Patricia Cameron-Hill the marvelous Australian public speaker was told at an early age ” Patricia……YOU CAN TALK“.  ( This usually means you are talking too much and should stop.)  At one of her workshops, Patricia relates that it took her a long time to realise that talking was a real talent in her case.  After years of nursing and teaching, she decided to take her “talking talent” seriously and is now part of a dynamic team offering inspiring seminars and talks.  I heard her speak more that 10 years ago and I still remember being inspired.

Personally I hope more Australian primary school students have the opportunity to participate in debating or public speaking.  Young people with the “talking talent” may have no idea what they can do with the energy and enthusiasm which they have for expressing themselves. Most will find parents and teachers reflect back that this is a problem to be minimised rather than a talent to be developed.

My premise is that providing an outlet and affirming this talent will allow students to develop this energy constructively.  Who knows, they may even be able to have more control over talking when it isn’t appropriate.

The future needs…comedians, television comperes, public speakers, lawyers, teachers, salepeople….and more comedians please.

Lesli Grant