The Speakers Trust were thrilled to congratulate Darrick Wood School and their student, Jude Neanor for success at the Bromley “Speak Out” Challenge! Regional Final.

Jude’s public speaking performance on 20th March was voted on by an independent judging panel comprising of Chris Hafford (Borough Commander, MET Police); Terry Gooding (Bromley Borough Commander, London Fire Brigade); Lesley Howard (Education Business Partnership, London Borough of Bromley); Linden Kemkaran (Freelance Broadcast Journalist & Writer); Jane Evans (Grants Officer, Jack Petchey Foundation); Alice Holland (Senior Executive Assistant, FTI Consulting); Tim Green (Inaugural contact for Bromley public speaking training projects) and Sebastian Olbrich (JPSOC Runner Up, Bromley 2015-16).

Each year over 18,000 students across London and Essex take part in Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! the world’s largest public speaking competition. Jude’s award proudly witnesses his hard work and dedication to this competition.

Each year over 18,000 students participate in Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! There are 37 different Regional Champions, these are among the top 0.2% of young speakers in London and Essex. The Speakers Trust are always blown away by the talent and ability of these young speakers. On behalf of Speakers Trust and the Jack Petchey Foundation, Darrick Wood School were also congratulated on this outstanding achievement.

To decide which speakers will go forward to the Grand Final, a panel of judges will meet on Monday 22 May 2017 (after the last Regional Final) to collectively review the videos of all 37 Regional Champions. Based on the content, delivery and structure of the speeches, the judges will decide on the 15 Grand Finalists who will speak at Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! Grand Final on 3 July 2016 in London’s West End.

Submitted by Jonathan Eynon