Speaking loud and proud

Being no stranger to the stage doesn't keep the nerves away.

Megan Wilson, 14, is one of 39 students speaking loud and proud at the Nga Manu Korero competition at Manawatu College on Thursday.

Up to 1000 visitors are expected, from around the region, at the annual speech competition.

Megan – from Queen Elizabeth College – loves dancing and singing, and has performed to more than 1000 people in the past.

However, this will be her first speech competition, and the nerves are setting in.

"Hopefully it goes well and it doesn't break my spirit," she grins. "I've got to be confident in myself and to smile."

And if the anxiety does creep in? "Fake it so you make it."

Megan will have six minutes to speak on the topic: peace is not only the absence of war.

She spent hours researching the American Civil War, World War II, and the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

She also asked for speech tips on capturing her audience. "I'll be looking at people to drag them in," she said.

The competition will start with a powhiri, at 8.30am, at Manawatu College gymnasium.

Winners compete at the national finals in Dunedin in September.

- © Fairfax NZ News