Cork student wins national public speaking competition

Milly Seaman, Coláiste na Toirbhirte in Bandon, Co Cork, with her trophy after winning the Soroptimist International public speaking competition at the Mansion House in Dublin. Picture: Justin Farrelly.

A Cork student has won the Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland (SIROI) national public speaking competition which was held in the Mansion House in Dublin.

Milly Seaman, from Coláiste na Toirbhirte in Bandon, impressed both the judges and the audience with her confidence and powerful delivery to take first place in the national final over the weekend.

Anne Melly from SIROI hailed Milly as a fully deserving winner.

"Milly delivered an outstanding performance and demonstrated the confidence, clarity of thought, and presence that this competition seeks to foster in young people.

“The standard this year was exceptionally high and we are incredibly proud of all the finalists who represented their schools and communities so well.

“Public speaking is a vital life skill, and through this competition Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland is proud to support and encourage young voices to be heard."

As part of the competition, participants delivered a prepared speech, before responding to an impromptu speaking challenge.

The impromptu topic this year, “Growing up means…”, encouraged students to reflect on the realities, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with maturity.

The SIROI public speaking competition aims to empower young people to develop confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills through public speaking.

The event brought together finalists from across the country, who had progressed through regional competitions that were organised by Soroptimist clubs.