Public Speaking Maltese Style by Pia Zammit, Director of ESU Malta
Every year the ESU Malta Branch offers public speaking courses to all sixth form college students on the island. As of this scholastic year – 2017-2018 – we offered a separate individual course at each college… I also offer coaching and tuition sessions to all candidates (of all ages) for our National Public Speaking Competition and then help our national winner prepare for the International Public Speaking Competition.
All of these courses and sessions help form a bond between students and ESU Malta. Consequently, we have repeat students as well as voluntary help from recent past national winners Rebecca Bonello Ghio, Raphael Sammut and Steven Bajada. Sean Ellul, our 2017 NPSC winner and a natural educator, has now almost become my right-hand man. He is the Secretary General of the National Youth Council and together we train students for our National Youth Parliament.
In my experience, students who enter the Public Speaking Competition tend to be very active in all aspects of their lives so the fact that they choose to volunteer with the ESU is very much appreciated. Their presence helps encourage and motivate new students, especially those who have just turned 16 and freshly out of secondary school, who are confused and a bit afraid of the ‘big wide world’ of sixth form ahead of them! They see go-getters like Rebecca, Raphael, Steven and Sean and they can relate and look up to them. I’m not a relevant model for them as I fall into the category of ‘parent-aged educator’ (no matter how cool I myself think I really am!) so my wonderful ex-students help bridge that gap beautifully!
The ESU has an international presence in over 50 countries to promote the understanding and communication between people of all cultures and countries.
