Public Speaking 2005

Public speaking began in January for Transition Year students of De La Salle and Dominican Convent. We alternated between schools for full day sessions every week. There was a huge amount of theory to learn and a lot of practising to be done. We each had to choose a topic which we felt passionate about. A very diverse range of topics were discussed on the night, from the problems of alcohol to the joy of dance, to the nature of beauty and the existence of God.

Before we could perform however, we had to take the written exam, which has a minimum pass grade of 50%. This made sure we knew our Ps and Qs!

A lot of preparation went into the actual ceremony on the night We rehearsed constantly during the preceding weeks, the hall had to prepared, and of course everyone had to be immaculately dressed: girls in their gowns and evening frocks; lads in their tuxedos.

All the hard work paid off on the night as everything went well. Some were more nervous than others, some couldn't wait to take their turn. Some stumbled over their words but kept going, unfazed. Others sailed through their speeches without a breeze, but most importantly

everybody gave their best and enjoyed the occasion. On a memorable night, the winners for the girls were Katie Sherlock and Clare Earls, while Colin O'Brien, Andrew McNulty, and Craig Kelly claimed first, second, and third prizes respectively for the boys, with Shane Doyle winning the adjudicators prize. However, the schools trophy returns to the Convent for this year. Hard luck to the lads, who in fairness were up against superior numbers! See picture Page 7

Craig Kelly

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