LETs Stand Public Speaking

Debating in Primary School

“Sixth class pupils from a Westmeath school have scooped Ireland’s top prize for school debating after winning the Concern Primary Debates final”…… ”They won after successfully proposing the motion that ‘schools are the key to ending world poverty.’” The perfect way to hear and learn about the experience of Debating in Primary School! What a joy and revelation it was to hear from the All Island of Ireland winners of the Concern Primary School Debates 2024. Debaters Matthew, Charlie and Edward of Emper National School, County Westmeath joined me together with their mentor and School Principal, Kathryn and teacher / parent Sarah for this insightful chat. It’s said that ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ or as the chief judge said on the night of the final debate: “when you take the team out of teamwork, it’s just work”. It’s clear from the conversation you will hear that this was definitely a ‘team’ and collaborative effort. Out of 250 primary schools from across the island of Ireland that started the Concern Debates journey, and after winning 8 debates, Emper NS in Co. Westmeath made it through to the National finals which they won. In this conversation we hear through the experience of the team from Emper NS, about the positives and challenges of debating, and how debating can impact the transition to secondary school and life beyond school. We also get some invaluable tips and practical strategies for managing nerves and building confidence. The team talks us through the process of preparing for the debates step-by-step and assure us that the process is as important, if not more important than the product / outcome. We hear about the many great lessons learned from the perspectives of the students, a parent, the teacher and the school principal and debating team mentor. Concern debates has been running for 35 years. The Concern Primary Debates are run in conjunction with Education Support Centres across Ireland, it’s run both online and in person and is open to senior primary classes. How will students benefit? Students will have the opportunity to: * Learn to speak in public and in front of their peers * Develop cognitive and language abilities, as well as skills in research and debating * Develop critical thinking and communication skills * Gain a deeper understanding of the global issues affecting millions of people * Use their voice to raise awareness of SDGs * Develop empathy to consider other views * Receive a certificate of participation You can access free downloadable resources from the Concern Debates website to get your class started. Why not take a look for yourself: https://www.concern.net/schools-and-youth/debates/primary-school It was inspiring and such a privilege to speak with Matthew, Charlie, Edward, Kathryn and Sarah today, on a bright Sunday morning when they could have been outside or elsewhere. I hope their insights and experience will inspire you to consider looking into debating, in-school or inter-school with your students. As Kathryn, Sarah, Matthew, Charlie and Edward from Emper NS have shown us, it’s all about the team. Lots of learning and fun experienced along the way too. ………………………………….……………………………………………….. Motions debated along the way: * Homework should be a thing of the past * All children in Ireland should have the right to a local playground * Getting rid of plastic pollution in our oceans is just a dream * Electric cars are the best way for countries to reduce their emissions * Sport always brings communities together * The business sector has the most important role in achieving the SDGs in Ireland All Island Knockout Round Motion: * Climate activists must give up eating meat All Island Quarter Final Motion: * Young people in Ireland are indifferent to the Global South

A Legacy of Leadership. A conversation with Ted Corcoran.

“What will be your legacy”? Ted Corcoran, a leading management consultant based in Dublin, Ireland has been the only Irish and the first European International President of Toastmasters International (2003-2004) since the organisation was founded in 1924. Toastmasters International is a US-headquartered non-profit educational organization operating clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Currently with over 350,000 members, in 145 countries, Toastmasters is the most efficient, supportive, enjoyable, and affordable way of gaining great communication and leadership skills with the tagline: “Where leaders are made”. When it comes to leadership, Ted most certainly ‘walks the talk’. Having led his own district to President’s Distinguished District status, finishing second in the world in achievement in 1994/1995, as International President of Toastmasters, Ted oversaw the continued growth of Toastmaster clubs across the world. Ted has delivered many training courses, presentations and seminars around the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and in countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Ted is also a member of the Rotary Club, Dublin, since 1991, serving as club president in 2001/02. With a willingness to always listen, observe and consider, Ted has devoted his life to encouraging and supporting others to see and realize the potential in themselves and their teams. He is also the author of three books: “The Leadership Bus” published 1998 and which is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leadership-Bus-Effective-Successful-Leader/dp/1438901232 “Hiring a Car and Walking After It” published 2019 and available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hiring-car-walking-after-lessons/dp/1946195413 His most recent book, “A Comprehensive History of Toastmasters in Great Britain and Ireland,” was launched in September, 2022 and can be sourced by contacting Eileen O’Neill at eileen5067@gmail.com In this episode, Ted shares with us stories from his childhood growing up in County Kerry in Ireland, his school days and how and where he began to practise his own leadership skills. Recounting some of his experiences as the only Irish International President of Toastmasters International, Ted comments on the importance of empathy, relationships, a sense of humour and teamwork reminding us of the Japanese proverb that “no one is as smart as all of us”. His trilogy of advice is particularly empowering: “1. Always say ‘yes’ to opportunity, 2. Never be afraid to ask for advice and 3. Always believe you’re as good as everyone else”. You can find out more about today’s guest, Ted Corcoran at these links: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2022/sept/the-irish-oracle https://tedcorcoran.ie/ If you’d like to find out more about Toastmasters International and find a club close to you, you can do so through this link: https://www.toastmasters.org/ Guests are always most welcome.

