Following multiple rounds of speeches by high school and college students from over forty countries in this year's International Public Speaking Competition, Bryan Achiampong ’18 emerged as one of the six contestants who qualified to compete in the grand final at Stamford Bridge, London. Though he did not win eventually, he left a lasting impression at the event.
“Being one of only two Africans at the competition, I represented the entire continent,” he explained. “I was presenting the image of a new African leader to the world, showcasing the type of creative, globally conscious and ethically sound continent the youth of Africa are capable of creating.”
The annual five-day public speaking competition, organized by the English Speaking Union in London, boasted an initial field of 48 of the best collegiate and high school orators from across the globe. In addition to the main competition, the tournament included workshops, tours around London, and offered participants a unique cultural exchange opportunity.
Long before Bryan took up public speaking, he had built some experience in commanding the stage while in high school. “I loved performing in high school but rather than public speaking it was more of rapping and dancing,” he said. “I realized my potential to speak in public at Emerge , (a high school enrichment program, now the Ashesi Innovation Experience) at Ashesi. The program gave me a platform to lead and project my ideas and my personality to people from different settings. That experience helped build my confidence and allowed me to begin to harness the skill of public speaking.”
In following this passion, Bryan jumped at the opportunity to speak competitively, participating in a national public speaking competition, organised by the Young Educators Foundation, in his freshman year. Even though Bryan came second in the competition, the organizers found his performance compelling enough to nominate him to represent Ghana in this year’s international competition. At the competition, he extended his excellent streak. Not only was Bryan one of the finalists, but also he won the Fangirls Award, given to the participant whose warmth and personality is most admired.
For Bryan, public speaking has become a medium to contribute to the continent’s development. “I have grown quite dissatisfied with the state of leadership and development we have in Africa. This has motivated me to speak on any platform I am given, large or small, to convey the message and hope of the possibility of a better Africa.”
Given the platform of the competition, Bryan told his African story. His speeches, "There has never been a door to be unlocked," and "The Power of Humanity: Utopian or Possibility”, centered on projecting the African youth in a progressive light. This he did in a bid to educate against the usual derogatory stereotypes the continent has long been associated with. “I want to show that the potential and development of Africa can be found by embracing innovation and ethical leadership,” he said.
Photo credit: The English Speaking Union