Curtin Sarawak students ‘stand up and speak out’ in impromptu speech competition

Miri – 13 May 2016 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) students were given the opportunity to put their public speaking and critical thinking skills to the test at the Stand Up! Speak Out! 2016 Impromptu Speech Contest held at the university recently.

The event, jointly organised by the Leadership and Entrepreneurship Centre (LEC) of Curtin Sarawak and the Curtin Sarawak Student Council in collaboration with the Curtin Sarawak Toastmasters Club and Curtin Oratory and Debating Society, was aimed at helping students overcome the fear of public speaking and harnessing their critical thinking skills.

The event kicked off with an introductory session by two seasoned speakers, Nguyen Quang Minh, a Curtin Sarawak debater, and Stuart Lee, a former Toastmasters International Humorous Speech champion, who is also a public speaking trainer and coach in Brunei Darussalam. Nguyen and Lee shared their experiences in public speaking and gave their fellow students tips on being effective public speakers.

Participants of the competition were required to get on stage and speak on a randomly chosen topic for up to two minutes and were judged by representatives of the Miri Toastmasters Club and the LEC. 24 students from the three faculties at Curtin Sarawak took part.

Second-year chemical engineering student Teekay Eugine Siringwani emerged the champion, while second-year petroleum engineering student Chai Siew Hong and first-year chemical engineering student Jerin Thomas George were declared the first and second runner-ups respectively.

According to Teekay, one needs to focus on highlighting similarities rather than differences when it comes to giving impromptu speeches. The Zimbabwean walked away with a trophy and RM200 cash prize for his achievement.

Jerin, meanwhile, said that listening to his fellow competitors was both touching and inspirational.

All the participants agreed that the competition helped them overcome their fear of speaking in front of an audience. They also said it was a good platform for them to express their views.

Organising chairperson Rexy Prakash and co-chair Hillary Ho added that such competitions help students improve their soft skills in line with the university’s mission to achieve academic excellence and also enrich student life at its campus.

Second runner-up Jerin Thomas George in action.

Group photo of Stand Up! Speak Out! 2016 committee, judges and winners.