Meet Grand Finalist, Noah 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 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 Noah Gilbert! 

Their speech ‘The Core of it All’ earned them and their school, Richard Challoner School, first place in the Kingston Regional Final. 

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

A three-story yacht, sunglasses and suncream – most people get terrified at the thought of being alone on a tropical island but why not enjoy it?

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” — William Shakespeare. I love this quote because it reminds us that life is a performance — everyone plays a role, and how you choose to act matters.

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

Apples — they are the fruit of life. Nutritious, versatile, and symbolic in so many stories and cultures.

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

First impressions are lasting impressions. Look smart, think smart. Teachers have heard every excuse in the book — honesty gets you further.

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

I want to address the small things. Sometimes it’s not about giving answers, but about raising questions.

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

The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
I want to leave the audience with questions, not clarity — because that way, they won’t know the limits of their own answers. While the speech focuses on the potential of a humble fruit, it’s really a metaphor for something much greater. I want people to see the value and meaning in the everyday things we often overlook.

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