Montell Douglas joins the Grand Final

On Monday 18^th July, Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! Grand Finalists will take to the stage of the Cambridge Theatre and share their speeches for the last time in this competition.

Every year we have the privilege of listening to the passionate voices of thousands of young people. Every speech is unique and inspiring in its own way, making it an incredibly tough decision to determine who the next Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge! Grand Champion will be. Fortunately, we will be joined by our esteemed panel of judges who are taking on this difficult job. The panel consists of politicians, athletes, presenters, and influencers all known for using their voices to create change. They will judge the competition based on Content, Delivery & Structure and thereby determine who will be crowned the 2022 “Speak Out” Challenge! Champion!

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

Montell Douglas made Team GB history by becoming the first British woman selected to compete in different sports at the Summer and Winter Olympic games. As well as representing Great Britain on the track and in the bobsleigh, she empowers and motivates the next generation as a coach and public speaker.

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

Finding your voice, is about knowing your true self and being courageous enough to share what makes you, with the world. 

Why is empowering young people important to you? 

Empowering young people is so important to me, as young people truly are our future. They are the history makers and the legacy leavers that make up the aspirations of generations to come. 

What does communication mean to you? 

Communication to me, means being able to actively listen, respond and act upon information. It is an expression of knowledge and energy between parties that allows a presentation of ideas, or merely and vehicle to engage with others. 

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

By being the change they want to see. 

By challenging what’ ‘ just in’ and by believing in themselves that they have the potential to make a difference.”