Public Speaking Award 04

Written by | Gifted and Talented

161204.jpgCharlotte Mitchell, a Lower Sixth pupil at The Wallace High School , was presented with the Lisburn District Soroptomists’ Public Speaking award.
Girls from Wallace, Hunterhouse College, Friends’ School, St Patrick’s High and Malone College competed in a hotly contested final. Charlotte’s chosen topic was “Spelling and grammar in the modern world”.

Irene Orr from the Lisburn Soroptomists commented, “The adjudicators were very impressed by the high standard of all the competitors, as all the girls had clearly researched their topics and spoke with great enthusiasm. It was very pleasing to hear such a wide range of topics covered by the young people. The aim of our competition is to encourage girls to have the confidence to stand up and speak in public and develop their views and opinions. We’re not necessarily interested in the natural actresses in this competition – instead we hope to encourage articulate young women who will play an important role in society.”

Charlotte is now looking forward to the Northern Ireland final to be held early next year in Omagh, where she will face representatives from the other 17 Soroptomist International Districts. She commented, “I really enjoyed taking part as I believe that public speaking is a very important skill. I’m also a member of Wallace’s French Debating team. It’s an honour to be representing Lisburn at the Northern Ireland finals and I’d like to thank Mrs Gowdy from the English Department of Wallace who helped me prepare for the event. I chose to speak about Spelling and Grammar in the modern world as it’s an issue I feel strongly about. Whilst text messaging shorthand has its place I think it’s important not to forget the value of “proper” English.”

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in manageemnt and the professions. It has more than 3000 clubs in some 112 countries, linking women of different cultures and creeds to acheive common objectives including the advancement of the status of women, high ethical standards, human rights, equality and peace.

The Lisburn District Club, which currently has 29 members, meets on the first and third Mondays of the month in Lisburn Golf Club.

Last modified: August 4, 2007