Meet Grand Finalist, Toni Agbebi

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 40,000 students have been trained in over 500 schools across all of London and Essex.

Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge provides year 10 students in state schools across London and Essex with public speaking and communication training to increase their confidence, sense of agency and drive to make a difference in society.

During the academic year, over 500 schools have received a free one-day public speaking workshops for their students. The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and at the end of the day. During 2023-2024, 74% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people. At the end of the day, every school nominates one student to go on to a Regional or Digital Final, where they compete again other school finalists and their speeches are judged based on content delivery, structure and positive impact by a panel of esteemed judges. After going on to win the semi-finals, our 15 inspirational, articulate, and impressive speakers are now ready to present their speech to you!

We will celebrate the achievements of these awe-inspiring young people in the heart of London’s West End at Cambridge Theatre on Monday 8th July and crown the 2024 Speak Out Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2024 Grand Finalist Toni Agbebi! 

Their speech ‘Africa in Three Words’ earned them and their school, Ursuline High School Wimbledon, first place in their Merton Regional Final. 

We asked Toni, what three items or people would you choose to take to a desert island and why? 

My laptop to access my online library, unlimited chicken, my best friend because our sense of humour is just undebatable.

What is your favourite saying or quote and why?

‘I said what I said’. It’s my favourite quote because it reminds me to be open and not hide my true feelings.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Chicken. It’s just undisputed.

What three tips would you give to a Year 7 student? 

Look like you know where you’re going. Find friends and stick with them. Enjoy year 7 because by the time you’ll get to year 10, you will feel lost.

If you could make one change in the world what would it be?

I would install at least 2 chicken shops on every street. Food is the solution- no, chicken.

Outside of delivering a speech, how do you think this experience could be helpful now or in the future?

I have always struggled with getting my message across because half the time I don’t know what I am saying. But in pursuing my career of being a lawyer/ public figure, I would be able to carefully decipher my words whilst having fun.

Best of luck Toni and see you at the Grand Final on July 8th!