A SCHOOLBOY with a hidden knack for public speaking won a national competition after captivating an audience of hundreds of people at a fancy London venue.

Michael Akinyemi, who attends St Benedict’s Catholic College, in Norman Way, Colchester, took part in Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge.

The annual tournament encourages Year 10 students to develop public speaking and communication skills, while building their self-esteem and confidence.

This year, more than 27,000 young people from 419 schools, across 37 regions throughout London and Essex, took part in the challenge.

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Despite the fierce volume of competition, Michael was crowned the Grand Champion after wowing more than 500 people at Covent Garden’s Cambridge Theatre.

His topic of discussion centered on his Nigerian heritage and delved into how his father came to England with “resilience and courage.”

Explaining his decision to powerfully speak about his ancestors, Michael said: “My heritage is very important to me, and I wouldn't have talked about anything else.

“The second reason is because of stigmas about immigration.

“I talk about my father in my speech as an immigrant to shed light on why people immigrate - it's not like he couldn't have lived a good life in Nigeria.

“He graduated from university, was earning decent money, but he knew he was destined for more than ‘decent’.

“Immigrants don't leave their entire lives behind to come and steal people's jobs in England.”

Entitled I Am A Fighter, Michael’s speech was delivered with natural charm and crafted storytelling, which entertained the panel of high-profile judges.

Everyone from winter Olympian Montell Douglas and Sunday Times columnist Kaylee Golding to Apprentice winner Tim Campbell were left impressed.

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Following his win, Michael will now receive £2,000 for himself and £3,000 for his school to spend on a project of his choice.

Michael added: “They told me I had to do a speech three minutes long - I didn’t even think it was possible.

“To stand up there with 14 of the best speakers I had ever met, there are no words to describe it, it’s been amazing.

“Hopefully, I’ll get to come back here and judge, I’ve fallen in love with the competition and all of the speeches I have heard - I might explore public speaking.”