Amelia Knight wins place in Grand Final

After a challenging pandemic with far reaching consequences for schools, students and oracy skills, the Jack Petchey Foundation recognised and responded to the needs of young people. They made it possible for more than 30,000 students to be part of the Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge! this academic year alone, making this the highest number of students ever trained on the programme in such a short amount of this.

The Jack Petchey “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 400 schools have received a free one-day public speaking workshop 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 2021-22, 77% 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 the Regional Final, where they compete again other school finalists and their speeches are judged based on content delivery and structure by a panel of esteemed judges. After going on to win the semi-finals, our 15 most 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 18th July and crown the 2022 “Speak Out” Champion!

In no particular order, meet Grand Finalist Amelia Knight!

Amelia’s speech ‘It is time’ earned them and their school, Thomas Tallis School, a place for Greenwich in a Digital Final. Amelia draws attention to societal pressures she sees pressed upon women.

We asked Ameila, what three top tips on life would you give a Year Seven student? 

“Be, and stay true to yourself. Try your best in all you do, it will pay off. Have fun and surround yourself with positive people.” 

What three items or people would you choose to take to a desert island and why? 

“1) A boat, so I can escape. 2) Food, so I don’t starve. 3) My best friend, for a good time.” 

How could this experience help you further any passions you have? 

“I want to leave this world having made a difference. This competition has given me the ability to ‘speak out,’ which will help me to actively make my difference…whatever it may be.” 

How would you like people to think / act differently from hearing your story? 

“I want people to change their perspective on how they view people to be. Instead of immediately judging someone, based on their appearance, why not take the time to get to know and love someone for who they really are at their core, because that is what is really important.” 

Watch Amelia’s winning speech 

Support these young speakers, join us at the Grand Final