| Plus |
|
|||||
|
English
teacher triumphs at All-Island Best Speakers' Contest This year's finalists, selected after several preliminary rounds displayed ample confidence in their own eloquence, presenting speeches that were well planned with the use of quotations, illustrations and humour - both in the Prepared Speech and the Impromptu Speech categories. "They indicate what this country is capable of," said the Chief Guest, US Ambassador Ashley Wills. Applauding the Toastmasters for their service to the public in making people effective communicators and thereby significant contributors to society, Minister of Communications, Imthiyas Bakeer Markar remarked that although the Toastmasters could extend their service to Parliamentarians in improving their public speaking skills, there would be a problem in getting them to stop speaking or to keep within the time limits. "The greatest fear among businessmen and professionals has always been public speaking. To help people overcome this fear is the mission of the Toastmasters Club," said Iqbal Jafferjee, President of the Colombo Toastmasters Club, explaining their role as 'Wordsmiths'. This annual event was well compered with short anecdotes and jokes by Master of Ceremonies, Rajiv Goonetilleke. Jamna's award winning speeches: 'Wild love' - depicting the unconditional love, understanding and silent communication that dogs are capable of, was delivered with enthusiasm and expression. Her impromptu speech extolled the virtues of the modern day mother who in her multiple roles, displays an innate strength of mind as she goes about her duties as mother and breadwinner. "She is an angel without a halo, a nightingale without wings and a doctor without a medical degree,," said this teacher of English Literature from the Lyceum International School who also revealed her penchant for poetry. Jamna is a trained teacher, and received her Honours Degree with distinction in English Literature from the University of Calcutta for which she was awarded a gold medal. Originally from India, she came to Sri Lanka in 1971 soon after her marriage. Between 1974 and 1980 she worked for The Sunday Times and was responsible for the column: roaming Around, while also contributing to the Daily Mirror. She then spent 18 years with her family in Cameroon (West Africa) where she taught English literature and language to high school students. Returning to Sri Lanka in 1998 she taught at the British School, Colombo for a year before joining Lyceum. A visibly elated Jamna said that public speaking was her forte and she thoroughly enjoyed participating in the contest. Having been a a member of Toastmasters' Clubfor a year, she participated in their training sessions that focus on different aspects of speech making, an experience she found very rewarding. Aaysha Cader (first runner-up), a student of St. Bridget's Convent made a vibrant speech entitled 'If you can't beat them, you join them', as she recalled humorous incidents illustrating the generation gap. Her impromptu speech was also on the role of the modern mother where she emphasised the importance of mothers being educated with regard to problems of youth today. Ruwanthika Dakshinie Guneratne, a law student spoke of the vulnerability of children who like wet cement, form impressions easily and hence need more effective laws to protect them from child abuse. 'Peace begins at home, and this will lead to peace within the country,' Ruwanthika said in her impromptu speech. A desire to achieve a dream, self-confidence and perseverance are ingredients one needs to become a winner and once you do so, you have the whole world in your hands, asserted Dinal Edirisinghe (second runner- up). This school leaver who hopes to leave to the US for higher studies shortly, also spoke of the role of the modern mother whom he considers a Buddha of the home. Rajindh Perera also a school leaver very colourfully illustrated his nocturnal activities that earned him the name 'the dog feeder of Nawala'. He further evaluated the nation after six months of the new government commenting on the ethnic conflict, power crisis and the cost of living, during his second speech, presenting very interesting views. Each of the contestants was assigned a mentor to help coach him or her. The eminent panel of judges, none of whom were Toastmasters comprised Ms. Rosie Senanayake, Dr. Vijaya Corea, Mr. Mohammed Adamaly, Dr. Carol Reed Mc Kenna and Mr. K. Kanag Iswaran. The Toastmasters Club of Sri Lanka was formed in 1984 and today has three Clubs - The Colombo Toastmasters, The Millennium Toastmasters and the Sampath Bank Toastmasters. They regularly conduct speech craft classes of eight weeks duration and then enthusiasts progress to different levels - Ordinary, Competent and Able, after which one can finally become a Distinguished Toastmaster. No one in Sri Lanka has reached that level yet. The Colombo Toastmasters intend to take the concept further to schools and other towns such as Kandy and even Jaffna, according to Rajiv Goonetilleke. The courses so far have been well received and appreciated as more people realise the importance of effective communication in their personal growth. "Friends helping friends succeed", is the approach of the Toastmasters Club, as they help promote - Freedom of Speech. The Toastmasters
contest was sponsored by the Bartleet Group with The Sunday Times,
the Daily Mirror and TNL Radio and Lite as media sponsors.. |
||||||
Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
