Meet Grand Finalist, Elijah Gilbert

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 Elijah Gilbert! 

Their speech ‘Words, Words, Words’ earned them and their school, Richard Challoner School, first place in the Kingston Regional Final. 

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

My Cats, they are a great source of comfort and reassurance, and also a in dire situation, food.

A packet of tea, tea is the essence of life, it serves as a relaxant and also, stimulant.

A pen and paper, to record, write and entertain through poems, stories and accounts.

What is your favourite saying or quote?

‘Carpe Diem’, Seize the Day. This famous motto encourages us to make the most of everyday, and grasp every opportunity available.

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

Yorkshire pudding, a traditional food from the North, where my family is from. It is nourishing, warming and eternally satisfying.

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

1) Always be kind, show a caring and positive attitude towards others.

2) Participate in all things that interest you, and some that may not, this will open your understanding and skillset to a wider range.

3) Find a balance between work and fun, a balanced combination is essential for a healthy attitude.

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

Because the power of words is a topic very close to my heart. People often underestimate the impact of their own words, they don’t think before they speak. There are so many aspects of words, they have the power to uplift, inspire but also hurt. Even though I am young, I have an understanding of the power of words.

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

After hearing my speech, I would like people to consider more, the effect their words have on other people, and also the influence they can have: to educate, to promote, to learn and to develop.

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