Speakers in ‘5 minutes of fame…An improvised speaking contest’ impressed everyone with their flair and confidence
A sage once said that a human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public. Even though most of the thirteen speakers at ‘5 minutes of fame…’, a public speaking contest organized by SSGC Women Association (SSGCWA) were displaying their public speaking skills for the first time, they certainly did not give the impression of losing their heads at any time. Veteran actor and banker Raju Jamil and Asif Ansari, DGM (IR) were the judges on the occasion.
On a stage lit up with light bulbs and an impressive back drop, the speakers gave extempore speech in either English or Urdu on topics randomly selected by themselves on the spot. Moinuddin, DCM (Finance) won the first prize of a wood-sculpted trophy depicting a microphone. CCD’s Danish Javed (Asst. Manager) and Muhammad Ali Gohar (DCM) secured 2nd and 3rd places to deservingly earn their trophies.
Although the majority of the contestants were taking the floor for the first time, they won the judges’ nod for following the judgment criteria which included speech structure, body language, tone of voice, level of confidence, conceptual thinking and convincing ability. While SSGCWA’s Vice President Asma Butt and Farwa (CRD) hosted the show, Rashid Mahmood (IT) wise cracked with witty and humorous remarks while conducting quizzes and tongue twisters to hold the audience interest. During the prize distribution ceremony, Raju Jamil aptly pointed out that although the contestants did not belong to the public speaking field, all of them gave a very good account of themselves. He appreciated Dr. Shehla Naqvi, SGM (Management Services) and President SSGCWA and her team for giving such an opportunity to the Company employees.
Other contestants who spoke up included Rayomand Balbari (CRD), Syed Imran Ahmed (CCD), Inayatullah Ismail (CCD), Rashid Ahmed (IT), Saad Adil (Billing), Eng. Muhammad Ayub Khan (UFG), Mumtaz Ali Noonari (P&D), M. Faraz Ameen (Rehabilitation), Rozina Ejaz (Transmission) and Abdul Rasheed Kalwar (Admin. Services).
Both the audience and the contestants lauded the organizers for providing a platform for the ‘introverts’ to appear on the stage and deliver their topics with ease without an iota of stage fright.
Some of the remarks received from the contestants are reproduced below:
- ‘People should avail the opportunity and should participate in programs that test their public speaking skills.’ – Moinuddin
- ‘The event had a perfect back drop and gave a picture of being well organized. Besides judges were fair in their markings.’ – Rayomand Malbari
- ‘The fact that you guys got the 13 people up on the stage to speak and speak well needs to be applauded. And top to it all, veteran actor/banker Raju Jamil fitted fantastically in the role of the judge. – S. Imran Ahmed
- ‘I personally enjoy events in which there is room to express feelings and talents. The event was supported by a decent jury and satisfactory transparency.’ – Danish Javed