Local Student to Compete in Major Speech Contest

If you want to improve your public speaking, just trust in what you’re saying.

That’s the advice from Ifechukwu Ezeaju, a 15-year-old student at Assumption College Catholic High School in Windsor, who has become the district champion of this year’s Optimist International Oratorical Contest.

“People listen to people talking all the time, whether it’s on the news, their family members, their friends, their teachers,” Ezeaju tells CBC Windsor.

“But what really gets that connection is when what you have to say is meaningful, and you’re able to tell the audience that you deserve to be listened to – That what you have to say is important.”

Ifechukwu Ezeaju, a Grade 10 student at Assumption College Catholic High School in Windsor. (Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board)

Ezeaju’s victory earned her a $2,500 scholarship and a spot in the regional competition happening at St. Louis University in Missouri on July 17.

There, she’ll compete against more than 40 other speakers from various districts across North America. If she wins, she’ll earn a $5,000 scholarship and a chance at the finals.

The grand prize is a $15,000 scholarship.

Optimist International’s yearly contest requires all participants to speak on a shared theme. This year’s theme is: ‘The moment I realized I belonged: My definition of community.’

A Nigerian-Canadian born in Ontario, Ezeaju says she pulled from her experiences as an immigrant child while writing her speech.

“I firmly believe that I have found my place within the communities in my life as I fully embrace aspects of both my Canadian and Nigerian heritage,” she explains.

“I was really able to get my culture and background involved to deliver an authentic message to the audience – something that they can relate to and feel connected towards.”

The start of the regional championships of the 2023 edition of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest at St. Louis University in Missouri (Optimist International)

Cheryl Brenn, executive director of Optimist International, mentions that this contest has been around for over 100 years but its goal has always been about helping students realize their potential.

She jokes that for many folks, getting over fear of public speaking can be tougher than facing death.

“This is an incredible opportunity for young people not only to enhance a skill but also gain confidence and truly understand what they’re capable of,” Brenn says.

Cheryl Brenn, executive director of Optimist International. ( )

“You know, I’m so thankful I don’t have to be a judge because you’d be amazed watching how composed and graceful these young people are on stage.”

Ezeaju shares that she practices voice projection, eye contact and body language for public speaking – but chatting comes naturally. “My whole family knows that I enjoy ranting a lot especially about things I’m really passionate about.”

A competitor at the regional competition of the 2023 Optimist International Oratorical Contest at St. Louis University in Missouri. (Optimist International)

Source link