Arts
Young speakers shine in impromptu speeches
Rishane Dassanayake
“Speakers of today, leaders of tomorrow” was the theme of the Young Speakers 2016 competition held at the Kingsbury hotel earlier this month. Showcasing some exemplary public speaking skills across a range of subjects, Upara Cooray of Lyceum International won the senior division and Rishane Dassanayake of Colombo International School took home the trophy in the junior division.
Young Speakers 2016 was co-organised by the British School in Colombo and Adventus Education that is focussed on promoting confident, sociable young people who can make a difference. Held for the third year in succession the competition had a wide representation of 19 national and international schools with ten finalists split into two age categories. The young orators were judged on a set of criteria that measured their demonstration of intellectual thinking or positive expression in speeches together with the art of delivery by a panel of judges.
The contest began with a series of preliminary rounds, culminating in the grand finale where finalists had to face two rounds; the three-minute prepared speech followed by the two- minute impromptu speech. The speeches consisted of thought-provoking and stimulating titles such as “Should there be an age requirement to use cell phones?” and “What is more important: being humble or being right?” The prepared speeches were clear and articulate, however there was a level of performance and drama which detracted from the sincerity of the speakers. The real challenge, and where the winners shone, was the presentations of the impromptu speeches. These required the finalists to think on their feet and formulate an argument almost instantaneously. It allowed the young speakers to exhibit their talent of engaging with the audience as well as demonstrating their intellectual ability.
Upara Cooray. Pix by Amila Gamage
The head judge, Mohamed Adamaly commended both the organisers and the finalists for their part in a thrilling evening. He left the finalists with some constructive criticism and advice for the future. Congratulating the finalists, the Deputy British High Commissioner, Laura Davies, chief guest at the event emphasised the importance of communication and public speaking throughout life. She described public speaking as an important tool to reach out and influence others, with its ability to help young people “find their voice, own their voice and then project their voice”.