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Senior Winner, 2016, Tayla Buller (click photo for video)

From initiation in 2003, by the Rotary and Apex clubs of Hoppers Crossing, "Wynspeak" has expanded to involve over forty Western Region colleges annually.
"Wynspeak":
- Provides a vehicle to assist young people to develop effective public speaking skills and self-confidence. Presentation skills are important in senior college, tertiary education, and in the workplace.
- Involves both junior and senior students presenting prepared five-minute speeches on topics of their choice.
- Also includes presenting a two-minute speech on mystery topics drawn out of a hat with minimal preparation time.
- Has proven to be very popular with both students and colleges.
- Commences on April 28, 2022, with entry free to all fully vaccinated attendees.
- Schedule and venues are listed above.
For enquiries, contact Des O'Shanassy via this website ("Contact Us" or email: desoshanassy@hotmail.com).

We are delighted to announce that this project has received funding from the Victorian Government through the West Gate Tunnel Project's West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. This will be used to conduct the Hobson's Bay Wynspeak Heat on 5 May 2022 at the Altona Theatre, and to support the development of this Wynspeak Website.

Schools have yoyo'd in and out of the classroom since the COVID19 pandemic struck. Most of the preliminary rounds were completed when Victoria's lockdown number six was announced. Remarkable agility was required to hold Round 8 and the finals on Zoom. A new set of preparations were key to its success.
- The Wynspeak Committee held several practice sessions to work out factors such as timekeeping and the logistics of breakout meetings, and how to introduce and spotlight speakers. Also, contingency planning was vital in case of disrupted internet connections.
- A student rehearsal was held two days before the final where Toastmaster Greg Bowlen provided student coaching on setting up and presenting to a camera, instead of a live audience.
- Breakout rooms were used for briefing students beforehand, and afterwards for the adjudicators to discuss scoring. The chief adjudicator's son, Paul Ryan, provided the "waiting music" and entertained on acoustic guitar.
- The Senior category winner, Alfi Huda from Lakeview Senior College, spoke passionately about arranged child marriages (her grandmother was engaged at only 8 months old). Junior category winner, Sam Brooker from Altona College, highlighted environmental problems with plastics. The linked videos above cover their speeches.
The Wynspeak Committee greatly appreciates the efforts by the students, their supporters, the audience, the adjudicators, MC Taylor Morris and Zoom host Sandi Fulcher. They addressed the many challenges and changes required to make the 2021 Wynspeak Final such a success on Zoom.
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Download the website sponsorship guide
Chairperson
Schools Liaison
Secretary
Coordinator for Adjudicators
Coordinator for Caroline Springs Round
Coordinator for Hobsons Bay Round
Coordinator for Masters of Ceremony
Sponsorship