Celebrating its 60th anniversary this school year, Branksome's Debate and Public Speaking Society equips young women with the confidence, eloquence and ability to challenge the world around them. Debate and Public Speaking teach courage, collaboration and leadership—skills that have never been more important in today’s complex world.

The 2024–25 school year has been fruitful for the Debating and Public Speaking Club, as Helen and a team of Branksome students were named the top Canadian school at the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC) in Bermuda in October. It was there that Helen qualified for Worlds (WIDPSC), having placed sixth overall out of more than 100 students. “I was thrilled to compete at Internationals and earn a spot at Worlds,” shared Helen. “I was also lucky to have gotten closer with my Branksome teammates and all of Team Canada, as they would become some of my closest friends just a few months later. Having gone to Worlds last year, I knew it would be hard work, but I was ready to give it my all.”

Accompanied by fellow Debate and Public Speaking Club members Katie and Athena, as well as coach Grace Nolan, the team travelled across the world for the 38th WIDPSC competition. Branksome’s students skillfully competed against 125 students from 62 schools representing 14 countries, delivering speeches and arguments across four events: Debating, Impromptu Speaking, Interpretive Reading and a Prepared Speech (either Persuasive Speaking or After-Dinner Speaking).

Helen made it to the finals in all four events, with a persuasive speech on “Elder Fraud” touching on the issue of the elderly falling for financial scams and how to address it, and a humorous interpretive reading of a passage from a short story entitled “Death by Scrabble” by Charlie Fish. Additionally, Helen made it to the Grand Finals of Impromptu Speaking, the first Branksome student to reach a Grand Final since 2022. After four days of intense competition and based on her results across all four categories, Helen was named third overall in Impromptu Speaking and the 2025 overall World Champion. 

“The awards banquet was so special for so many reasons,” said Helen. “I had been having the most wonderful time jumping up in applause with my teammates as they announced the top 20 overall speakers. The moment it clicked for me was when they got to the top two and Ms. Nolan shot me a look—that’s when I knew. When my name was called, all I could think to do was run up to Ms. Nolan and give her a hug. As we took our photo with Mr. Robinson, I looked out at the crowd, and everyone was standing and smiling. That’s what’s so beautiful about the public speaking circuit: everyone cheers each other on. It is a community like no other that has become very close to my heart, and I know every single person will go on to make an impact.”

Katie and Athena also had strong results this year, with Katie making it to the finals in Persuasive Speaking, where she outlined the problems of Waste Colonialism. Having worked alongside all three students to prepare them for the competition, coach Grace Nolan could not be prouder. “While the final performance is the result, you don't perform on the world stage without hours and hours of honing in your craft,” she shared. “All three students spent hours writing their speeches, practising their reading, recording them, getting feedback and then re-recording. They were dedicated to the spoken word and doing their very best in the ‘Olympics’ of debate and public speaking. I couldn't be prouder to be their coach.”

It takes strength, determination and hard work to compete—and ultimately win—a competition like this. Students have to be trained and ready to compete in all four categories of Debating and Public Speaking at Worlds, and they also need certain important personal qualities. “Through their dedication, brilliance and hard work, Anna and Helen have proven themselves to be outstandingly talented Debaters and Public Speakers,” noted Karrie Weinstock. “They also have the composure, presence and confidence that is needed to win Worlds.” 

Helen will be heading to Queen’s University this fall to study Applied Mathematics. Reflecting on this moment in her life, she noted, “What I love most about Worlds is that it brings together 100 of the best speakers around the world, but also 100 of the best people. The tournament’s organizers are very community-minded, which led all of us to participate in activities like building chairs for an underfunded school and making cards for students and families affected by a recent accident. Every single other competitor sincerely hopes for the best for you, and is there to congratulate you after a good round or be there if you don’t feel like your speech went well. For those six days in Kuala Lumpur, we laughed like best friends and made memories to last a lifetime. Debating with Branksome and at Worlds has truly opened my eyes to the world. Through both, I have become quicker on my feet, more globally minded and overall, a better person.”

Congratulations to Helen on her outstanding accomplishment, to Athena and Katie for their excellent results this year, and to Ms. Nolan and the Branksome Debate coaches for their wonderful support.