TEEN’S SPEECH SUCCESS IN OUR SCHOOLS
Fifteen-year-old Barnabas Juhasz, a member of the Queensland delegation for the UN Voice competition, has been announced as being part of the winning delegation in Australia.
This is the first time Queensland has won in more than 10 years.
Barnabas, who chose Pimlico State High School because of its enhanced communications coaching program, came second in Queensland in November last year.
Barnabas, Mia and
Kolten won the North Queensland final in September and then Barnabas and Mia continued to Brisbane for the state final.
The National UN Voice final was due to be held in Adelaide in April, however it was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“It was disappointing not to be able to go to Adelaide and compete in what is usually a week-long national final,” said Barnabas.
“However, it was super that it still went ahead online.
“It was difficult delivering the speech online as I like to use gestures a lot, but you couldn’t see this emphasis.
“They ran two Zoom sessions for the 30 competitors from all over Australia with four judges for each speech.”
Barnabas delivered two five-minute speeches.
The first was on the topic, “How can the international community respond to countries that violate their human rights?”
The second speech was on “How can we make Australia more accessible for people with disabilities?”
Following the speeches, the competition involved the judging panel directing two questions to each contestant. The student was then required to deliver a one-minute answer to each question on the spot with no preparation.
“It’s a difficult competition – but with coaching and practice anyone could do it,” Barnabas said.
“I encourage all young people to give it a go as you learn so much from just entering. I’ve made lots of great new friends and contacts through entering public speaking competitions. I’m hooked.”
Barnabas said normally there was a trophy to be won but this year that wasn’t possible.
“Virtual trophies don’t quite work,” he said. “I’m just happy to have had the opportunity to represent my school and North Queensland and still be able to compete.”
Clearly there will be plenty more trophies to come the way of this amazing young man.