By Eva Cai
“Go for it, because you never know what will happen.” - Joy Hou
Last December, Collingwood held its annual Public Speaking Competition - with a fresh twist. Collingwood introduced its new Speech Day, when students across all grades were invited to hear different types of speeches throughout the day. New categories of speeches, such as TED talk, interpretive reading, and slam poetry were included.
Out of many competitors, Joy Hou stood out with her informative and intriguing TED Talk, discussing how pets can protect a person even before he or she is born. Joy presented her speech in front of the entire school, and earned first place in the grade 10 TED talks category. Earlier this year, Joy also competed in the Poetry In Voice contest, where she poignantly recited two poems - The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake, and J’ai lu que les Poètes, en Chine by Jean Dominique. Joy and a fellow student were selected to represent the school at the national level of the competition.
To many of us, Joy appeared as a natural at public speaking. In fact, Joy did not find her passion for public speaking until this year’s competition. When asked for her opinion of the new speech format, she expressed that she really enjoyed the new format, and thought that it allowed different ways of expression. “Instead of only two categories - persuasive and dramatic monologue - there are more opportunities for people to speak of their passions. For example, if you enjoy science, you could [deliver] a TED talk.”
The art of public speaking is not a conventional art form that people would consider. When asked of the meaning of art to her, Joy gave me a unique definition: “Art is something fun… something that I can work hard on and be proud of the end product.” Joy has certainly met her standards, by striving for the best and taking pride in her performances.
As for her inspiration, Joy gave her definitive answer: her peers. Joy moved to Collingwood in grade six, where she was first introduced to public speaking. At the time, Joy listened to her many talented classmates performing in the competition, and hoped that she could be able to do that as well. Joy expressed her admiration of her peers: “Everyone [around me] is so talented; they inspire you to become better.”
Aside from public speaking, Joy is also a member of both the senior dance company and the hip hop crew. She states her passion for performing: “I enjoy being in front of people [and] getting their reactions… I dance to perform [in public].” Joy sees herself as a perfectionist in both public speaking and dancing. “I practise to a point where I can do it off the bat. It takes a lot of practice, just like everything else.”
Finally, Joy gives her fellow students a simple yet insightful piece of advice. She related to the quote, “ ‘You miss 100% of the shot you don't take’. “I didn’t know that I was good at public speaking, but [I] went for it… You might fail, or be extremely good at it, but you will never know if you don’t try.” These are words of wisdom which prove universal to all pursuits, be it artistic, academic, or athletic.
Congratulations, Joy, on your talent and your achievements in public speaking! We look forward to more of your performances.
Joy’s speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhaUH5YVm0g
Last December, Collingwood held its annual Public Speaking Competition - with a fresh twist. Collingwood introduced its new Speech Day, when students across all grades were invited to hear different types of speeches throughout the day. New categories of speeches, such as TED talk, interpretive reading, and slam poetry were included.
Out of many competitors, Joy Hou stood out with her informative and intriguing TED Talk, discussing how pets can protect a person even before he or she is born. Joy presented her speech in front of the entire school, and earned first place in the grade 10 TED talks category. Earlier this year, Joy also competed in the Poetry In Voice contest, where she poignantly recited two poems - The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake, and J’ai lu que les Poètes, en Chine by Jean Dominique. Joy and a fellow student were selected to represent the school at the national level of the competition.
To many of us, Joy appeared as a natural at public speaking. In fact, Joy did not find her passion for public speaking until this year’s competition. When asked for her opinion of the new speech format, she expressed that she really enjoyed the new format, and thought that it allowed different ways of expression. “Instead of only two categories - persuasive and dramatic monologue - there are more opportunities for people to speak of their passions. For example, if you enjoy science, you could [deliver] a TED talk.”
The art of public speaking is not a conventional art form that people would consider. When asked of the meaning of art to her, Joy gave me a unique definition: “Art is something fun… something that I can work hard on and be proud of the end product.” Joy has certainly met her standards, by striving for the best and taking pride in her performances.
As for her inspiration, Joy gave her definitive answer: her peers. Joy moved to Collingwood in grade six, where she was first introduced to public speaking. At the time, Joy listened to her many talented classmates performing in the competition, and hoped that she could be able to do that as well. Joy expressed her admiration of her peers: “Everyone [around me] is so talented; they inspire you to become better.”
Aside from public speaking, Joy is also a member of both the senior dance company and the hip hop crew. She states her passion for performing: “I enjoy being in front of people [and] getting their reactions… I dance to perform [in public].” Joy sees herself as a perfectionist in both public speaking and dancing. “I practise to a point where I can do it off the bat. It takes a lot of practice, just like everything else.”
Finally, Joy gives her fellow students a simple yet insightful piece of advice. She related to the quote, “ ‘You miss 100% of the shot you don't take’. “I didn’t know that I was good at public speaking, but [I] went for it… You might fail, or be extremely good at it, but you will never know if you don’t try.” These are words of wisdom which prove universal to all pursuits, be it artistic, academic, or athletic.
Congratulations, Joy, on your talent and your achievements in public speaking! We look forward to more of your performances.
Joy’s speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhaUH5YVm0g
