Rachel L.

TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER | DIPLOMAS ACTING TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON & AUSTRALIAN SPEECH COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION | ANU LAW (HONS) & INTERNATIONAL SECURITY I 96.30 ATAR I am a debating, public speaking, drama, and leadership coach currently studying a double degree in Laws (Honours) and International Security at the Australian National University (ANU), entering my third year in 2026. This year, I worked as an AR Legal Officer at Canberra Granny Flat Builders, representing the company in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT). I currently work as an English Tutor with Ignite Your Learning (2025) as well as a debating coach for Canberra Girls Grammar School. My teaching philosophy is centred on serving the individual needs of each student. I adapt my teaching style to how each student learns and communicates, tailoring sessions to their goals — whether building confidence, excelling in competitions, strengthening academic communication, preparing for interviews, or developing leadership presence. My aim is not only to achieve short-term outcomes, but to equip students with lifelong communication skills: clarity of thought, confident expression, and trust in their own voice. Debating & Public Speaking Coaching I hold a Diploma of Communication with the Australian Speech and Communication Association (ASCA) and have extensive experience across competitive debating, prepared and impromptu speaking, and leadership speaking. I represented Australia at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC), placing 10th internationally in After Dinner Speaking, and competed at the Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (AIDPSC), finishing 8th overall and 2nd in Persuasive Speaking. My experience also includes being a State Semi-Finalist in the Plain English Speaking Competition, Local Champion and Area Public Speaking Winner in Lyons Youth of the Year, and competing with PLC Sydney’s ISDA and Archdale debating teams. I have been a Public Speaking and Debating Coach at Canberra Girls Grammar School since 2024 and served as an adjudicator at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. I was also Public Speaking Captain at my school, a role that shaped my belief that everyone has a voice — they simply need the confidence and tools to use it. My coaching is dedicated to helping students believe in their own unique voice, particularly those who may once have felt unheard. Drama & Performance Coaching I hold an ATCL Performance Diploma (Speech and Drama) from Trinity College London and have worked as an assistant teacher at the PLC Sydney Extension Centre, an assistant teacher in primary drama holiday programs at the Acting and Communication Academy, and a teacher for Kindergarten to Year 2 drama classes. As a performer, I was an actor in the Wambarun and Burton and Garran production and an actor in an 2023 HSC OnStage-selected performance, as well as in Senior and Middle Years Productions at PLC Sydney. I have competed extensively at the Sydney Eisteddfod, achieving 1st place in Monologue/Character, 3rd place in Impromptu Speech, 3rd place in Shakespeare Monologue, and 4th place in Prose Speaking. My drama coaching focuses on confidence, voice, presence, and authentic performance. Leadership & Mentor Coaching I bring strong youth leadership and mentoring experience to my coaching. I served as Youth Deputy Premier in the NSW Youth Parliament (2023) and Lead Organiser of “TEDx Croydon Youth” (2023), which I initiated independently, coaching speakers and shaping ideas into compelling talks. I am a recipient of the Carlos Sanvee Citizenship Award and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was also the Producer of the ANU Wright Hall Musical and Assistant Producer for the ANU Shakespeare Society’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, developing leadership skills in creative direction, collaboration, and mentoring performers. Within my school community, I was Public Speaking Captain and Leader of the “Speak Up Club”, mentoring approximately 20 students, and Swimming Captain, leading a team of around 50 students from Years 7–12; I was super excited, as the swimming team won the championship for the first time in seven years. I was also an Assistant Organiser and Volunteer with the Vietnam Service Learning Committee, helping raise over $30,000 and participating in a nine-day service trip to the Ba Vi Centre for Disabilities in Hanoi, Vietnam, and served as a Peer Support Leader. Further Information I completed high school with an ATAR of 96.30 and was named on the Distinguished Achievers List, achieving Band 6 results in English Advanced, English Extension 1, Modern History, History Extension, and Drama. At PLC Sydney, I received multiple academic and leadership awards, including the Lucille Dean Memorial Prize for Citizenship, the Kathryn Carter Memorial Prize for the Spoken Word, and Certificates of Merit for Academic Achievement with a Bronze Medallion. At university, I was a Recipient of Honoraria from the ANU Women’s Department (2025) and the Winner of the 75th Anniversary Creative Writing Contest published by Woroni (ANU Student Magazine, 2025). These experiences reflect my sustained strength in written and spoken communication, and my belief in the power of language to influence, persuade, and inspire.