PESHAWAR: The students exhibited their skills of oratory during an annual speech competition of a private school amusing the participants with their speeches on diverse subjects.

The judges of the competition and participants, mostly parents of students, applauded their performance and hoped that the schools would continue with such healthy activities for the intellectual growth of students.

Around 20 students of different sections participated in the competition and delivered speeches on environmental pollution, planets, hygiene and tree plantation.

Prizes were distributed among the winning students.

The judges examined the content of speeches, and presentation, delivery and pronunciation of students.

They also observed the response of the participants to the speeches.

`All performances were brilliant. It was very toughfor the judges to choose winners from among them, said judge Maria Abbas, the director of human rights cell at the Peshawar High Court.

She added that such competitions played important role in motivating students to excel.

Ms Maria said the competitions helped participants gain experience, uncover aptitude and showcase skills.

She said speeches sharpened the students` ability to think as well as listen critically to others.

Headmistress Bushra Israr said the school always held healthy, co-curricular activities considering them to be good for the mental growth of students.

`Such competitions help improve communication skills of students on one hand and enhance their confidence on the other, she said.

The headmistress said such activities would continue for enhancing the students` skills to express themselves.

She said speech and de bate competitions infuse d confidence among students.