Cheshire's Finest Young Public Speaker - May 2011

"Stand up straight, speak slowly and loudly and look your audience straight in the eyes" is the advice of Cheshire's finest young orator Raman, who is more than accustomed to public speaking.

Trained by Speech and Drama specialist Nuala Thompson at the Altrincham Preparatory School, Raman, 7, from Timperley won the Morton Trophy at the Cheshire Speech and Drama Festival for his word perfect rendition of "School Bell" by Eleanor Farjeon.

Raman, who is also a keen cricketer, said: "I had practised the piece for at least three months before the festival but was still very nervous. However, you can overcome your nerves if you just remember to do your very best. "

Raman, who says he would like to become a Mathematics teacher, added: "It was great fun learning the piece and standing up in front of the judges, but it was even more fun to win the award. It1s a great honour. "

Nuala Thompson said: "Practice makes perfect and Raman gave a rendition that delighted everyone in the auditorium. "