Ridley College recently participated in the 30th International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition hosted by York House School in Vancouver, British Columbia. Over 160 competitors from around the world were at the event that took place October 27th-30th. Our representatives- Charlotte Smith, Jacqueline O’Rourke and Andrew Pace took part in a full program of debate and public speaking activities in the scenic west coast city.  Students entertained, persuaded, and engaged their audiences in a variety of events: parliamentary and cross-examination debate; persuasive, extemporaneous, impromptu and after-dinner speaking; dramatic interpretation, interpretive reading, and radio newscast.

Andrew Pace impressed in After Dinner Speaking, demonstrating an excellent ability to both inform and entertain an imaginary audience of “Blackberry Anonymous.” Jacqueline O’Rourke received top marks for her Interpretive Reading of The Shape of a Girl. In her first major competition, Charlotte Smith debuted with a well-researched and impassioned Persuasive Speech on “The Problems of African Aid.”

As told by Mr. O’Rourke