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Linking Young Minds Together
    Volume 3 | Issue 05 | February 06, 2011 |


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Competition

The Art of Fearless Speaking

Tahmina Bintey Ahmed

courtesy : Democracywatch

“There can be no fairer ambition than to excel in talk; to be affable, gay, ready, clear, and welcome” said Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist. For some people are very apprehensive when it comes to public speaking. However public speaking can develop personal confidence that promotes self-worth and for this to happen, one needs a lot of practice and self-belief. Through practice a person will be able to stand in front of people, express him or her thoughts in an organisedand fluent manner. The English Speaking Union (ESU) is providing the opportunity to young people across the country to participate in a Public Speaking Competition and showcase their talent.

According to the ESU International office, the International Public-Speaking Competition (IPSC) will be held in London this year from May 23 to 27. Hence, ESU Bangladesh has decided to organise this competition at the national level. This time the theme of the five minute public speaking competition is “Lessons for the Future”. The participants will be trained at Democracy Watch in Dhaka, which is a non political and a non profit-making trust, established in 1995.

The orientation of ESU Public Speaking Competition was held on January 29, 2011 at the Democracy Watch in Dhaka. The programme started with a welcome address by Asma Ali, member of the executive committee of ESU. The briefing session was conducted by Shahidul Mamun, director of Pracchyanat School of Acting and Design. Mizanur Rahman, student of Bangladesh Institute of Military Studies (BIMS) and also one of the two finalists from Bangladesh who presented his speech in the United Kingdom in 2010, gave a well-presented description of his experience in public speaking and his visit to the UK in the summer of 2010. Participants from BRAC University, North-South University, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, State University of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Institute of Military Studies (BIMS), Mastermind School and Cephalon International School also attended the event.

ESU is dedicated to creating international understanding and to endorse human triumph through the worldwide use of English language. “The ESU was set up with the understanding that English is an International language and also the most communicative means of interaction throughout the world," said Asma Ali.

ESU also focuses on key current affairs issues through regular international conference, seminars and meetings. It also provides and creates cultural activities. “If you are a speaker, you will be welcomed for public speaking,” said Shahidul Mamun during the briefing session. “Gesture is very important for public speaking," he elaborated. Asma Ali also made suggestions to the participants. “Stick to your accent. The judges must know that you are from Bangladesh”.

The speech will be abided by a two minute question and answer round. ESU Bangladesh will send two candidates to participate at the international event in London for the competition. The eventual winners will receive the prizes from the HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at the Buckingham Palace in mid-November 2011.

The national level competition 2011 will be a one day event to be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011. The programme will begin at 10 am and may require three to four hours depending upon the number of participants. The Participants will have to register their names by 15 February 2011.

The competition is open to all Bangladeshi students aged between 16 to 20 year old full time students. The competitor will be spared by his or her institution in order to participate in the international meet in London from 23rd to 27th May, 2011.

 

 

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