Speech on fake news brings success

Mia Hollingworth has become the first Verdon College student in 30 years to win the New Zealand Lions Young Speechmaker Contest.

The award highlights Hollingworth’s public speaking skills as she prepares to study law and politics at Otago University success next year. ‘‘It’s good for the CV,’’ the 18-year-old said. ‘‘I’m pretty proud to win the award . . . I feel it’s recognition for some really hard work that’s gone in.’’

Hollingworth won the national final in Wellington recently following her success in the Southland and Central Otago regional final in Gore.

She chose the topic of fake news and during the speech said people should look at the facts of the source and questioned if they are credible and plausible.

Hollingworth’s involvement with school debating led her to public speaking. She is also on the Invercargill City Council’s youth council and has helped to coordinate a hui.

Her interest in public speaking has ramped up in the past two years.

’’It’s a skill you can develop, you’re not born with it.

’’It’s just confidence ... once you’re confident, and you know what you’re talking about.’’

Verdon College’s drama and public speaking teacher Brigid More said Hollingworth was a gifted student.

For her public speaking, ‘‘she’s clever with humour and wit,’’ More added.