Speaking for the Prize

NYU Shanghai sophomore Chen Mengzhu (Katie), winner of a prestigious English-language speaking contest, will fly to London this May as China’s sole representative in the International Public English Speaking Competition. Chen has brought home first prize of the  "21st Century · Coca-Cola Cup" National English Speaking Competition Finals, held at Beijing Foreign Studies University on March 20, as was reported by China Daily.

Chen stood out among 12,800 contestants from over 830 schools and universities across the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao with her strong speech performance and eloquence in answering impromptu questions ranging from future technologies, the literary theme of temptation and what to make of people napping on IKEA display furniture.

She then made her way to win first place after surpassing the 53 contestants promoted to the semi-finals and the top 14 who advanced to the final rounds, and was awarded with "Most Potential ​Contestant.”

When asked about the most exciting aspect of competing, Chen admitted that when it felt more like a natural conversation with the audience and judges, the competition became fun.

“It is a once in a lifetime experience. I look forward to participating and meeting all the brilliant minds in the world,” she said.