Ballymoney Soroptimists seek Young Silver Tongued Speakers

The competition is one of the largest held in the Province and is expected to attract more than a hundred entrants who will compete for the honours, a handsome perpetual trophy, a 250 bursary and the chance to deliver their speech at the North/South Annual Soroptimist Conference.

The winner's school will also receive book tokens to mark the win.

The event is open to girls in Years 12 and 13 from schools and colleges across Northern Ireland. They are invited to choose their topics from:

Europe in Crises – who pays?

'Facebook' or 'face to face'?

Natural Disasters – Mother Natures Revenge?

The welfare state – a state of mind?

Beauty – Is it more than skin deep?

Trafficking – a worldwide crime?

'The greatest obstacle to international understanding is the barrier of language.' (Christopher Dawson, 1889 – 1970

The topics are chosen to represent the areas in which Soroptimist International is involved, which include Health, Education, Environment, Human Rights/Status of Women, Economic and Social Development, International Goodwill and Understanding and the European Union.

Looking forward to the annual challenge, Dr Joan Smyth, Chairman of Progressive Building Society, said, "This competition is recognised within many educational establishments as one of the most prestigious public speaking events locally, and Progressive, Northern Ireland's largest locally owned mortgage lender, is delighted to support it and the Soroptimists.

"The art of public speaking is not a skill that many people are lucky to be born with; it must be developed through practice. This competition offers female students a platform to develop this interpersonal skill while voicing their opinions on wide ranging topics. It is a valuable skill to have, not only for use in employment but also for social occasions."

Eleanor Ferris, Incoming Northern Ireland Regional President of Soroptimist International, said, "Our organisation is committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. This annual public speaking competition is an excellent example of that vision in action.

"The competition offers a host of benefits to participants. It has been designed to encourage girls to play a more prominent part in public life, to develop the skill to speak effectively and to articulate with clarity, to improve the art of communication, and to develop self confidence and personality."

Any girl who wishes to enter this competition should contact her school, local club convener or Rosemary Fuller on tel. no. 028 9265 1088/ [email protected] or Karen Potter on 028 9081 3262 / [email protected]. Entry forms to be received on or before 17th October 2010.