The event was fun and fascinating with a good line of talented public speakers and also, budding leaders. I'd say that the EDSoc. committee has chosen very apt and competitive themes - semi-finals : A Malaysian Mind, Finals - "Mickey Mouse" as President. Well, it's just timely that our speakers (known for their intelligence) apply a bit of wit, humour and persuasive influence here.
Most importantly, many thanks to all our participants. The event wouldn't be a success without you. The original number expressing interests is undoubtedly higher than the turn up during registration..nevertheless...isn't that a common phenomenon already in speaking competitions?? So, I'd like to salute all those who came for the preliminary round this morning. It's not so easy to accept this oratory challenge, and you've won the first battle. To Nadia, all the best in your final semester, and may your strong will find you a good career path. To Dinesh, it's great to have you around in the preliminary round. We shall meet again next year, okay.
Now, since this is a national public speaking competition, we have received good response from our neighbouring universities. Thanks to UKM, UNIKL, TARC, for joining us in the challenge. Earlier, we also received participation from UITM, UTEM and KLIUC, but they had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances...i heard.
So, wonder who got into Finals? Yuppp:) Congratz, Rifdy from ENNF 103 section 11 - the judges truly love your ideas. Azali from UNIKL raised good concerns as well. Consolation prizes were given to Thava from TARC and Nuruddin from UNIKL. 2nd runner-up was Wan (UNITEN) with his lively and energetic performance. Ist runner-up was Arul from UKM. He explored a very critical and timely perspective in light of the theme.
And.....the champion this year is no other than Hemalan (UNITEN)...yupp:) He not only convinced, but also made a point to entertain the judges and audience with his cogent arguments and intellectually stimulating discussion..shared some fun and laughter as well....I'd say Hemalan has a very attractive oral style which is conversational and also, persuasive. Congratulations, dear:) You have definitely done a wonderful job.
Thanks to all our judges, of course. Their committment and expertise really helps to make the event a truly rewarding experience.
Preliminary & Semi-finals :
Mdm Hanani (Literature), Ms Evelyn (Communication & TESL), Pn Zue (Chief Judge).
Finals : Assoc. Prof. Dr Rosli (Computer Aided Instruction, Chief Judge),
Mr Hazizul (Leadership), Mdm Lily (TESL) ,Pn Zue (Group Comm & Persuasive Language).
To Vivek and all the committee members, you've all done a wonderful job. It's really not easy to organize an event as such, and I pray may you be rewarded accordingly for all your hard work, patience and enthusiasm. As for now, I know you must all be tired, yet contented:) Yupppp! Take a look at all the pictures we've taken and they will bring back the victorious experience we have all shared together in living up to this Public Speaking PASSION. I guess the pictures depict your spirit, people...
Hope to see all of you in the coming debates....and next year's public speaking competition.
Lastly, Heartiest Thots and Best Wishes from my lovely kids (Nadia, Farah & Emir) and I,
Pn Zue
Showing posts with label EDSoc.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EDSoc.. Show all posts
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
"Debate" vs "Argue"
"Agree to disagree:)"
With aspiring undergraduates waiting to test their English speaking skills in an English as a Second Language (ESL) climate, what can be enacted and created to assist them in grooming themselves for career demands? What can indeed be the platform to groom undergraduates to use English in a way closest to real-life context, meeting the challenge of interview quality, as well as employability? On this note, please be rest-assured that almost everybody in the country can speak English, by now, and to be a cutting-edge graduate, you should be able to communicate with confidence, persuasion, and impressive language.
Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM) reported that “Proficiency in the English language is the second most important characteristic sought after by potential employers,” (the Star online, May 13, 2008) in a research which was conducted by UPM’s Alumni Centre involving more than 4000 recently graduated students. In fact, English competency forms an integral element in the success of the country’s National Higher Education Action Plan. So, mastering English is fundamental, and mastery entails the ability to use English in group discussions, group decision making, academic presentations, competetions, and ultimately - debate.
