Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Be well prepared
By Renu Warnasuriya
Twenty five sweaty-palmed, fingernail-biting contenders paced up and down, mumbling and muttering bits of their respective speeches, while butterflies played havoc in their already rather queasy stomachs…This was the atmosphere at the Lyceum International School last Sunday, as the semi finalists of the Toastmasters Young Speakers’ Contest prepared to take the stage.

Making full use of the opportunity to come up with original speeches, the contestants spoke on various subjects, ranging from rats (yes, rats) to smiles to white lies and even pizza! Other than the 4 – 6 minute prepared speech, the participants also had to make an impromptu speech for two to three minutes. The fifteen topics given by the judges included subjects like cricket, education and tuition. The two most popular topics for the day were “A woman’s place is in the home,” and “Appreciating parents.” The contestants were given twenty minutes to prepare for the impromptu speech.

Once introduced, each speaker had to proceed to the “speaking area”, which was designated by the judges; they also could not make any kind of contact with the audience before beginning the speech. The minute the first word of the speech was uttered the time keeping and judging began. The same will apply for the finals.

The use of any kind of electronic device including slides projectors, visuals and charts were not allowed, however, at the finals the use of a microphone will be permitted.

A past Toastmaster finalist mentioned that some of the flaws she saw in this year’s finalists were that they sometimes repeated themselves and seemed a little uncertain when it came to their impromptu speeches. Her advice to the seven finalists is, “Read up and come all armed to tackle a variety of impromptu topics.” She also stressed on the importance of connecting with the audience, through body language, eye contact and expression.

While all these things should be kept in mind, finalists should also concentrate on not getting themselves disqualified. Talking below the minimum time limit, or beyond the maximum time limit, will lead to disqualification.

And so, after weeks of tough competition, the seven finalists will compete for the Lyceum Challenge Trophy and grand cash prizes today at the BMICH. The Chief Guest at the event will be Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy, Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs and Mrs. Peiris. The contest will start at 5.30 p.m., but those who wish to attend should be in their seats by 5.15 p.m.

Admission will be by invitation, available at the following places.
Lyceum International School, Nugegoda (Mrs. Indira - 2822387)
Bookland, Colombo’s favourite bookshop, Colombo 3
Colombo Plaza Building, 50 2/7, Colombo 6 (Ms. Sulochana –4519644-5)
E-kidz computer training centre, 72 Davidson Road, Colombo 4 (2583581)
Sarasavi Bookshop, Kandy (081 2234036).

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