A Redbridge teen has been crowned grand champion of a national public speaking competition for a captivating speech about beauty standards and masculinity.
Gandi Nguzo, a Year 10 student at Chadwell Heath Academy, won the title at Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Final, held on July 6 at the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden.
The speech, titled ‘Why you should date me,’ explored beauty standards, masculinity and what really matters in the end, earning Mr Nguzo the title of Grand Champion.
He said: "I can't believe I won."
His win secured him a £2,000 personal prize and £3,000 for his school, to be spent on a project of his choice.
The UK’s largest youth public speaking competition, the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, involved around 35,000 Year 10 students from London and Essex this year.
Gandi impressed the audience with his blend of humour and insight, as he addressed the fleeting nature of outward appearances.
During his speech, he said: "Because humour fades. Looks fade. Even confidence fades.
"And when the jawline softens, the Instagram filter ends, and the lighting gets bad, what's left?"
Second place went to Fatiha Sanni from Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls in Greenwich, whose speech tackled the complexities of intersectionality and being defined by others.
Fatiha said: "I'm feeling really excited and happy.
"It's made me realise that young people's voices really matter and that when we speak out, change can happen."
Taking third place was Rashmiya Nithikaran from Heathcote Secondary School in Waltham Forest, who spoke about the influence of culture, religion, and language on personal identity.
Rashmiya said: "I'm very, very happy.
"I'm very excited for the other winners as well.
"The day has been amazing, really.
"It's been really nice bonding with everyone, so I'm really glad I got to have this experience."
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Fourth place was awarded to Kevin Okoroma from St Ignatius College in Enfield, who celebrated individuality in a speech on the 'beauty of weirdness' and the risks of conformity.
Mr Okoroma said: "I'm so happy that I've got this award.
"In my eyes, we're all winners.
"This has been a wonderful, exceptional, amazing experience."
The judging panel featured figures recognised for their advocacy and use of public voice, including climate activist Clover Hogan, poet Hussain Manawer, broadcaster Dr Xand Van Tulleken, and last year’s champion Adam Ravat.
Adam said: "The bar was set incredibly high.
"Every single speech was very impressive and incredibly captivating.
"My job was incredibly hard—a testament to how good the speeches all were."
Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge is delivered in partnership by Speakers Trust and the Jack Petchey Foundation to encourage 14- and 15 -year-olds to develop public speaking and communication skills as well as building self-esteem and confidence.
Now in its 21st year, the programme has reached more than 400,000 students since it began.
Russell Findlay, CEO of Speakers Trust, said: "It's an honour to see these young people transform from their first public speaking experience in front of a small group at school to stepping out on the stage at a West End theatre.
"Watching their journey is as inspiring as hearing them speak on issues, where their voices need to be heard."
Gemma Juma, CEO of the Jack Petchey Foundation, echoed the praise for this year’s finalists.
Ms Juma said: "It was incredibly inspiring to see our finalists take to the stage at the Cambridge Theatre in West End with such passion, confidence and authenticity, delivering powerful speeches to a packed theatre that celebrated every moment with them."
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