Speak Out Challenge - Case Studies

STUDENT CASE STUDIES

Isis - " Isis has been with us for 16 months having left her home and family in North Staffordshire. She hasn't had a very happy life due to some serious family problems none of which were her doing. She has only been at her school for just over a year and although has always seen herself as a 'failure'. Getting through as a finalist and then having the chance to speak (although she was a reserve) has given her such a boost. In her words it's 'the first time I have really achieved something!' Her face was just one big smile when she gave her speech on 'Thankfulness' and this is a young person who hasn't had a lot to be thankful for. She now feels as though she can face the future knowing that she is good at something because she has been given the confidence after taking part in the competition- so we would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone concerned. She delivered her speech again at her school assembly yesterday and has received some wonderful comments so she's still 'glowing'." Thanks you again, Kay and Garry (Bromley)

Phoebe - "Taking part has really boosted my confidence. I learned from this experience that speaking publicly can be far more nerve-wracking and can have greater impact than, for instance, singing a song in front of an audience because you are telling a group of strangers about your thoughts and opinions. It's not just about speaking on a stage either, because since the speak out I joined the School Council, I represented the school at a local meeting about tackling crime and youth violence, and I had to present the views of other students to a group of people who included the police, local business owners and residents. This experience has given me the strength and self-belief to use this fundamental skill now and in my adult life. Thank you for this amazing opportunity". Phoebe, Lambeth, London

Francesca - "Hello Mr Petchey, my name is Francesca Williams, and you have changed my life. Before this opportunity to speak in the Regional Final of Speak Out I had a very cynical outlook on life. I thought, what difference can one person make? What could I do? But, after the opportunity was presented to me, I soon realised that I can change the world. Everyone has the potential, just not all of us use our potential. I need to thank you, I would never have realised this without you. I now understand that the world is like one big choir, if people thought they don't need to sing because someone else was singing then hardly anyone would be left singing - there would be no choir! That is what the world is like today, a choir half empty; if everyone would try their best the world would be saved. One eight of the world has seven eights of the world`s resources. We are lucky enough to live in that one eight. We have no excuse. It is our duty to go out and make a difference. My opportunity to `speak out` has given me the chance to tell everyone to go out and make a difference, just like you. If I was ever lucky enough to met you, I would never be able to thank you enough for the opportunity you have given me, to express what I am most passionate about" Francesca, Croydon, London

Chayya - Never, ever in a million years would I have thought that I'd be standing on the stage of Hendon School delivering a speech about child poverty to a large audience. I spoke about child poverty because on a recent trip to India, I saw a huge amount of poverty stricken children and these children really touched me. I could speak from the heart about this subject. Before the public speaking workshop, I was shy and lacked confidence and self-belief. To be honest, when I found out I was going to be participating in the workshop, I wasn't too optimistic. That all changed. The workshop was held by two amazing speakers and just looking at them talking to a room full of 30 or so teenagers, I saw they had great passion and enthusiasm about what they do. They had self-belief and confidence and I admired that. I was taught to believe in myself and talk from the heart. I was taught that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but the most important opinion is the one you have of yourself. I left that workshop as a totally different person and now, even my teachers are commenting on how much more confident I look and sound. To all those shy, confidence lacking teenagers out there who want to become more confident but believe public speaking training like these are a waste of time, you couldn't be more wrong. Chayya, Barnet, London
- Joel - Before I did the Jack Petchey challenge, I was a bag of nerves and was daunted by the prospect of speaking in public. The 'Speak Out' challenge enabled me to develop the skills to do this and I have since gone on to win several awards in debating and public speaking. The confidence I have gained has not just been in public speaking but has helped me across other areas of my life.' Joel, JFS School speaking about his experiences one year later.
- Robert - Sorry that it has taken so long to get in touch my rugby has been non-stop lately and this is mostly thanks to you guys at Speakers Bank! I feel that since participating in the 'Speak Out' challenge, I have become very confident in the way I present myself and how I go about speaking to people. It has boosted my confidence on levels that are unimaginable as regards to my rugby. Since undergoing the challenge I have managed to make Wasps' Academy and also obtained captaincy for Middlesex County under 15's 'A' team. I feel that I owe a major thank you to everyone at for the help, advice and key skills they have given me. Recently I been asked to and have performed many assemblies and given various speeches. As I have said, my confidence in speech has rocketed and the pressure I felt when I first spoke in the class you gave has now been conquered. Also, not so long ago I had to give a speech about my work experience to my English class which was graded and counts towards my final grade in English, in this I gained an A* grade and the highest mark out of the whole year group. My mark was 51/54! So once again, I would just like to say many thanks to you as you have enhanced my skills in communication and interaction with others and in the process boosted my overall confidence! Robert Paterson, Abbotsfield School, London speaking about his experiences one year later