The local boy talked his way to the top of our Rotary district’s public speaking stage in Gunnedah earlier this month.

Representing Rotary Club of Coonabarabran, Ian addressed his speech on price equality.

Judges' assessed each student’s speech using Rotary’s long-established, four-way test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Ian met the criteria “magnificently”, according to local judges.

Also speaking on the night was Annerley Fitzsimmons, representing Rotary Club of Gunnedah, who spoke on the budget crisis. 

Pennie Broekman, from Rotary Club of Gunnedah 2380, who deliberated on asylum seekers, while Jen Miller, Rotary Club of Boggabri, discussed vegetarianism.

Rotary’s prestigious public speaking competition started during the post-war years of the late 1940s.

It aimed to improve the standard of public speaking among Australian youth and foster the art of self expression.

A Rotary spokesperson said despite debating and public speaking competitions dwindling into obscurity, most clubs still possess the knowledge and skill to continue programs in communities.

As winner of the Rotary District 9650 competition, which covered most of the Gunnedah region, Ian will contest the semi-finals at Walcha on February 18.

If successful there, he proceeds to the Rotary District Conference finals at Laurieton in March.

The winner of that receives a return trip to New Zealand hosted by our Kiwi Rotarians across the ditch.

Both these finals will require speakers to deliver a two-minute impromptu speech on an unspecified topic in addition to a prepared five-minute speech of their choosing.

The impromptu component will be judged on content, believability/honesty of presentation, ability to think and reason, communication skills as well as energy and enthusiasm. 

Gunnedah and Coonabarabran clubs have both been represented at the finals in previous years.