Yuppp:) We argue much with friends and foes, we quarrel and win the arguments with our siblings, we put together our so-called 'communicative competence' and emotional artilleries to win these challenges embedded with sarcasm, ad-hominems, and god knows what...Come to think of this oftentimes-gratifying experience, how much evidence and facts do we have to summon to win the 'battle of wits-and-whatsoever'? At the end of the day, you may discover that to argue is in fact to merely share ignorance... period!
Debate, on the other hand, is entirely different from a mere argument. To debate is to share your intelligence, deliberating on matters and issues at hand, supporting claims with facts, details and evidence beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that you'll be designated to opposing camps can be a blessing in disguise. Being well-read, you shall anticipate the opponents' points and prepare your rebuttals to bring down their claims. And what about you? Muster enough courage, collate all facts and figures pertinent to the motion and your stance, and convince the speaker that your proposal is superior. Hmmm...because it's a battle of intelligence, where brainpower and intellect collide, debates offer a much professional and ethical speaking avenue to evaluate matters.
Can everybody argue? Perhaps. Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry or Salleh, Ah Meng, and Kumari, debate? Yuppp:) Why not? Try it, for the sake of future employability, and pure exchange of insights and observation, and you shall feel the difference. Debate, and "make a difference."
So... if you are currently a debater, have debated, will be debating, etc., please drop us one line or two to share your thoughts and experience. Inspire others to be like you, doing what you do best, enjoy most - debates.
The avenue for debating at UNITEN is definitely by joining the English Debate Society or EDSoc. (from 17th August 2006). C U there.
Cheers, Zue
With aspiring undergraduates waiting to test their English speaking skills in an English as a Second Language (ESL) climate, what can be enacted and created to assist them in grooming themselves for career demands? What can indeed be the platform to groom undergraduates to use English in a way closest to real-life context, meeting the challenge of interview quality, as well as employability? On this note, please be rest-assured that almost everybody in the country can speak English, by now, and to be a cutting-edge graduate, you should be able to communicate with confidence, persuasion, and impressive language.
Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM) reported that “Proficiency in the English language is the second most important characteristic sought after by potential employers,” (the Star online, May 13, 2008) in a research which was conducted by UPM’s Alumni Centre involving more than 4000 recently graduated students. In fact, English competency forms an integral element in the success of the country’s National Higher Education Action Plan. So, mastering English is fundamental, and mastery entails the ability to use English in group discussions, group decision making, academic presentations, competetions, and ultimately - debate.
Yuppp:) We argue much with friends and foes, we quarrel and win the arguments with our siblings, we put together our so-called 'communicative competence' and emotional artilleries to win these challenges embedded with sarcasm, ad-hominems, and god knows what...Come to think of this oftentimes-gratifying experience, how much evidence and facts do we have to summon to win the 'battle of wits-and-whatsoever'? At the end of the day, you may discover that to argue is in fact to merely share ignorance... period!
Debate, on the other hand, is entirely different from a mere argument. To debate is to share your intelligence, deliberating on matters and issues at hand, supporting claims with facts, details and evidence beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that you'll be designated to opposing camps can be a blessing in disguise. Being well-read, you shall anticipate the opponents' points and prepare your rebuttals to bring down their claims. And what about you? Muster enough courage, collate all facts and figures pertinent to the motion and your stance, and convince the speaker that your proposal is superior. Hmmm...because it's a battle of intelligence, where brainpower and intellect collide, debates offer a much professional and ethical speaking avenue to evaluate matters.
Can everybody argue? Perhaps. Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry or Salleh, Ah Meng, and Kumari, debate? Yuppp:) Why not? Try it, for the sake of future employability, and pure exchange of insights and observation, and you shall feel the difference. Debate, and "make a difference."
So... if you are currently a debater, have debated, will be debating, etc., please drop us one line or two to share your thoughts and experience. Inspire others to be like you, doing what you do best, enjoy most - debates.
The avenue for debating at UNITEN is definitely by joining the English Debate Society or EDSoc. (from 17th August 2006). C U there.
Cheers, Zue
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