Festival Unleashing Oral Communication in Context Class

BY: ALMA LACOSTALES CALIBO, EDD Teacher III

Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School Baroy, Lanao del Norte

In the fast-paced and interconnected world we live in today, effective oral communication skills have become more vital than ever before. Recognizing the importance of honing these skills at an early stage, Grade 9 English Class organized an exhilarating Speech Fest to provide students with a platform to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas. This festival aimed to empower young voices, foster self-confidence, and enhance the art of public speaking among the students.

On Creating a Supportive Environment

The Speech Festival focused on cultivating a supportive environment that encouraged students to overcome their fear of public speaking and showcase their abilities. To achieve this, the event organizers incorporated several elements such as a non-judgmental atmosphere, constructive feedback, and peer encouragement. Students were made aware that the festival was aimed at growth, learning, and personal development rather than a competition.

On Diverse Speech Topics

The festival featured a wide range of speech topics to cater to the diverse interests and passions of the Grade 9 students. Participants were given the freedom to choose topics close to their hearts, enabling them to engage authentically with their audience. This diversity allowed students to explore different subject areas, including social issues, current events, personal experiences, and even creative storytelling.

On Preparation and Training

To ensure the participants were well-prepared and confident, the Grade 9 English Subject teacher dedicated significant time to training and mentorship. Experienced master teachers, along with external speech experts online, provided guidance on speech writing techniques, effective delivery, body language, and voice modulation. Students also received individual coaching sessions to help them refine their speeches and enhance their performance skills.

On Adjudication and Feedback The Speech Festival incorporated an adjudication process to provide students with valuable feedback and constructive criticism. A panel of judges, comprising teachers and external experts, evaluated each speech based on criteria such as content, delivery, clarity, and overall impact. After each performance, participants received personalized feedback, highlighting their strengths and suggesting areas for improvement. This feedback served as a catalyst for growth, encouraging students to develop their communication skills further.

On Promoting Active Listening and Engagement

The festival promoted active listening and engagement among the audience. Students who were not participating were encouraged to be active listeners, engaging in thoughtful reflection and asking relevant questions during the designated Q&A sessions. This fostered an environment of dialogue, enabling participants to articulate their ideas more effectively and develop critical thinking skills.

On Celebration and Recognition The Speech Festival also to international brands with local operations.

"We are proud of the significant growth ABSI has achieved in just a short period. Our commitment to Above and Beyond Service concluded with a simple yet meaningful closing ceremony in the classroom that recognized the efforts and achievements of the participants. Certificates of participation were awarded to all students, emphasizing their dedication and commitment to developing their oral communication skills. Additionally, special recognition was given to outstanding performances, highlighting exceptional delivery, thought-provoking content, and audience engagement.

Innovation has been instrumental in our success, and we will continue to provide innovative solutions to our clients," said Asticom Group of Companies President and CEO Mharicar CastilloReyes.

ABSI has already proven its capabilities in supporting both the Globe Group and the Ayala Group by providing technology and solutions in the areas of Human Resources, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Customer Experience, and Corporate Services, among others. Focusing on payroll services alone, ABSI facilitated payroll management for more than 38,500 employees. This allows the two organizations to focus on their core business and support their rapid growth.

ABSI's vision is to become the number one shared services provider in the Philippines and Asia by 2029. With its commitment to innovative solutions, expertise and partnerships, ABSI will continue to drive its growth and success in the industry.

As it moves forward, ABSI aims to continue providing exceptional service to its clients, while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships for the goal.

To learn more about ABSI and its services, visit www.absi.ph. For more information about Asticom, go to https://asticom.com. ph.

On Long-term Impact The Speech Festival in the Grade 9 Class served as a transformative experience for the students. It not only enhanced their ability to express themselves confidently but also developed crucial life skills such as empathy, persuasion, and effective storytelling. The festival’s emphasis on critical thinking and active engagement equipped students with the tools they need to succeed in future academic pursuits, professional careers, and personal relationships.

Thus, the Speech Festival in the Grade 9 Class exemplified the power of oral communication in empowering young voices. By providing a supportive environment, diverse speech topics, comprehensive training, and constructive feedback, the festival encouraged students to embrace public speaking and nurture their communication skills. Ultimately, this immersive experience will have a lasting impact on the participants, empowering them to articulate their ideas with conviction, connect with their audience, and become effective communicators in all aspects of life.