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Michelle Chan

The winners of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest  have been selected after fierce competition.

Co-organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong), the contest aims to improve young people's skills in English public speaking.

Now in its fourth year, the competition saw  a total of 1,428 students  enter the junior and senior form divisions.  There were only 600 participants in 2004.

Training sessions  began on January 26.  The English Public Ambassadors, local pop group At17,   also  shared their personal experiences in learning English.

During the preliminary rounds,  about 40 contestants were chosen to deliver a three-minute speech on a topic of their choice.

In the semi-finals, contestants in the junior  division again gave a three-minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice and took part in a one-minute question-and-answer session.

Semi-finalists in the senior division gave a three-minute impromptu speech on a designated topic on educational and public affairs.

At the grand final  on March 16, the 10 junior  division finalists delivered a three-minute prepared speech on the theme 'Culture - Understanding and Respect' and took part in a two-minute question-and-answer session.

Finalists in the senior division  gave a five-minute prepared speech on the theme 'Dynamic Earth'. A two-minute question-and-answer session  followed.

Sachin Srivastava, a Year Nine student at the German Swiss International School  won the junior division championship.

'[The key to success] is that you should believe in what you write. Never say  [something] just because you think it's a strong argument,' said the 13-year-old student.

'Public speaking is not about how good your language is, but how you convey your opinions and emotions [to the audience],' said the  native English speaker.

'The judges will be looking for a touch of emotion in your voice, and you must believe in what you write to convey this message.'

Lydia Leung, a Form Four student at Diocesan Girls' School, won the senior division.

'Preparation is very important,' said the 16-year-old student.

'You must write the speech yourself. It's all right if your speech is a bit different from what you wrote. Public speaking is about how you communicate with people.

'Don't think about winning and losing when you're on stage. Have confidence in yourself and just go for it.'



Believe in what you say and express yourself