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Learn the skill of Impromptu Public Speaking – says First Lady
Students from eight secondary schools located on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara got a motivational speech from Guyana’s First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar, on the value of learning the ability to speak publicly, yesterday.
The First Lady was at the time speaking at the opening of the Secondary Schools Impromptu Speech Competition at the West Demerara Secondary School.
First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar and Allea Phoenix who was adjuged Best Overall Speaker.
She noted that the competition came at a time where much focus is being placed on education and literacy. More than literacy however, Mrs Ramotar said, public speaking and by extension, impromptu public speaking, is a much more important and valued skill.
“Without that ability we would be unable to get many things done,” she told the Fourth Form students.
It was advised that the public speaking skill be possessed by all students and cultivated at a very young age so that they are prepared to give an impromptu speech at any time should the need arise.
“The best way to prepare is to always be prepared,” the First Lady urged.
The competition, noted to be the third of its kind, was hosted by the Lions Club of Demerara Lioness (LCDL) and the West Demerara Lions Club (WDLC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. It was held under the theme, ‘Developing confidence through communication.’
In keeping with the word impromptu, which speaks of an event unplanned, the event was seen as a platform for students to showcase their ability to give an oral presentation based on a topic that they had only just received. Further, it tested their ability to be spontaneous and sensible in delivering their thoughts in an organized and comprehensive way although given a limited time to prepare.
According to the LCDL President, Blossom Manbodh, the competition was conceptualized with the primary aim of developing the communication and public speaking skills of students.
Parikhan Ram, Senior Subject (Language) Specialist representing the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and also a judge at the competition, further noted that the competition came as there was recognized need to integrate spoken language skills into the school system.
“In schools we tend only to focus on the writing because that is what the students are tested on in the National and Regional examinations and the oral aspect is neglected,” he said.
The competition was prepared especially to develop “students’ speaking skills.
Following oral presentations by students of each of the eight secondary schools, Allea Phoenix, of the West Demerara Secondary School was adjudged Best Overall Speaker. She was followed by Melinda Persaud of L’Venture Secondary School.
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