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Introducing Grand Final judge Ethan Bousoula
On Monday 8th July, Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Finalists will take to the stage of the Cambridge Theatre. Every speech is unique and inspiring in its own way, making it an incredibly tough decision to determine who the next Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Champion will be, which is why we invited an esteemed panel of judges to take on that difficult task!
The panel consists of artists, presenters and campaigners all known for using their voice to create change. They will judge the competition based on the content, delivery, structure and positive impact of each speech and help us crown this years winner.
In no particular order, let’s meet the judges!
Ethan Bousoula won the 2023 Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Final with his speech entitled “It Doesn’t Get Better” and is back as a judge for this year’s Grand Final.
Q· In your experience, what does it mean to find your voice?
A. Finding my voice represents the ability to harness my confidence and use it to effectively communicate ideas I believe in, from my own unique perspective.
Q · Why is empowering young people important to you?
A. In a climate where young people are undermined for wanting to enact change in society, I believe it’s imperative that they are empowered and given the reassurance to lead with integrity and pride. People are often a reflection of their internal beliefs and empowering people at a young age gives power for greater skills to develop and flourish, building a better future for themselves. Young people are the leaders of tomorrow and we should want leaders who pioneer and challenge the status quo.
Q· What does communication mean to you?
A. To put it simply, communication means utilising engaging body language, eye-contact and clear speech to create a powerful form of expression. It is also about knowing your audience through listening to them and being able to engage them with relatable and interesting ideas.
Q· And finally, thinking about our young speakers, how can they provoke the change they want to see in the world?
A. I believe that change comes from within. If you want to see change in the world, be that change because there is nobody else who can execute change the way you want, better than yourself.
