The Macintyre High School student won the local club finals in December after talking on the importance of homework, the downsides of technology and the upsides of becoming an elephant. 

Rival Max Dolby agreed that homework was necessary, but preferred the royal position of a lion, if he had to choose an animal. His prepared speech also focused on technology, with a discussion on metadata laws and the invasion of privacy.

Sarah is a keen public speaker and said she prefers the rush of speaking impromptu over the stressful planning of a pre-written speech.

“You’re so nervous when you’re speaking, but then straight after you get a burst of adrenaline, and that’s just the best feeling in the world,” she said.

“I suppose if you don’t follow the prepared, you kind of feel like you let yourself down because you know how good a speech it is. Whereas, the impromptus are just straight off your head. Because the first time you say something, it’s the most brilliant thing you say. So it’s kind of like a moment of brilliance,” she added.

For Sarah, the moment of brilliance came in her response to the impromptu prompt, “If you could be any animal, what would you be?”. Ever the organiser, Sarah asserted an elephant was the best choice.

“I know I’d have a good memory and I wouldn’t forget my keys anywhere!” she laughed.

Sarah also explored the downsides of living in a world overtaken by technology.

“We can do everything on our phones now, like check our bank, read books. You used to just put a book away because you couldn’t really take it everywhere with you, whereas now, it’s on your phones, everywhere,” she said.

In her final year of school, Sarah believes her public speaking skills will come in handy in the future, particularly if she ends up running her own accounting firm. 

Sarah was nervous but excited about the regional final and is looking forward to meeting new people.