Appreciating English Elocution with a refined soul- A Mother, a Banker and a Teacher
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Effective oral communication entails accurate structuring of the language and grammar; semantics, syntax and pronunciation.
That is not to say that the speaker should arrange the word flow in a sophisticated way. The custom made vocabulary, tone, pitch and composure should be adapted in relation to the audience under consideration. Fail to do so, and the audience shall lose interest quicker than a speeding bullet. Sri Lanka, as a nation which has a significant demand for English Elocution.
The fact that English is a second language whereas the natives are commonly used to the mother tongue has greatly affected for said reasoning. Sharing her insight on the matter, respected English Elocution expert Ann Shanika Silva spoke about the her wonderful experience as a teacher while contributing to boost the oral communication skills of all her students.
Who is Ann Shanika Silva? What is your role in the English Elocution arena?
“I am a Banker by profession where I serve as the Assistant Manager for Sales in Standard Chartered Bank. Tutoring English Elocution to the younger generation is my passion.
My career as a teacher kicked off in 2006, which was energized by said passion. I had a certain attraction towards theatre, stage dramas and poetry.
As a student, I have been a part of several dramas and plays. In 2007, I received the accolade of being the ‘Best Actress’ in a Shakespeare Competition.
Initially, the students that I was able to teach was limited since it was done on a part-time basis. My banking career took of in 2007. Fast forward to the present, as of now I am a married mother with 2 children. I work, I teach and I am a mother; which is the greatest pleasure that a woman could ask for.
My teaching career has its fair share of ups and downs. It was difficult to remain on good terms with every student, teacher and even parents, on certain instances but I believe that my personal work ethic assisted me to even out all the existing loose ends. Teaching has always been a service rather than an earning aspect and I adore looking after children regardless of family background and assist them to transcend into a level which was never envisioned.
My maid’s daughter performed for the Spring Festival and won a gold medal. I believe that is one of the achievements that gives me great joy and pride.
I recall a student (aged 6) who used to be timid and sensitive. He used to show emotion by shedding tears when asked to read and write. With time and with proper guidance, that student managed to overcome his insecurities and achieve progress.
A teacher should not give up on a child. Belief in the child should be established, and proper to motivation and guidance should be given each step that is taken. My belief is that a tutor should never give up on the student unless the child decides that it is not the path that they wish to pursue.
Speech, drama and Elocution should not be desired merely because it is a trend. Likewise exclusion of such aspects due to the assumption that an individual lacks talent is unwise.
The talent can be honed and sharpened through individual inner strength complimented by parental guidance; it depends on the personality. I built up my personality through that approach; from elocution, adequate guidance and participation in stage dramas and other related events.
Throughout the years, I have managed to supervise a handful of group dramas from 2014 onwards. I received apt support from my spouse throughout all the major decisions that I had to be taken.
It is important to keep in touch with all the students. The first ever batch that I taught keeps regular contact, and regular updates on their progress is given. That is the arumor that is widely speculated in the fact that English Elocution is for the younger audiences.
That is far from the truth since any individual at any age is eligible to embrace the study. Articulation is vital for both the child, the adolescent, the teenager, adult, middle aged and the elderly.
My eldest students are currently aged 23 and 24. They started following English at the age of 3. At present, they are effective ‘all-rounders’ studying in reputed Universities. Even after all this time, they practice English Elocution, and it is not considered as any botch in their reputation, since the awareness of it’s necessity is thoroughly comprehended.
The greatest satisfaction deserving for any teacher.
In 2014 one of my students was able to win the ‘Best Performer’ title for a group play. This was just after I had faced a toe surgery and I was able to give the expected support for the student even while I was handicapped in a wheelchair.
In 2016 my students won the best school drama and the best solo actor awards. They won the best school drama for two consecutive years. My students able to win the most gold medals for Negombo for the past 9 consecutive years.”
What is the importance of English Elocution for Sri Lanka?
Elocution has been in existence for as long as anyone can remember. Each passing decade saw to an increased demand, due to the increased priority given for language proficiency.
It is safe to state that the supply for English elocution is never lackluster. My personal opinion is that mass classes for elocution is not required. A person should be groomed individually. The knowledge should be gifted in a way which ensures that every aspect of a student’s skill is brushed up to bring out hidden potential. Mass classes may act detrimental; the capacity lessens the probability of a teacher giving equal attention.
The country is rich with individuals with multitudes of qualifications. However, the paper qualification is of minimum utility if the person lacks adequate communication skills. Elocution molds such individuals, and builds up character which permits them to present themselves in a better light.
Any fond memories that
made you smile?
“Learning elocution was a memory that shall never be tarnished. During my school days, I was privileged to learn under a great inspirational individual like Kamini Perera, who acted as a life mentor.
She aided me to finish my final examinations. Mrs.Kamini kept on reminding me that this is a service and emphasized the urgency to provide equal opportunities to everyone.
The fondest memory that I cherish for an entire lifetime is the instance where I was chosen as the main actress for the stage play ‘Monster Garden’ which was directed by Jerome De Silva. That was in the year 2000, and the distant memory never fails to give me goosebumps every time that it is remembered.
The fondest memory that I recall which was shared with my students was back in 2014. I supervised a stage play for ‘Shrek’ starring a bunch of 5 year olds.
Questions were raised in the manner in which these 5 year olds would achieve such a task. All questions were answered accordingly, when the children ‘wowed’ the audience with their inert talent. The morale behind this memory is that faith is able to motivate a child to achieve results that previously remained questionable.”
How would you propose to improve the English Elocution industry, inorder to ensure better futures for students?
“ The dream of opening a signature academy has been prominent ever since the passion for teaching grew with each passing year.
People have knowledge equipped with the desired qualifications but the lack of proficiency in oral communication detriments progress. The expansion of coverage of English Elocution classes has begun, starting from my neighborhood. Individuals from every age group is inclusive of this holistic approach regardless if they are post OL/ AL students or even working class caliber.
I rebuke the theory that age is a barrier for education. That is a fact that I came to realize through my students.”
What is your message for the society?
“The message which I wish to deliver is simple. I believe in all-round holistic education. I am a full-time mother as well as a wife, teacher and an employee.
That was due to the experience and influence that was received by facing examinations and associating with the correct people.
Education should not be halted merely after passing a single hurdle; progress should be maintained until the end goal is seized with open arms. Such determination molds an individual, and it builds up the capacity to balance commitments and maintain healthy relationships.
Follow this at a young age, and a person will be molded into an all-round performer upon maturity.”
Randheer Mallawaarachchi