It is estimated that about 75% of people in the world experience glossophobia. No, I’m not talking about some creepy creature or an image that could make your skin crawl, I’m talking about public speaking. 75% of the people on this planet are grappling with the fear of public speaking.
Now take it from me, someone who is involved in this extra mural, starting out as early as Grade 8. It’s not easy. It’s not as easy as just writing a speech and simply just saying it. Public speaking is definitely a very daunting task but it is also a skill which can be learned and mastered. You need to be engaging, entertaining, and effective in the few minutes you get to speak. I started in Grade 8 as an extremely timid student who kept to herself at all times. Now, as a matric learner, I do still tend to keep to myself at times but I’m definitely a whole lot more comfortable voicing my opinions and doing so very clearly. Public speaking teaches you many necessary life skills and lessons that you can carry with you no matter which direction your life goes.
Last term, our very gifted Grade 8-12 Public Speaking Teams, presented engaging and impactful speeches against Crawford International Schools at the Creative Arts Festival (CAF).
The Grade 8 teams were led by Ms Du Toit. Grade 8 Team A, achieved a Silver certificate. This team consists of Aarav Ramnarain, Zoe Tladi, Anele Tladi and Lindokuhle Ncube. Aarav also achieved a Gold certificate for his individual speech.
Grade 8 Team B, consists of Sonalia Seeparsad, Steven Phiri, Gopika Harrie and Leah Moodley. Gopika also achieved an Honours certificate for her individual speech.
Miss Adams was the teacher in charge of the Grade 9s. Grade 9 Team A, achieved an Honours certificate. This team consists of Asanda Sigwebela, Summer Maluleka, Berni Hollister and Tumelo Dhlamini. Berni also achieved a Gold certificate for her individual speech.
Grade 8 Team B, achieved a Gold certificate. This team consists of Nokutenda Nohumba, Tarini Nathoo, Bane Molokela-Tsiye and Thatii Mathamela.
Giannah Pierce also received a Gold certificate for her individual speech.
Mrs Subramoney coached the Grade 10s. Grade 10 Team A, achieved a Gold certificate. This team consists of Amisha Jivan, Priyam Naidoo, Itumeleng Sathekge and Ava Hartzenberg. Amisha received a Prestige certificate for her individual speech.
Grade 10 Team B, achieved a Gold certificate as well. This team consists of Dakota Jackson, Suraj Sukhu, Kenewang Sathekge and Khanyisa Ngobeni. Both Dakota and Suraj achieved Gold certificates for their individual speeches.
The Grade 11s were coached by Ms Van Heerden. Grade 11 Team A achieved a Prestige certificate. This team consists of Kimberley Van Schalkwyk, Liqhawe Baduza, Naomi Cordeiro and Mahlohonolo Dhlamini, who is also the chairperson.
Grade 11 Team B, achieved an Honours certificate. This team consists of Parinaz Saghafi, Bonolo Zulu, Jessica Nanguia and Masego Selamolela, who is also the chairperson.
Ms Van Heerden also coached Grade 12 Team A. They achieved a Prestige certificate. This team consists of Nadine Karonga, Lindokuhle Radebe and Lindiwe Ndaba, who is the captain and chairperson of the team.
Mrs Subramoney also coached the Trophy Team, Grade 12 Team B who achieved a Prestige certificate. This team consists of Bilqees Khumalo, Kamva Grootboom and co-captains Emmanuel Jackson and Ruvarashe Sajanga. Ruvarashe is also the co-captain of this team.
All of our teams have done us proud! Another round of applause goes out to every single public speaker in every team.