Teachers really matter: Connection before Content. A conversation with Jukka

“Students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care” (John C Maxwell). In this episode, Jukka Sinnemäki (PhD.), recipient of the 2019 Global Teacher Award, quotes John C Maxwell as he shares with us his experience, observations and findings that ”it is not what is poured into the students but what is planted that counts”. Jukka, from Finland, is an award-winning teacher, education thought leader and TEDx Speaker. In this episode, Jukka challenges us to rethink some practices and habits we may be taking for granted in our classrooms encouraging us to “stop often enough to be able to see the unseen” in our students. He emphasises the profound impact and influence of teachers as we help, support and encourage young people to realize their full potential. Inspired himself by a teacher who went an “extra mile” in his youth, Jukka believes that positive transformation in schools is possible even in a very short period of time explaining how relationships and wellbeing are at the very core of positive transformation. His child-centred approach to teaching and learning not only increases his students’ wellbeing, but also their learning results and motivation, proving that “success is a by-product of wellbeing”. Throughout his career in education, Jukka has continuously engaged in research, investigating important questions as they arise while trialling and exploring various innovative pedagogies. In his teaching, Jukka strives to make visible the development which he says is not usually seen in the report cards. Jukka’s unique, student-centred approach to co-designing and co-constructing the classroom environment with his students is a striking example of student voice and agency in action. You might see hammocks and bean bags in Jukka’s class for relaxation and reading as well as treadmills and other PE equipment and various technological devices, all with a particular purpose, all carefully chosen by the students and all contributing to the balanced, holistic development of the children and promoting their holistic wellbeing. Constantly trying to achieve balance between activity, stimulation and calm, quiet, presence, if it is evaluated that something is not benefiting learning and development, then a decision is made to take it away. In this episode, Jukka also reminds us of the importance of the 21st Century skills of communication and collaboration with those around us and across the globe for a sustainable future. In real, visible ways, Jukka shows value for students’ imagination, creativity, ideas and thoughts. “When students first enter our classrooms, what do they see, what do they feel?” Jukka asks. He gently encourages us to reflect and consider: How do we support students to become aware of their own uniqueness, dignity and intrinsic value as human beings? How do we connect with our students when we first meet? Can we listen before we teach? Can we see the unseen? When we, as teachers, come into the class, what comes in with us? Humbly hoping that he can make an impact as a “positive changemaker”, Jukka’s everyday teaching practices clearly embody the changemaker pillars of creativity, empathy, leadership and teamwork and more. Jukka reminds us that building a deeper connection with our students matters and advises that “Learning happens when you see the unseen in every child”. You can find out more about and get in contact with Jukka through the following contact details and links: jukka.sinnemaki@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jukka-sinnemäki-9045a922/ https://twitter.com/JukkaSinnemaki https://www.facebook.com/jukka.sinnemaki?ref=bookmarks http://knownow.fi/en/. You can view some of Jukka’s inspiring, thought provoking videos at the following links: TEDx – Stop Often enough to be able to see the unseen. Tedx - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6xVGkHjh6s&t=39s Jukka Sinnemäki teaching philosophy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTyFbwzuwxo&t=22s.

