Michael Akinyemi, welcome to the panel

On Monday 10th July, Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Finalists will take to the stage of the Cambridge Theatre. Every speech is unique and inspiring in its own way, making it an incredibly tough decision to determine who the next Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Champion will be.

The panel consists of artists, presenters, athletes and campaigners all known for using their voice to create change. They will judge the competition based on the content, delivery, structure and positive impact of each speech and help us crown this years winner.

In no particular order, let’s meet the judges! 

Michael won the 2022 Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Final with his speech about his heritage ‘I am a Fighter’. Michael says, “It’s imperative that we as a society allow for young people to be at the forefront of leadership. Being a leader isn’t a skill that you can learn in the classroom; it takes practical experience and responsibility to be an effective leader. Empowering young people from early on is important because the students of today are the politicians, CEOs and voices of tomorrow.”

We asked Michael, in your experience, what does it mean to find your voice? 

“I like the fact that the question is phrased “find your voice”; it means to me that everyone has one, but you have to overcome your anxiety and be given a platform to use it to the best of your ability. My experience of finding my voice was definitely through doing the Speak Out Challenge. I had always been an outspoken, confident person, but the workshops and speeches I was given the opportunity to do showed me what I could do with my voice if I really put my mind to it.”

Why is empowering young people important to you?

“It’s imperative that we as a society allow for young people to be at the forefront of leadership. Being a leader isn’t a skill that you can learn in the classroom; it takes practical experience and responsibility to be an effective leader. Empowering young people from early on is important because the students of today are the politicians, CEOs and voices of tomorrow. ”

What does communication mean to you? 

“To be able to communicate is much more than just to speak. After all, in the speak out challenge, delivery is only a third of the criteria. It’s quite a broad term; some of the best communication can arise from silence. To be able to convey an idea to someone else is the best definition I can give.”

Thinking about our young speakers, how can they provoke the change they want to see in the world?

“I think in delivering a speech about an issue or topic they are passionate about, they have taken an important first step. Their speeches will be heard by people who are in positions to help or have similar experiences; the next step for the speakers is to connect with these people and join initiatives that are in their interest.”