Lesson in public speaking at Narrogin Senior High School before student elections

Narrogin Senior High School students were given a lesson in public speaking by Shire of Narrogin president Leigh Ballard last month ahead of their student elections.

Cr Ballard offered tips and tricks to get the most out of public speaking.

School corporate services officer Nanette Steer said with a longstanding record of public and private sector service, Cr Ballard was well placed to speak to the students.

“Part of the process for our elections is for each nominee to speak at their year meetings before their peers on what being a councillor means to them,” she said.

“This is a very daunting process for many students so we invited Cr Ballard to share his experience with the students in his role as Shire president and as a business proprietor and to give advice to the students on what they could do to help them with their presentation and delivery of their speeches.

“The turnout of the nominees was amazing and they obviously took on board all he had to say, speaking very well in their presentations the following week.”

With school prefects acting as electoral officers, The West Australian Electoral Commission helped ensure ballots were counted fairly and accurately.

Ms Steer said the elections represented an important chance for students to improve their leadership skills.

“The elections are an important part of the leadership process,” Ms Steer said.

“It gives the students the opportunity to have their say in who they feel would be the best choice to represent them, giving the students a voice.”