In October, teams from Warwick Academy headed to Vancouver to take part in the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition, which also included Saltus and Bermuda High School.

Over a four-day period, 156 students from eight different countries spoke at the international public speaking contest held at Collingwood School from October 20-23.

The next few days were extremely vibrant as many students experienced the joy that was brought by their hard work. The long weekend kicked off, with the Collingwood choir and dance team welcoming the participants with their performances at an opening ceremony.

Despite the jet lag and exhaustion from a long day of travelling, we were quickly immersed into the competition; the opening day ended at 10pm.

Each student was required to compete in three categories. Warwick Academy’s Year 13 students Corrie Cross, Hannah Marshall and Zach Myers made up the school team. Hannah and Corrie competed in Persuasive Speaking, Interpretive Reading and Impromptu (giving a 3-5 minute speech with only 2 minutes to prepare). Zach Myers competed in After Dinner Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation and Impromptu.

All three Warwick Academy students did an excellent job and held their own in an experienced and talented field. Zach Myers advanced to the finals in Impromptu speaking (one of only two Bermudians to make it in any category).

The Warwick Academy team was the highest-ranked team from Bermuda as a whole and placed 26th, while Saltus placed 39th and BHS placed 37th. Hannah Marshall was Warwick Academy’s top-ranked competitor in the overall standings, coming in at 43rd out of 156 to place solidly in the top three.

This was the first time Warwick Academy students participated in an international public speaking competition. While they were new comers to this event, all three students did an excellent job and held their own in the international arena.

Warwick Academy students who participated in this competitive event will certainly encourage and foster other WA students to participate in future international competitions and continue the success that was established by these very talented students.

The competition was an incredible experience, not only because Warwick Academy students were able to compete alongside some of the best public speakers in the world, but because of the friendships which came from participating in such an intense tournament.

In only four short days, we were able to meet and bond with people from all over the world, sharing memories that we will value for a long time, regardless of where we call home. The momentous event could not have happened without the countless hours of work from the Collingwood faculty and volunteers.

Decades of academic research have proven that the benefits that accrue as a result of engaging in debate are numerous. Debate provides experiences that are conducive to life-changing, cognitive and presentational skills. In addition, debaters acquire unique educational benefits as they learn and polish skills far beyond what can be learnt in any other setting. At the very least, debate helps learners to see the power of deploying rational, reasoned arguments and compelling evidence in action. It enables them to elucidate their standpoint through utilising rhetorical eloquence.

It instils in debaters a great sense of poise and confidence. It teaches them the skills of researching, organising, and presenting information in a compelling fashion. In the age of fast-moving technology it is good to know that debating is alive and well through the voices of our young generation.

On a final note, we would like to inspire and encourage other young people to take an active role in debating as the most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.