Power of Speech
Save the Date: Saturday, 10th September 2022
Join us in celebrating the development and achievements of TSH students!
Telethon Speech & Hearing’s most inspirational event of the year returns this September and we’d love for you to join us!
Power of Speech celebrates the wonderful outcomes possible for children with hearing loss as they exhibit their public speaking skills in front of a live audience. Featuring primary school students from across 15 partnered Outpost schools, Power of Speech highlights the wonderful outcomes possible for children with hearing loss as they exhibit their public speaking skills in front of a live audience.
The History of Power of Speech
The very idea of a public speaking competition for children with hearing loss stemmed from early conversations among staff that there was a great need to motivate our students to practice their developing speech skills. An event, it was decided, would provide us with a vehicle to help them: develop public speaking skills, attempt speech writing, build confidence, learn how to deal with nerves, and develop the courage to face very challenging situations.
From this, our very first event was held in 1989 and was originally known as the Clear Speech Awards. Dedicated to one of our long-standing staff members, the late Mary Shurman (who was retiring at the end of that year), it all started in TSH's 'Crommelin Building' to much celebration and success.
As the event grew, we moved to larger venues to cope with a growing audience. From the Boulevard Centre in Floreat, to St Stephen's School auditorium in Duncraig, our annual event finally settled and returned back to our centre in Wembley once renovations were completed in 2012.
In 2013, First Voice - the advocacy and research group for listening and spoken language early intervention programs - turned Power of Speech into a national event. In 2018 Power of Speech grew even further, as students with hearing loss in the United Kingdom now make presentations to their own members of Parliament. Who would’ve thought this small event, that started in 1989, would turn into an international phenomenon!
Thirty-two years on, we continue to be amazed at the courage and poise with which our students deliver their speeches to their loved ones and wider audience. The skills of our students have improved over the years, with more refined early intervention and support programs, and even more sophisticated listening devices.
Saturday, 10th September 2022
Formal invitations for this year’s Power of Speech will be sent out soon - RSVPs are essential!
Please note that due to strict capacity limits, priority will be given to Outpost families with students participating in this year’s competition.
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© 2022 Telethon Speech & Hearing Ltd.
Telethon Speech & Hearing acknowledges and thanks all individuals and organisations for their support of our centre, including: Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Channel 7 and The West Australian