Anthony Garvey talks about Pivoting and Possibilities in times of change.

“Help your children fall in love with reading again” and lots more with today’s guest. Today’s guest, Anthony Garvey has 30 years’ experience working in international public relations, ranging from technology and telecommunication blue chips to educational and local government organisations. He spent 9 years as Head of PR for Psion plc, during a period of rapid change as it evolved from a start-up to a FTSE100 company. In 2001, Anthony returned to Ireland where he established Quinn Garvey PR, which provides public relations and marketing services to small businesses in the UK and Ireland. Anthony also runs Confident Presenting https://confidentpresenting.com/ , which provides twelve different management training courses to companies and business executives: • Presentation Skills • Communication Skills • Time Management • Meeting Mastery • Pitching to win • Interview Skills • Minute-Taking • Media Training • Commercial Negotiation • Public Speaking • Leadership Skills • Public Relations Whether you’re preparing to make a speech at a wedding, giving a presentation at work, preparing for a sales pitch, delivering the latest financial results or getting ready for an interview, Confident Presenting courses teach you how to master the skills necessary to succeed. Anthony is an award-winning presenter and public speaker having competed in the District 71 UK & Ireland finals four times. He is currently President of Shilling Speakers in District 91. Anthony has also written seven children’s books, including the popular acclaimed Gravespeakers series for 8-12 year olds. Obviously adept at pivoting in times of change, Anthony advises that “there are great opportunities out there if you push yourself forward”. “Anyone who feels there’s a dream they want to follow, go for it.” Anthony also provides creative writing, public speaking and presentation training for schools as well as doing readings of his popular children’s books series. Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonygarvey/ or by visiting: www.confidentpresenting.com or www.gravespeakers.com You can enjoy some of Anthony’s entertaining and inspiring presentations at the following links: TEDx Talk: ‘How to Present Naked’ https://youtu.be/_r16T3eIRqg ‘Come to the Edge’ District 71 finalist Toastmasters International https://youtu.be/uLuH2-CzkIY. #publicspeaking. #toastmastersinternational

Creativity and Writing - The Path to Becoming a Fiction Writer with author, Lorraine Murphy.

“If you love a twisting story that will almost leave you breathless, just read it”. So says one of the reviews of Lorraine Murphy’s new psychological thriller: ‘Into the Woods’. Advising prospective writers that “you start with something to say and then you use the tools you have to make it sound really good”, in this episode, author, Lorraine Murphy guides us through the creative process of writing. Lorraine writes about everyday situations, often twisting them into terrifying tales. She is the author of ‘Into the Woods’, a psychological fiction novel, coming out in September 2022 and published by Inkubator Books. https://inkubatorbooks.com/blog/2022/07/25/into-the-woods/?fbclid=IwAR2wiWw7jlLGWY4GN2wNVZDAB38AJZLHn-bwQON-m U_tPPxeLqyYlcBgemI She has written numerous published, and winning, flash fiction stories, and is currently working on her second novel with Inkubator Books. A software engineer by profession, Lorraine has had many careers including slimming club leader, adult educator, charity co-founder, chairperson, activist and entrepreneur. As a teenager, she adored Stephen King and later found herself on the jury of an infamous murder trial. Lorraine is an accomplished Toastmaster, having reached District 71 (Ireland and UK) table topics semi-finals in 2020, taken second place in Division 9 Humorous speech and table topic competitions in 2022 and having retained the Mullingar club table topics trophy for three years in a row. She is the incoming President of Mullingar Toastmasters. During this discussion we frequently draw comparisons between the writing and public speaking process, especially in terms of craft and crafting a speech, a story, a book. Lorraine lives in Westmeath, Ireland with her husband Brendan and three taller children. ‘Into the Woods’ will be available to buy on Amazon.com from August 21st. To get your hands on Lorraine’s “fast moving, engaging and thrilling” book, keep an eye on Lorraine’s website and Amazon. August 21st is the date! Have a listen to our chat to find out more about Lorraine’s ‘in-person’ book launch on October 01st in Annebrook Hotel in Mullingar. You can find out more about Lorraine and / or contact her through: Twitter: https://twitter.com/@murphylorr Website: http://lorraineamurphy.com/ Email: lorraine.a.murphy@gmail.com