Speech contest to hone critical skills

Self-esteem building, critical thinking and the development of leadership skills. These are just a few of the benefits which have been derived from the Republic Bank Right Start Speech Contest, which is now in its seventh year, giving students between the ages of 9-11 an opportunity to build their confidence in a now keenly contested speaking competition.

Yesterday marked the official launch of the 2017 contest, and as Sharon Howell Marketing Officer, Communications and Customer Service, Republic Bank Barbados, there has been a good response from 28 confirmed schools, with more expected to come on board before the May 17 scheduled start of the preliminaries.

Several students attended the launch and workshop at the Republic Bank, which was led by principal of the Lawrence T. Gay school and President of Sunjet Toastmaster, distinguished Toastmaster Beverly Parris.

Senior Teacher of the St. Albans Primary, Deborah Howell, spoke highly of the competition, having previously participated with the Cuthbert Moore school. She said while she has seen development and growth in the presentation skills of the students, she expressed concern about the low turnout and interest of the boys.

Fonda Boyce of Ignatius Byer said it was her second year participating, and unlike Howell, the boys at her school have shown tremendous interest, with three of them attending the workshop yesterday.

She said the school has started a similar programme which is seeing results in self-esteem building, which she lamented appears to be lacking in many children today.

Phillip Jackman, Vice President of Education in the Sunjet Toastmasters, which is facilitating the contest, says it is a part of the organisation's outreach programme. Stressing the importance of communication skills, Jackman said the ability to effectively express oneself is a medium through which issues can be resolved. The semi-finals will take place on June 10 while the finals will be held on June 17. (JH)