Welcoming the New Semester:)

Soon, the new semester will open and I certainly hope to meet enthusiastic undergraduates who are determined to succeed academically as well as socially, emotionally and spiritually. Theory and experience has taught us a great deal about interpersonal and intrapersonal strength in coping with challenges in the university. Let's pray that you take heed to this and muster more courage in your struggle for excellence in tertiary education.

Easier said than done? But things always have to start with something, somewhere, so let it begin with my kind reminder cum advice.

I guess I'll be teaching public speaking this time around, but there's no confirmation yet. If so, I'd be more than excited. Really, I just can't wait to groom more public speakers, scout talents for UNITEN EDSoc.'s debate team, and witness a whole class of future leaders speaking up their minds on issues and matters of importance and grievance, planning for their immediate future as well as the nation, deliberating ideas, and debunking invalid arguments. Let's just say that I anticipate a class of active and enthusiastic learners wanting to polish their public speaking skills, and not to forget, budding talents who are grasping with theory and interested in further practice on the public speaking challenge.

If you are a writer, not yet a speaker, you are also most welcomed to join the circle. I believe that speaking and writing are so beautifully connected. The only difference lies in how much guts you need to speak your mind. Seriously! But if you don't care about guts, face, and pride, and your only concern is passing the course with flying colours - then public speaking course will turn the writer in you into a fantabuluos public speaker. Just remember to talk a lot outside class, guess that's a handy kit:)

You may want to visit this link and read my simple article on the speaking-writing connection. hopefully, this piece of mind will motivate you a bit more...

<http://ezinearticles.com/?Public-Speaking-Challenge-And-The-Writing-Connection&id=1137252>.

Looking forward to seeing all of you again in the real classroom, and the speaking community.

Academic Blogging: Speak up and Write

Academic blogging is one way to express our ideas and opinions, indeed. Our personal reaction to an article or issue may have a lot of impact to others who share the same interest, perception as well as concerns. Our stance - made known - can also contribute to the majority . Sometimes, we can even find solutions to our anxieties by reading what others have to say in response to the discussion topic.

Professional writers write articles, chapters, and technical documents. Undergraduates write academic essays or research papers for class assignments or dissertations. This writing genre is more serious and requires more than opinions and an extent of elaboration. Claims must be supported by literature review and in-text citations to establish a scholarly context. This may not sound easy nor friendly to beginners and budding talents who wish to start speaking their minds.

So, what would be an easy solution to this inspiration to speak your mind? If journal writing does not quite work because it's between you and yourself - try blogging, for you would indeed have an audience to exchange ideas.

Read the articles or issues raised by the author, and think creatively, critically and laterally. Now - what / how do I feel about this topic? Has this ever happened to me, and what did I do at that time? Can I contribute a solution to this problem? Do I have ideas to extend this discussion and make it lively and interesting? Have I heard people talking about this matter, and what were their comments? Ask questions and probe for response that allows expression of opinion.

Blogging takes, at most, 30 minutes of your time. Compare this portion to other ways that we actually spend our 24 hours. It's time we start reading, forming opinions about a discussion topic, and express our opinions. This healthy exchange of response can be therapeutic and reciprocal.

When you see others sharing the same ideas, concerns, and worries, and several others supporting and helping you with tips or experience, won't you feel like you are not alone anymore? This will motivate you to speak up more - and finally - the time will come when you shall muster enough courage to speak up orally, in small group discussions, class presentations, or better still - public speaking competitions and debates.

It's a new year, and it comes with new promises and fresh resolutions. It's a new year and we should unshackle our paradigms. It's time to speak up, and it calls for us to speak up more, indeed. The year will be more dynamic and fulfilling if we choose to speak up! If speaking has to wait due to some personal reasons, try sharing your thoughts via writing. Try blogging - write your comments, ideas, and tell people about your experience. Unravel the wonders blogging can do to you and the people around you. Let's make it happen!