Youth Speaks

Rotary Youth Speaks is a dynamic public speaking competition designed to empower young people to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Teams of three take on the roles of Chairperson, Speaker, and Vote of Thanks, working together to deliver a compelling presentation that informs, persuades, and entertains.

This year’s event at the Zennor Theatre, Penwith College, brought that spirit vividly to life. St Just School opened the evening with the thought‑provoking topic “Is artificial intelligence helping humans think better – or is it replacing human thinking?” Guided by Chairperson Orla Taylor, Speaker Thelo Tucker, and Vote of Thanks Zelah Gwynn, the team explored the opportunities and challenges of AI with impressive composure and insight.

Mousehole School followed with an equally engaging presentation on “Are smartphones really making us smarter?” Their team—Chairperson Agnes Rendle, Speaker Arthur Wolf, and Vote of Thanks Iona Nelson—delivered a polished and well‑structured argument that balanced humour, research, and personal reflection.

The judging panel consisted of Rotarians Nigel Clark and Barbara Kirk, joined by guest judge Floyd Steadman, whose combined experience offered thoughtful and encouraging feedback. Each Speaker was also challenged with a spontaneous question from Linda McCormack, testing their ability to think on their feet—something both teams handled with admirable confidence.

Teachers, families, and supporters filled the theatre, creating a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. Many commented on how inspiring it was to see young people speak with such maturity, passion, and poise. After careful deliberation, the judges announced that although both teams performed exceptionally well, Mousehole had just won - by the narrowest of margins, praised particularly for their clarity, teamwork, and engaging delivery.

Refreshments were enjoyed during the interval, adding to the friendly community feel of the afternoon, and every participant received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and achievement. It was a memorable event that celebrated not only public speaking, but also the courage and curiosity of the next generation.