Meet Grand Finalist, Aleiya Francis

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 35,000 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 Aleiya Francis! 

Their speech ‘Step out of your comfort zone’ earned them and their school, Mulberry Academy Woodside, first place in their Haringey Regional Final. 

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

I would take water, food and my mum to prolong my chances of surviving.

What is your favourite saying or quote and why?

No risk no story – because if you don’t take risks your story will be dry.

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

Chicken because you can have different types of chicken, curry chicken, fried chicken etc.

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

Be yourself, try to persuade parents to buy you a blazer that fits and not one to grow in to and don’t wear makeup.

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

I would change poverty so that everyone has enough money / resources to live.

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

I would like people to feel confident to step outside of their comfort zone.

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