Organized by Primary School No. 2 in Bolesławiec, the “You Too Can Become Demosthenes! Lower Silesian Student Master of Polish Speech” competition once again, for the tenth time, gave students the opportunity to present their own thoughts about the reality surrounding them in an interesting form and to draw attention to the positive and negative aspects of young people’s lives.
The competition’s main objectives are to popularize public speaking, with particular attention to the beauty of the Polish language, as well as correct diction, articulation, intonation and voice modulation, and nonverbal communication; to develop the ability to express one’s views in a cultured manner; and to prepare students to participate in public life.
The soundness and purpose of the initiative are demonstrated by the fact that the Polish Language Council assumed honorary patronage over the competition. The competition was also held under the Patronage of the Mayor of Bolesławiec.
The jury, chaired by Urszula Frąszczak-Matyjewicz, selected four winners and one person for an honorable mention.
- First place, and thus the title of Lower Silesian Demosthenes, was won by Adrian Małoszyc
- Second place ex aequo was won by Liliana Kozioł and Danylo Navrotskyi
- Third place – Wiktoria Burzawa
- Honorable mention – Sabina Kruk.
All the winners received certificates and prizes, while the first-place winner also received a statuette: Lower Silesian Demosthenes 2024.
The standard of this year’s final was very high, and the subjects discussed were interesting and diverse.
Once again, it proved worthwhile to organize this kind of competition because it gives primary and secondary school students the opportunity to write their own original speech, deliver it before an assembled audience, express themselves on subjects connected with their perception of the world around them, acquire oratory skills and use the opportunity to convey content nonverbally.
During these speeches, they can work on the courage to present their own views, justify their opinions and choices, overcome stage fright and develop their self-presentation skills.
