Meet Grand Finalist, Gerda Labortas

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 2024-2025, 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 7th July and crown the 2025 Speak Out Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2025 Grand Finalist Gerda Labortas! 

Their speech ‘It’s about HOW you say it’ earned them and their school, Brentford School for Girls, first place in the Hounslow Regional Final. 

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

Sunscreen (I want to have a nice tan not just burn), drum or a piano (maybe I will finally have time to learn how to play one of those) and my sister (with her sarcastic sense of humour it will not be boring in there).

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“Be The Change” because everyone holds the power to be the change in their own fairytale, with every step, confidently shaping the life they dream of.

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

Burger – protein, veggies and carbs – healthy diet, all wrapped in delicious package.

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

Shine from within. Don’t take everything close to your heart. Enjoy every moment and opportunity that your life brings to you.

Why do you think it’s important for young people, like you, to share their stories? 

Because we are the generation of the young people who will bring the change to our world. By sharing our stories in this incredible way, we allow more people to see us as more than just Year 10 teenagers — as individuals already shaping a successful future.

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

This experience has sparked an unexpected new passion for public speaking in me, starting from the very first day I signed up last minute for the Jack Petchey masterclass. Every step of this journey, right up to the Grand Final, has transformed me from a Ukrainian girl unsure of her English skills into someone who loves standing on a large stage and is determined to inspire and motivate others in her future.

Best of luck Gerda and see you at the Grand Final on July 7th!