Politics and the Power of Plain Speaking

Event and Ticketing Details

Dates & Times

Tuesday 20 October
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

Location

wheelercentre.com

Fast fashion, video games, feminism, equality – these are just some of the subjects Victorian teens tackled at the finals of this year's VCAA Plain English Speaking Award (PESA). But why are public speaking skills worth honing? What goes into a killer speech? And what makes social justice the topic of choice for so many teens who have something to say? 

At this online event, we'll hear from An Dang, the 2019 PESA state winner, and the 2020 winner, Tierney Khan. They'll each present their powerful, prize-winning speeches (An's on Auslan; Tierney's on feminism) and then chat with Oscar Pearce, two-time PESA finalist.

Both Tierney and An tackle questions of privilege and power in their speeches, engaging their audience in a rousing call to action. Why is it important for young people to speak up on these kinds of issues? How do you find your voice and develop a signature speaking style that's all your own? And how do you make people sit up and pay attention?

This event is open to everyone, particularly teens in years 9–12, and educators. It's supported by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Resources

Download an information sheet – with tips on public speaking, and some notes on why it's good for you – here. For more information about the Plain English Speaking Award, visit the VCAA website, where you can also listen to recordings of previous state finalists.