ACS Public Speaking

Written by Mr Chris Graham (Assistant Principal - Secondary)

13 August 2026

Part of the strength of the ACS competition is the breadth of competitions. As well as weekly sporting competitions, we also have carnivals (Athletics and Swimming), Cross Country, Chess, Public Speaking, and, new to 2027, Debating.

The Public Speaking event has increased in importance over the last couple of years, specifically due to AI.  At Aitken, we endeavour to develop students and give them a wide variety of experiences; these experiences help to develop students in ways that AI cannot. While anyone can ask ChatGPT to put together a well-crafted speech, ChatGPT is unable to actually deliver it. As humans, we all know that feeling of really connecting with a person when they deliver an amazing speech. The Public Speaking competition aims to develop one's sense of connecting, motivating, and moving an audience.

Traditional Public Speaking is marked according to three main criteria: Matter, Manner, and Method. The Matter is the nuts and bolts of your speech; the facts, the topic, the information delivered. Of the three M’s, ‘matter’ is the only component in which AI can perform the heavy lifting. Manner relates to the way you deliver your speech; the connection one has with their audience. Method speaks of the way one organises the structure and style.

As part of our Public Speaking competition, interested students were asked to attend a Public Speaking Masterclass which was hosted by one of our parents who happens to be a business and public speaking coach. All students were then asked to take what they had learnt and submit a video of their speech. From there, our top three were chosen to represent the College.

Our Junior division representative was Kareem Hakam.

Our Intermediate division representative was Elisabeth (Lilly) Adams.

Our Senior division representative was Tamsyn Healey.

Our three representatives then had some intensive coaching, helping them to craft and connect with their audience.

Kareem placed third in the junior division, which is an outstanding result.  An honourable mention needs to go to Tamsyn who was our most accomplished speaker. Tamsyn presented her own speech and also competed in the Impromptu section.

All three of our students spoke an outstanding and well prepared speech. As a College we are all very proud of them.