The Plain English Speaking Award or PESA is a national oratorical competition organised annually by YMCA Singapore. SP - PESA aims to identify proficient speakers in SP to represent the polytechnic in PESA 2008. We received nominations from various schools in SP and after a preliminary round, narrowed the search to 6 finalists.

For the finals, there were two categories – one, where the finalists speak on a topic that they have prepared and another where they give an impromptu speech. Finalists were tested on their wit and ability to think on their feet, as they were only given a mere two minutes to prepare on a given topic!

Have you ever wondered how the media has influenced the way we act and think? How about where the human race will be in another 10 year’s time what with global warming and Man’s continuous quest to be the best in everything? Well, these were the tough and challenging topics that our 6 brave and eloquent finalists faced and what an amazing performance it was!

During the intermission, there were games involving the audience and presentation techniques were also taught. Top that all up with some great refreshments and it amounted to an entertaining event for all!

The results were announced and Aaron Yap from the School of Business was the eventual winner! When interviewed, he said, “I am delighted to win this award. Not forgetting my very supportive fellow finalists. In fact, there wasn’t much competition among us! All of us got along pretty well”.

Aaron will be representing SP in the PESA Poly/JC category in 2008 and his supporters and fellow finalists will definitely be there to cheer him on!

Ms Constance Lee, one of the 3 judges, commented at the prize presentation ceremony, “The finalists’ performances have exceeded expectations and I can confidently and proudly proclaim that poly students CAN speak well.”