Meet Grand Finalist, Halima Begum

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 Halima Begum! 

Their speech ‘Regret is stronger than gratitude’ earned them and their school, The Camden School for Girls, first place in the Camden Regional Final. 

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

A book to read, Some noise cancelling headphones to block out any noises from birds etc, my teddy bear.

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“Fake it till you make it” It reminds me that nobody can see how nervous or scared or sad you may be feeling, and it pushes me to embody that fake confidence until it feels real.

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

It would be ice cream because it always makes me super happy.

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

1) Be yourself and stop focusing so much on what others think of you; you shouldn’t live your life according to other people just to be liked.

2) Don’t let a bad grade be the end of the world.

3) Smile. All the time, even if you don’t feel like it.

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

I chose to write about grief because I think it’s a subject that’s not spoken about regularly amongst people my age, especially the aspect of regret. I think it’s something a lot of people whether they’re my age, older or younger, can resonate with, losing someone and longing for one more conversation with them.

Why is it important for young people to share their stories?

I think it’s incredibly important for people to share their stories, we’re all storytellers and we should all use our voices because I guarantee that our words can make someone else so very heard. Especially people who may not feel ready to use their voice quite yet.

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