St Edward’s College student Andrew Marshall won first place at the English-Speaking Union of Malta’s 2014 public speaking competition, which was recently held at the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry in Valletta.

Marshall will now represent ESU Malta at the International Public Speaking Competition to be held in London in May. Over the coming weeks, he will receive one-to-one training from ESU Malta Director of Education Yvette Micallef to prepare for the competition

Second place went to St Aloysius College student Jasmine Farrugia, while Michaela Giglio, another St Edward’s student, came third.

Ten first-year Sixth Formers from St Aloysius’ College, St Edward’s College and De La Salle College took part in the competition. They each had to give a five-minute speech on the topic ‘To be human is to discuss’.

The adjudicating panel was chaired by Dr James Corby, and included Bernie Mizzi and Reuben Balzan.

Prior to the competition, Ms Micallef had tutored all the students during a public speaking academy held in January. They were trained not only in the skills necessary to speak effectively in public, but also on the importance of team building and peer support, which together form the backbone of any successful organisation, society or rapport.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, who presented the winners with their certificates, commented on the importance of such training for students. He also praised ESU Malta for its work, especially its Arm of Support Programme through which Żabbar pupils are offered a new approach to English language learning and speaking.