Public-speaking skills can boost youngsters' confidence and be vital in future careers, according to winners of the 56th Hong Kong Speech Festival.
Form Six student Chow Theresa Lena, who won the public-speaking competition, encouraged fellow students to participate.
'I think the experience I have gained over the years will be very useful as I pursue my future career in any discipline. The competition also helps boost my confidence which is important when I have university or job interviews,' said the 17-year-old from Diocesan Girls' School.
'I used to do solo verse or sight reading, and this is my first time take part in a public speaking competition, because I wanted a bigger challenge,' she said.
'I am not even a member of the school debate team at my school, but I guess doing announcements at school helps to improve my public-speaking skill too.'
Form Seven student William Au Kwong-wing of the Po Leung Kuk Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College, who came second, shared her views.