Public Speaking Project

The National Public Speaking Project aims to:

• promote an awareness among young people of the importance of positive mental health and of the causes and effects of mental illness
• introduce students to public speaking
• reduce negative attitudes and prejudices associated with mental illness

MHI’s Public Speaking Project has been very successful for many years. A recent evaluation of the project confirmed the following benefits:

• self confidence
• rapport and relationship with parents and fellow students
• encouragement of social awareness and values
• career motivation
• success at interviews and examinations
• broader understanding and appreciation of the concerns of disadvantaged groups and social problems
• school and community co-operation and sense of pride and achievement
• research methods and topic analysis

Mental Health Ireland wishes to thank all the schools, teachers and students who have entered this year's project.  We are delighted with the interest in the project again this year with 152 teams entered and we trust that all involved will find it a rewarding experience.  We understand it takes a huge commitment to undertake such projects and MHI commend you for this and your support for Mental Health Ireland in building awareness of positive mental health.  Good luck and best wishes to all the teams!

Thanks also go to all involved with the organisation of the project locally and all who have volunteered their time to act as adjudicators, master of ceremonies, timekeepers, etc.