Agnes Leung's heart is pounding and her mind's a blur as she stands in front of schoolmates, teachers and judges. She has been asked to deliver a two-minute talk on the spot. She must begin with 'If I could ...'. Members of the audience shuffle in their seats. Agnes pauses, takes a deep breath and looks straight ahead. 'If I could be anything, I would be a bird so that I could fly out of this room,' she begins. The audience laughs and then listens attentively as she goes on to give a winning speech about why she'd like to be a bird. Agnes was one of 11 Form Six students taking part in a public-speaking contest at True Light Girls' College in May. The contest was part of the Youth Leadership Programme organised by Toastmasters in Hong Kong. Earlier, Agnes and the other competitors participated in a nine-week programme, where they learned to prepare and deliver rehearsed and impromptu speeches. She and the other girls say they still feel a little nervous speaking out, but now have the confidence to try. Speaking in front of others scares most of us. Yet it's a skill worth developing because it can help you now and later in life. You've probably already had to answer questions in class, work with others on a project or give an oral report. How often have you been lost for words because you were too afraid to speak? Having confidence and good speaking skills can help you express your ideas and get others to accept them, according to Irene Chen, co-ordinator of Toastmasters Youth Leadership Programme. Knowing what to say and how to say it can make you feel more confident and in control during oral exams. Examiners say that too many students remain silent or communicate poorly because they don't organise their thoughts. 'Being able to think logically and communicate those thoughts effectively can help students in their HKCEE and A-Level exams,' says Ms Chen. Having self-confidence and good speaking skills will also help you to be more successful in job interviews when you graduate. Many employers in Hong Kong complain that graduates lack adequate speaking skills. 'If you can speak well, you'll make a good impression on prospective employers,' says Ms Chen. 'And that'll give you an edge over other candidates.' The best way to improve your spoken English is to practise. Speak English with your friends and take advantage of opportunities at school or in the community. Participate in English speaking days, volunteer to read aloud in class, or join the school debating or drama club. You can also become a member of a public-speaking club, such as the Hong Kong Secondary School Gavel Club, or set up your own. The most important thing is to overcome your fear of speaking out through regular practice. With a little practice, you might actually start to enjoy speaking English in front of others. Who knows, you might even win a competition like Agnes one day. If Agnes can do it, so can you! For more information on Toastmasters Youth Leadership Programme, contact Ms Chen on 9091 0709 or visit www.hongkong-toastmasters.org Hong Kong Secondary School Gavel Club: www.hkytsa.org Toastmasters International: www.toastmasters.org
