DebSoc met again today (Mon 11th May). Today, Miss Gordon and the team explored ‘speaking off the cuff’ – with a particular focus on introducing guest speakers, and chairing public speaking events. The girls brainstormed what qualities and dispositions are essential in effectively ‘chairing’ a room. We discussed the important purpose of a chairperson in securing the confidence and interest of their audience, as well as putting a speaker at ease, and ‘wrapping up’ in a clear, meaningful manner.

Members than practised this, each having one minute to think and then introduce a person of their choice. No planning, no research – true ‘thinking on your feet’ style!

Dunya got us really excited about Freddie Mercury and his contributions to the field of music. Ishita passionately introduced critically acclaimed author J. K. Rowling. Niamh animatedly introduced Greta Thunberg, emphasising how age is no barrier to significance. Miss Gordon was incredibly impressed by their unscripted chairing. If two of these three individuals ever did visit NHEHS, they would certainly have a warm, pertinent and enthusiastic introduction!

Well done to DebSoc members for practising these valuable life skills. We can’t wait to put them into practise at our next English Speaking Union meet!

DebSoc will be back on  Monday 8th June. It runs 1-1:30pm every Monday for Years 7-9. New members welcome anytime, no commitment to attending weekly! Full details on extra-curricular noticeboard, with a link to our google meet.