Teen with a gift for gab places fourth in the world
Australia hosts international speech contest
If, after today’s election, there are any failed politicians looking for tips on how to better persuade voters, they should look no further than Ali Poonja.
The Okotoks teen just placed fourth in the world for his ability to deliver a compelling and persuasive speech.
The Strathcona-tweedsmuir senior recently returned from the World Championships of Public Speaking in Australia where he placed third in impromptu speech, and fourth overall.
The gab-gifted teen was among just a handful of Canadians who competed in the International Toastmasters-type competition which pits students against one another for oratory supremacy.
Poonja said there is a simple formula for a compelling speech.
“It’s all about clear thought and real emotion,” Poonja said. “Emotions are key because you grab people through your emotions. If you’re passionate about what you’re taking about, then you’ll be emotional and you will be able to create that connection with your audience.”
Poonja said he is passionate about the topic that won him a world title: Muslim extremism.
“I talked about embracing pluralism. I talked about the Calgary Stampede actually, about how it’s fun, but also how it brings together different cultures. I also talked about the need for more moderate Muslims to stand up against extremism.”
If Poonja ever gets nervous speaking in front of an audience, it doesn’t show. The teen has spoken to audiences of more than 200.
“When you’re having a good time, it’s hard to be afraid,” Poonja said.
Strathcona-tweedsmuir speech coach Lennard Fink travelled with Poonja to Australia for the competition. He says Poonja is one of the best speakers he’s ever seen.
“He’s very exceptional in the sense that he really knows how to engage the audience,” Fink said. “I think if he had another year, he could easily be in the top three in the world.” But Poonja has other plans. “I’ve always wanted to go to medical school, but in order to do get there, I’m going to have to take a health sciences degree.
“But that’s just the future ambition in the distance, I’ll have to graduate high school first.”