YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA) is an annual National speech contest organised by the YMCA of Singapore, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the National Library Board and the Speak Good English Movement.
Plain English Speaking is the ability to convey a convincing message to the audience with sincerity, clarity and in appropriate language. Effective speakers will have their own personal voice and style.
Specific Qualities
Sincerity
Mean what you say and say what you mean.
This applies to both the content and the emotional quality of what you say.
Personal Voice
Find your own voice – your way of speaking
Aptness
Choose words and phrases which most fully and appropriately convey your meaning. Otherwise, always favour the simpler expression over the more complex and brevity over length.
Clarity
Communicate clearly to your audience.
Engagement
Hold the attention and interest of your audience.
Always remember, you have the SPACE to speak in your own way.
Click here to learn more about PESA.
The aim of PESA is to promote the effective and articulate use of plain yet attractive spoken English from a young age.