WHAT can you do in two minutes? Cyrus Siu, 12, made a great speech in English and won people’s hearts.

　　Siu studies at Singapore International School in Hong Kong. He took part in the junior high category of the 11th “21st Century Cup” National High School and Primary School English Speaking Competition in Xiamen, Fujian on March 22.

　　His speaking skills and good English won him the top prize.

　　Siu said his first secret to success was reading “very thick” English books. He has read all the seven Harry Potter books, each four to five times. Now he is working on Steve Jobs: A Biography.

　　“These books may be difficult for my age, but reading them encourages me to learn new expressions,” he said.

　　Siu likes English-speaking movies. Super hero movies, such as Iron Man and The Avengers, are his favorite.

　　“Every boy has the dream of becoming a super hero one day. Sometimes I imagine myself to be one of the heroes and shout out the English lines. It’s good to combine your interests with learning English.”

　　It’s also important to build an English-speaking environment for yourself. Siu talks to his classmates and teachers in English all day long at school. When his parents talk to him in Cantonese at home, he also tries to answer in English.

　　“There’s no shortcut to studying English. Just practice, practice and practice!” Siu said.