what you ’ re doing , yes , you will get better . This year went particularly well : I broke into all my categories , placed 7th overall at IISPSC and qualified for Worlds !”
DEVELOPING ESSENTIAL SKILLS : FROM CRITICAL THINKING TO CONFIDENCE
Public speaking and debate transcend the competition floor , equipping students with a repertoire of essential life skills , from critical thinking and analytical writing to empathy and teamwork .
Michelle , who placed 12th overall at IISPSC , shares some of the many benefits she has seen through public speaking . “ Preparing for a speech means researching a lot of topics to find one that is compelling and unique . At IISPSC I spoke about loopholes in medical device regulation . In that , you learn a lot of research-based skills while greatly expanding your general knowledge — from reading books , listening to podcasts and watching videos of high-level debates . For speech delivery , I learned how to build momentum and the need to balance softer moments to draw emphasis in your speech and not wear out your audience ’ s attention .”
BEYOND COMPETITION : BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS , EMBRACING FUN
“ Being able to meet new people and being exposed to different perspectives beyond the CHS community is one of my favourite things about these experiences . The amount of diversity in the competition is just unparalleled ,” says Vanessa .
“ My favourite moment at IISPSC was meeting people . I really enjoyed the chance to meet people outside of the competition room . There were opportunities to socialize ; we went as a group to see an improv show at Granville Island !” says Michelle .
“ It was really fun to meet other students from around the world . It ’ s nice to know that each one of us is
working really hard towards the same goal and that we ’ re all here together ,” shares Lucy .
“ The debate and public speech community is really amazing for students . Yes , it ’ s an opportunity to compete and build skills — but it ’ s also an opportunity to make a lot of friends with other schools and people from all over the world . It ’ s a really unique bonding experience from the camaraderie of being in competition together and forming lifelong friendships at these events ,” concludes Mr Foley .
45