Teenagers from across London and Essex took centre stage at a regional public speaking competition, impressing judges with speeches marked by confidence, honesty and emotional depth.

The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge: Havering Regional Final was held at Emerson Park Academy on May 7, bringing together 18 finalists selected from more than 11,000 participants.

Organised through the Speakers Trust in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, the competition aims to help young people build confidence and develop communication and public speaking skills.

Students delivered speeches on a wide range of personal and social issues, captivating the audience with thoughtful reflections, humour and heartfelt storytelling.

Judges praised the finalists for their poise and originality, highlighting the high standard of competition and the courage shown by the young speakers in sharing their experiences and opinions.

The Speak Out Challenge has become one of the largest public speaking programmes for young people in the region, encouraging students to find their voice and speak with confidence both inside and outside the classroom.