Meet Grand Finalists Tyrik Taylor

In 2020 Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! Grand Final took to the airwaves – for the first time ever we broadcast around the world from a London film studio via YouTube. All but a handful of last year’s finalists shared their messages at digital events rather than live on stage. But things have changed and we are thrilled that this year the Grand Final will return to its home in the heart of London’s West End, the Cambridge Theatre on Monday 29th November. The count down is on!

More than 20,000 year 10 students from state schools in London and Essex took part in the “Speak Out” Challenge! this academic year, just fifteen students have become 2021 Grand Finalists.

All of this year’s finalists are Digital Champions whose pre-recorded speeches were broadcast as Zoom webinars to an audience of friends, families, teachers, the finalists themselves and of course, a panel of esteemed judges.

In no particular order, meet Grand Finalist Tyrik Taylor!

His speech ‘Black Beauty’, earned him and his school, New Rickstones Academy, Essex, first place in his Digital Final in July. He delivers his speech with a calm yet authoritative voice, showing excellent control and knowledge of his subject matter.

We asked Tyrik, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be and why? 

That is a tough one! I love food so much, so rather than eating only one food for the rest of my life, how about I will never eat mushrooms again!

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

I felt that it was time for people to hear my story and how I felt. I want to show how I dealt with adversity with the help of family members and friends.

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

I feel like it’s vital for us young people to share our stories and experiences because it helps create a platform for other people to speak out.

And finally, outside of delivering a speech, how do you think this experience could be helpful now or in the future?

At first, I was nervous about delivering my speech to my year group and others. Doing it though has pulled me out of my comfort zone and has given me the confidence to talk in front of a large group of people. So, I hope the confidence will extend into other areas of my life.

Watch his speech now.