Gala Grand Final

ON Thursday the 5th July at 9.30pm, Francis Oyewole, the Lambeth Borough Champion, whose name means Prince in his native Nigeria, became the King of Speakers. He won the 2007 JPF "Speak Out" Challenge!, with a speech entitled "What a wonderful day".

In front of a cheering audience of 600, he inspired and entertained both young and old and received a standing ovation as he came to the stage to receive his trophy, his holiday for four and a cheque for £3000 for his school, Archbishop Tennisons.

Shaheen Mindhola, from Greenford High School, the Ealing Borough Champion, came second and received a cheque for £250, speaking with passion and conviction, on "Forced Marriages"

Conor Johnson, from Wimbledon College, representing Merton and Richmond, was third placed, and spoke passionately about "Honesty in Politics". He wins a cheque for £150.

In fourth place was Joy Obianyo-Onwuaghu, from Preston Manor School and the Borough of Brent. Joy delivered a hard hitting speech on "Corruption in Nigeria". She banks a chaque for £100.

For a full list of the 18 speakers and complete list of the 30 Borough Champions who made it to the Mermaid from 10,212 competitors, plus photos and audience feedback

• Speakers and Borough Champions 2007


• Speakers Grand Final Photos


• What the audience said

Next years Jack Petchey`s "Speak Out" Challenge! will come to a climax at the Gala Grand Final on Thursday 10th July 2008, at 7.00 pm.

• Frequently Asked Questions for the Speakers
• Frequently Asked Questions for the Schools and Teachers

The venue is again the world renowned Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, London EC4V 3DB, a fitting venue to host Europe`s biggest public speaking competition .



On the night all 30 Borough Champions will be honoured and receive a top of the range iPod, their Borough Champion`s prize.

Later on, in front of a distinguished audience drawn from the business, political, educational and entertainment communities, the 18 finest young speakers will "Speak Out" as they attempt to become the 2008 "Speak Out" Challenge! champion.

The Champion will receive a first prize valued at £5000 (a holiday for four to Portugal, to be taken at any time in 2008, and a cheque for £3000 for their school) plus the magnificent Jack Petchey`s "Speak Out" Challenge! perpetual trophy.

The judging panel will comprise professional speakers, educators and business people, all well-known in their own fields.