Gail Lien: 34th Plain English Speaking Awards PESA
Gail Lien, 4 Topaz, represented our school in the 34th Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA). The primary aim of PESA is to promote effective and articulate use of plain yet attractive spoken English amongst schools in Singapore. Gail performed marvelously and was placed in the Top 7 for the Upper Primary Category to advance to the Grand Finals.
Gail shared that prior to participating in the 34th, she was a timid girl who doubted her abilities and herself. Through close partnerships with her parents and personal tutelage from her teacher, she was able to break out from her timid shell. This was apparent when Gail captivated the judges with her speech “If I had $1000…” and clinched a spot in the semi-finals. The judges commended Gail for her sincere speech in which she shared how she raised money for KK Children’s and Women’s Hospital.
With new found confidence, Gail wrote a new script and prepared her speech for the finals within two weeks. She shared that prior to PESA, she would have seen this as an insurmountable task and would have doubted herself. However, growing in her confidence, she found her footing in public speaking and developed a personalised presentation style. In fact, Gail’s English teacher shared with her that she was able to see Gail’s growth as her writing has improved tremendously.
In her conversations with her teacher, she shared that she has found her own style of public speaking and grown in confidence and expressiveness. Through PESA, she learned to never doubt herself. “Regardless of the final result, the invaluable lessons from my journey is the greatest award because I am now a better vision of myself compared to two months ago,” shared Gail.
The final results for the 34th Plain English Speaking Awards will be released on Monday 23 August 2021 but in our eyes, Gail is already a winner.
