In 2021, Vivendi kicked off its first ever inter-company eloquence competition with participants from across the network. Initiated by Orange, our Vivendi employees competed against Sanofi, EDF and Orange to inspire connection and excitement across companies.
On March 1st, three Vivendi finalists – Jessica Joli (Havas Paris), Julien Gourdon (Havas Market), and Sami Laaroussi Tribek (Canal+) – are competing in the contest’s grand finale at the legendary Olympia theatre in Paris. Hear from them in Dare!.
Jessica Joli:
How did you feel participating in the contest? Were you excited, nervous, both?
I had never done this kind of public speaking before, but I was very excited to go and try to make the best out of it. It’s only after we kicked off that I started to get nervous, but that’s all part of the game.
Why did you choose to take part in the contest?
Out of curiosity. And I liked the challenge. You don’t always get the opportunity to take the time to write a beautiful speech and to deliver it on a stage. I just really wanted to take part in this adventure.
Was there anything about participating that surprised or excited you most? Would you participate again if given the chance?
It all went so fast. One day you make a video in your room, the next you are in front of a jury of professional public speakers, and suddenly, you end up on a stage with lights, mics and make-up. Such a quick journey! I would gladly participate again, though I feel like others should take our place and join in.
If you had the freedom to choose any topic to talk about, what would it be?
Honestly, I’d rather not choose! I feel like I work better when the topic doesn’t feel natural to me at first.
“You don’t always get the opportunity to take the time to write a beautiful speech and to deliver it on a stage.”
Jessica Joli
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Julien Gourdon:
How did you feel participating in the contest? Were you excited, nervous, both?
I was very nervous, but excited at the same time!
Why did you choose to take part in the contest?
I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it, and I also wanted to get outside coaching from professional speakers. I was also excited to be coached by professional actors from the internationally renowned Cours Florent drama school and receive advice from them – for example, I wanted to learn how to manage my stress before speaking in public and how to make sure I speak clearly. Ultimately, I wanted to improve my public speaking skills.
Was there anything about participating that surprised or excited you most? Would you participate again if given the chance?
I was very excited to learn that prestigious personalities such as Julie Gayet and François-Xavier Demaison were members of the jury for the final of the Vivendi eloquence contest. I found it very rewarding to be judged by them and to get feedback from them on my performance. I was very flattered when Julie Gayet told me that my performance was good, especially because she thought I had mastered the variations and breaks in my speech. She also gave me great advice – she told me that I had to learn to better occupy the space because the stage of the Olympia theatre is very big, for instance.
And no, I would not participate in the eloquence contest again, even if I had the opportunity – I like the idea of it being a unique experience for me.
If you had the freedom to choose any topic to talk about, what would it be?
I would love to argue “no” to the question, “Can being ridiculous kill you?” Because that’s been a huge lesson for me from this experience. When you go on stage, don’t be afraid to just go for it, because even if it’s a flop, you won’t die! And you’ll have the satisfaction of having tried your best.
“When you go on stage, don’t be afraid to just go for it, because even if it’s a flop, you won’t die! And you’ll have the satisfaction of having tried your best.”
Julien Gourdon
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Sami Laaroussi Tribek:
How did you feel participating in the contest? Were you excited, nervous, both?
Both! But even the nervousness was positive because that meant this contest was important to me.
Why did you choose to take part in the contest?
To challenge myself and show my company CANAL+ what I can do as an actor!
Was there anything about participating that surprised or excited you most? Would you participate again if given the chance?
I was surprised by the lengths Vivendi went to in organising the competition, the quality of the other candidates, and the prestige of the jury and coaches. I’d probably participate again if I had the chance to, but I’m currently focused on the next step: the inter-company final at the Olympia!
If you had the freedom to choose any topic to talk about, what would it be?
The one that I have been assigned for the final!
