Our thanks to the parents, staff and students who supported the speakers and congratulations to all the speakers who participated and made the evening so interesting, thought-provoking and successful!
- Ms Heather Venables, MIC Public Speaking
