LCS Students Take on the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition

Written by: Ms. Lundy

At Lakefield College School, we strive to provide our students unique learning opportunities to foster their joy of learning in academic and co-curricular settings. One way we achieve this goal is by offering unique and enriching learning opportunities, beyond the classroom. When the International Independent School Public Speaking Competition announced a tournament in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, we were eager to get involved and three ‘top debaters’ at LCS enrolled in the competition. 

Morgan ’24, Fiona ’24, and Hannah ’25 travelled across the border to compete in the competition hosted by Deerfield Academy and Northfield Mount Hermon. The event spanned five days, during which, students were immersed in multiple public speaking and parliamentary-style debates. Each of our students competed in events such as Persuasive Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, After Dinner Speech, and Dramatic Interpretation Reading. They competed in each event twice, before receiving constructive feedback from expert judges. The feedback each of our students received was instrumental in assisting them to become more confident and articulate public speakers.  

One of the highlights of the trip was that it represented a microcosm of the world. Students travelled from around the globe to participate in this event. Morgan ’24, Fiona ’24, and Hannah ’25 met peers from Bermuda, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Bahamas, the United States and more. 

"We made friends from all over the world. It was enlightening to meet peers who know some of our friends at LCS from their home countries as well as other Canadian students from schools that we have seen at sports games and other events in the past. Events like this one are wonderful opportunities for broadening your global connections and learning alongside, and from students worldwide." - Fiona '24

When they weren’t preparing for their competitions, our students explored the local area. They enjoyed a walking tour of a historic New England colonial village, and visited multiple historical sites (including the textile museum), numerous notable homes, and Champney's Restaurant and Tavern (located inside an Inn that opened in 1848). This opportunity provided our students with the chance to connect with local residents, meet and support local businesses, interact with the historic Deerfield community and dive into a key time in American history. 

On the final day of the tournament, Morgan ’24, Fiona ’24, and Hannah ’25 had the opportunity to listen to the top-tier speakers in each of the categories represented in the tournament. This inspired them to see how their peers from across the world approached each challenge. Our student representatives demonstrated true sportsmanship when they took the time to congratulate each category winner before departing the competition.

"My favourite event was the impromptu speaking because we were given three completely different topics to choose from and two minutes to prepare. Everyone had the same circumstances and it forced us to think quickly on our feet, which is what I believe is the basis of confident public speaking. This essential skill of conveying a confident presentation in a speech that you are making up almost as you go, is taught through impromptu speaking and is a skill that will serve us well in the future. There are many different interpretations of each topic and it was very insightful to hear how each speaker was able to personalize their prompt." - Fiona '24

This incredible experience provided our students with the opportunity to debate alongside students from all over the world, spark new friendships, foster life skills, and establish a global network. Overall, our students represented LCS with great pride and eloquence. They have walked away from this experience with incredible memories, life skills, and stories that will last a lifetime. We look forward to joining future IISPC events.