About Wynspeak
Introduction
 
WYNSPEAK, a youth public speaking competition for secondary school students in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, was established to provide students with an opportunity to practice and test their public speaking skills in front of a live audience. Through this comprehensive program students develop a skill for life. Since the inauguration of Wynspeak, over 1000 students have participated.
 
The competition is designed for secondary students who:
  • Want to improve their public speaking skills.
  • Want to test their public speaking ability against students from other schools.
  • Want to compete for cash prizes and trophies for the best speakers.
 
As a joint project between Hoppers Crossing Apex and the Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing, WYNSPEAK has also partnered with the Rotary Clubs of Altona City, Caroline Springs and Melton. Local Toastmasters Clubs provide support with adjudication.
Why is Public Speaking Important?
 
Everyone encounters situations where public speaking skills are necessary whether it be at school, at work, or just being a good conversationalist in your personal life. 
Public speaking is often feared, but by speaking publicly on a regular basis, the skill can be mastered.
Key Dates for 2023 Program
  • Student Nominations Due:  31 March 2023
  • Round 1: Thur 27 April, Thomas Carr Catholic Regional College, 35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit 
  • Round 2: Tue 2 May, Good News Lutheran College, 580 Tarneit Road, Tarneit
  • Round 3: Thur 4 May, Altona Civic Theatre, Civic Parade, Altona
  • Round 4: Tue 9 May, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College, 2 Fraser Street, Hoppers Crossing
  • Round 5: Thur 11 May, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, 37 S Maddingley Rd, Bacchus Marsh
  • Round 6: Tue 16 May, Mackillop Catholic Regional College, Russel Street, Werribee
  • Round 7: Thur 18 May, Lakeview Senior College- Caroline Springs, College Road, Caroline Springs
  • Round 8: Tue 23 May, Tarneit Senior College, 861 Leakes Road, Tarneit
  • WYNSPEAK Final: Fri. 2 June, Thomas Carr College Performing Arts Centre, 35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit
2022 Junior Winner, Seychelle Camomot (Click photo for video)
2022 Senior Winner, Ian Hadsan-Llusala (Click photo for video)
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Senior Winner, 2016, Tayla Buller (click photo for video)
Senior Winner, 2021, Alfi Huda from Lakeview Senior College.
(Click photo for video)
Junior Winner, 2021, Sam Brooker from Altona College.
(click photo for video)
 
Home Page News
Wynspeak 2023- Evolution
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 27, 2023 with entry free to all attendees.
  • Schedule and venues are listed above.
For enquiries, contact Des O'Shanassy via this website ("Contact Us" or email: desoshanassy@hotmail.com).
Grant to Conduct Hobsons Bay Wynspeak Heat at Altona Theatre on 4 May 2023
We are excited to have received a West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Grant for the Hobsons Bay Wynspeak Heat at the Altona Theatre on 4 May 2023.
 
The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund is a Victorian Government initiative that is helping not-for-profit organisations in Melbourne's inner west to support their communities while the West Gate Tunnel Project is being built.
 
You can read more about the fund here: Successful Applicants.
 
SPEAKING of ACTING FAST
 
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.
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Past Participants