Champion, 2017 National Public Speaking Competition, Royston Soh, Clementi Town Secondary

Summary

In this impassioned speech, contestant number 16 vehemently denounces coleslaw as an abhorrent culinary creation that detracts from the enjoyment of fish and chips. He likens it to a snake in the grass, mixing in unwanted and making the dish worse. The speaker urges the audience to take control of what affects them, drawing parallels to offensive language and jokes, advocating for the choice to not be offended and to enjoy life's simple pleasures, like a delicious chicken meal without coleslaw.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ The speaker passionately opposes the idea of coleslaw being served as a side dish, especially with fish and chips.
• 🌐 The speech touches on the broader theme of the world being filled with things that go against ethics and morals.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the existence and purpose of things that make us question the nature of the universe.
• 🗣️ A controversial topic is discussed, emphasizing the speaker's personal stance against coleslaw.
• 🙅‍♂️ The speaker declares that they have never intentionally ordered coleslaw and finds it disgusting.
• 🐍 A Chinese proverb is referenced to compare the act of adding coleslaw to a dish to putting lakes into a snake.
• 🍴 The speaker argues against mixing flavors that don't belong together, like coleslaw with other dishes.
• 🤷‍♂️ The speaker rhetorically asks why one would willingly choose to eat something they find disgusting.
• 💬 The speech also addresses the power of language and the impact of offensive words and jokes.
• 💪 The importance of personal choice in deciding what affects us emotionally is highlighted.
• 😄 The speaker encourages the audience to choose happiness and not to be affected by things they dislike.
• 📝 The final takeaway is a humorous note to not order coleslaw, leaving it off the menu.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the contestant's speech?

The main topic of the contestant's speech is the speaker's strong dislike for coleslaw, which they consider a controversial and disgusting food item.

Why does the speaker consider coleslaw to be 'a white piece of filth'?

The speaker uses the term 'a white piece of filth' metaphorically to express their extreme aversion to coleslaw, implying that it is something they find repulsive and out of place on a menu.

What is the speaker's opinion on coleslaw being served with fish and chips?

The speaker is vehemently against the idea of serving coleslaw with fish and chips, calling it a 'monstrosity' and stating that it goes against everything they stand for.

What does the speaker suggest about the nature of the universe in relation to coleslaw?

The speaker suggests that the existence of coleslaw makes them question the nature of the universe, implying that they believe it to be an unnatural and unethical food item.

What is the Chinese saying mentioned by the speaker, and how does it relate to coleslaw?

The Chinese saying mentioned is 'putting lakes into a snake,' which the speaker uses to describe the act of mixing coleslaw with other dishes, likening it to a snake with lakes, which is considered absurd and out of place.

What does the speaker propose as an alternative to ordering coleslaw?

The speaker proposes not ordering coleslaw at all and instead enjoying a delicious piece of chicken without it, emphasizing the importance of making choices that make one happy.

What is the speaker's view on giving power to offensive language or jokes?

The speaker believes that individuals give power to offensive language or jokes by allowing themselves to be affected by them, suggesting that one should choose not to be offended.

What is the speaker's advice for dealing with offensive words or phrases?

The speaker advises treating offensive words or phrases as regular human expressions and not giving them the power to affect or offend, emphasizing personal choice in response to such language.

What are the three main takeaways from the speech according to the speaker?

The three main takeaways are: 1) You choose what affects you, 2) Make the right choice that makes you happy, and 3) Do not order coleslaw.

Why does the speaker compare the act of mixing coleslaw with other dishes to mixing lakes with a snake?

The comparison is used to illustrate the absurdity of combining coleslaw with other dishes, suggesting that it is as unnatural and out of place as putting lakes into a snake.

What is the speaker's final message regarding the menu and personal choices?

The speaker's final message is a plea to not order coleslaw and to make choices that contribute to one's happiness and enjoyment of food, rather than settling for something they find repulsive.