Rusnak finishes second at Legion Public Speaking provincials in Ottawa
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Aalanna Ramona Rusnak delivered her speech exactly as planned during the Royal Canadian Legion Public Speaking Contest provincial championships in Ottawa.
Representing 119 Royal Canadian Legions in her area, one of four areas in the province, Rusnak spoke on Saturday, May 3, about the importance of communication skills and how her school board took public speaking out of its curriculum.
She didn't win, but she came home feeling like a winner.
"At the end, they said we're all winners for making it there," said nine-year-old Rusnak, a Grade 3 student at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Courtland.
"It was exciting."
"We're very, very proud of her and we believe that public speaking skills are something that will be beneficial to her and all the students as they move through their educational careers," said Our Lady of Fatima principal Terry Dunnigan.
Rusnak was competing against a girl who spoke about her dog - "it was really good." The boy who won the championship did his speech on how he wanted to be a farmer. Another competitor spoke about being seven years old and how it was tough.
"I went first and it was unexpected. My category is always first, since we're the youngest. The announcer called the number and my mom couldn't find the ticket. Then she found it and I was first. It was so unexpected and... I was nervous."
But she quickly overcame it and delivered her speech as well as she could.
"I said it perfectly," she nodded.
The audience in Ottawa was similar in size to earlier events.
"I'd say about 100 or more people. About the same as my other competitions."
After her speech, she was able to relax and watch. She appreciated the quality, but noticed some differences in style. The winner went for 'funny', something she knew through past experience was not always successful in her region.
"It's both, I think," said Rusnak, noting judges are looking at both the topic and presentation.
With exactly one week between winning a competition in Milton, and provincials in Ottawa, Rusnak decided to take a couple days off before practicing again. She also had an opportunity to speak in front of her school during an assembly as a final tuneup.
"It went well. It's a little different (speaking in front of her peers compared to judges)... less stress. Well, I don't know," she added, changing her mind. "I'd say it's probably about the same."
She did not hesitate when asked if she would be competing in the Legion speaking contest next year.
"I am definitely doing it again next year."
And she hopes to go back to Ottawa in the Grade 4-6 division.
"I think I just have to pick a good topic, speak clearly and present it well to the judges."
While in Ottawa with her parents, Rusnak was able to tour Parliament and the Mint.
"It was interesting... and it was a lot of fun."