Feature

AIUB's Public Speaking Contest: Exciting fanfare of word power

Feeda Hasan Shahed

To be frank, I was simultaneously surprised and happy when I got the invitation to be a judge in a public speaking contest in a university. To be invited as the Star Campus reporter was also a matter of honor for me. It was the 6th AIUB Public Speaking Contest that was organized by the AIUB Oratory Club (AOC) in the AIUB auditorium on 20th June. I had never been a judge in this sort of exciting co-curricular event. So the thrill was very much inside me.

But I became nervous at the moment when one of my friends told me that judges have to make a speech on their evaluation to clarify how they evaluated the contestants. Moreover they have to say a few words to encourage the participants. And all these have to be made in front of the audiences.

Sky broke on me. I was feeling lost. How on earth would I give a speech based on my evaluation in front of such huge audience! Moreover, the only knowledge I had regarding public speaking was related to the three exclusive debate competitions that I had covered before. Oh dear me! I was thinking to avoid the program with the most common excuses. Because as far my reporting is concerned, the situations have been more or less tension-free, and I dealt those with delightful comfort.

My only hope was to talk to Mr. Rasidul Islam Pallab, the jovial and cordial administrative officer of AIUB & co-chairman of the National Debate Federation. Mr. Pallab was the convener of that day's program. I wanted to convince him not to offer me any kind of speech, and allow me to carry on as a very attentive listener.

When I was called upon stage with the other judges I felt that all my convincing words went in vein as my name was uttered thrice. To my great discomfort, I was sent a note to prepare my speech! Panic attacked. I wanted to run, but the tag of 'Star Campus reporter' held me back. I was blank.

Meanwhile, the contestants made a huge impact with their speeches. I must admit, young guys in this era have all the talents in the world to prove their creativity. Their speakers had to give speech on two topicsone in Bangla and the other in English. The English topic was 'Let there be light' while the Bangla topic was 'Tomar jonno morte pari'.

Amid exciting jugglery of words, Nancy Chowdhury stood 3rd in English and Kazi Syedullah stood 3rd in Bangla. Razin Mahmud was 2nd in both the events. And Sajid Mahbub was the champion speaker in both categories.

As I was handed over the microphone, I narrated how difficult it was for me and the other judges to differentiate among the participants. After few sentences, I made a encouraging statement and wishing them luck I handed the microphone to Mr. Pallab.

The competition was attended and adjudicated by former prominent debaters of AIUB like Mossadek Hossain (ex- president, AOC & Organizing Secretary NDF-BD), Rafiul Islam Rafel, President AOC, Sufi Mahmud (ex-Secretary AOC) and Farhad Hossain (ex-captain, AIUB Debate Team) . Also present were Shafayet Hossain, General Secretary of NDF-BD, Abdullah Ahmed Chowdhury, ex-President, Jahangirnagar University Debating Association.

It gave me a personal satisfaction to see how AOC, under the capable direction of Mr. Rasidul Islam Pallab, has been thriving for betterment. Mr. Pallab was himself a prolific debater in his student life and participated in all prestigious national competitions. I came to know from many others in the debating arena how dedicatedly he has been engaged for the exposure of young talentsespecially in AIUB. Anyway, Mr. Pallab feels that public speaking is a challengingly creative art that is needed for personality development. Many students take it for granted, but they should be ready for rigorous practice. Talking to Mr. Pallab, I realized the value of professional attitude once again. I asked myself, from now on shouldn't my reporter ID generate the courage in my shaky moments?

The program ended with a very interesting 'Planchette Debate' participated by the renowned debaters of AIUB.

Writer to be reached: feeda_shahed@yahoo.com