By Olivia Condous
A Bacchus Marsh student took out the top prize at the 2022 Wyndham Youth Public Speaking Competition finals, or Wynspeak, on June 1.
Ian Hadsan-Llusala, a year eleven Bacchus Marsh Grammar pupil, won the competition with his speech on colour and its effect on human emotions.
Ian said competing in his first-ever public speaking competition was “absolutely terrifying”, but taking out first place had cemented his motivation to keep progressing in the field into the future.
“This is something that I honestly would have never expected for myself, I’ve always considered myself to be an introvert,” Ian said.
“Being able to speak in front of people who I don’t know is terrifying, but also really fulfilling.”
Bacchus Marsh Grammar public speaking coordinator Elise Coyne said Ian’s win highlighted the fact he was a natural storyteller.
“That’s really shown within the public speaking competitions, and it’s just such a thrill,” Ms Coyne said.
“Seeing him perform makes me feel so proud to be able to have been involved in that in any way and also seeing him succeed in the way that he does,” she said.
The Wynspeak competition first began in 2005 and is run primarily by the Hoppers Crossing Rotary Club and the Apex Club of Hoppers Crossing, with support from the Rotary Clubs of Caroline Springs, Melton and Altona.
Ian’s advice to other students who wanted to get involved in public speaking was simply ‘be yourself’.
“Once you’re able to show who you truly are and really give a part of yourself, that’s the essence of public speaking.”
