Meet Grand Finalist, Lawson Nunn

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 Lawson Nunn! 

Their speech ‘Your Parents are Rubbish’ earned them and their school, St Benedict’s Catholic College, first place in their East Essex Regional Final. 

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

A plane, a pilot and my Nan while I’m waiting to takeoff.

What is your favourite saying or quote and why?

“Nothing is given, everything is earned.” Lebron James. I like this quote as it reminds me that nothing in my life will just come to me, I have to go and get it.

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

Lidl lasagna because it’s cheap and reliable. Whatever mood I’m in, I could eat it.

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

Don’t stress about school yet, make lots of new friends and just have fun.

You could have made a speech anything in the world. Why did you speak about this one subject?

Because I think my Nan is one of the most important people in my life who has guided me through life one step at a time. Though my Grandad isn’t here anymore I still had her as a strong role model.

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

Make meal deals £3 again.

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