MNG attends the Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge Final

Members of the MNG team were pleased to attend the Speakers Trust’s Yorkshire “Speak Out” Challenge Final on 29th June 2023 at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds. The event was delivered by our charity partner Speakers Trust, a charitable organisation working to develop the confidence and skills young people need to be confident communicators. Their flagship schools programme, the Speak Out Challenge, empowers Year 10 students across the UK by developing public speaking skills, building confidence, and offering young people a platform to share their stories and ideas. The challenge consisted of a one-day public speaking workshop, after which selected students participate in a progressive competition, progressing from local, regional, and national level.

15 contestants participated in the Yorkshire final in front of a packed audience and a panel of 7 judges, including a runner up from last year’s final. The event was hosted by the winner of the 2022 competition, and was attended by The Right Worshipful, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, and councillor Al Garthwaite, who also delivered the presentation ceremony. Each contestant had up to 3 minutes to deliver a presentation to the audience on a subject personal to themselves. In the spotlight without notes or a presentation stand, the talks were delivered in TED-Talk style, allowing the finalists to speak directly to the audience without distraction.

Each and every finalist delivered an impressive presentation, displaying remarkable surety and confidence. The subjects they spoke about were as broad as they were inspiring; from struggling with issues of identity; to the ongoing battle for gender equality and empowerment; to the intrinsic value of hobbies, health, and communal support.

It was a privilege for the MNG team to be part of such an inspiring event and witness first-hand the truly invaluable work the Speakers Trust does.