MATTHEW Lagamba can think on his feet, command an audience, persuade and deliver compelling speeches on subjects he knows little about.
Just don’t compare him to a politician.
After winning last week’s Wynspeak youth public speaking competition, the year 10 Suzanne Cory High School student can talk the talk and has his sights set on a bright future where he can use his skills.
“I’ve always done debating, competing once every two or three weeks,” he said.
“Last year I was school captain, regularly addressing assemblies.
“I’ve always liked to talk. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed. And I want to do law or politics, but I don’t want to be painted in the same light as politicians now.”
Matthew was pitted against the best speakers from the region’s schools, who thrashed out topics ranging from tracking down terrorists to drugs in sport.
He launched into a dynamic discussion asking if technology was making us less intelligent. “We’re becoming over-dependent on it,” he muses.
With the proliferation of smart phones, Mathew suggested the next step could be as far-fetched as a chip installed in our brains, which “got a few laughs”.
Public speaking can be nerve-racking at the best of times, often ranking in surveys as people’s No.1 fear. But Matthew has some simple wisdom to share about public
speaking prowess.
“To be confident and give a big smile, that’s what I do. When I’m sitting down I get nervous. But when I stand up, it all goes.”
