Just like painting, singing and dancing, public speaking is also an art. In public speaking, you go before an audience, and address them in a suitable, charming, manner give them a message and at the end. These speeches or messages could be influential or inspirational just like the great speeches we have heard from politicians such Nelson Mandela, Berny Sanders, Martin Luther King Jr or business inspirations Steve Jobbs and Jack Ma.
Being the first Gavel Club of South Asia, the Gavel Club of the University of Kelaniya has been also in the business of mastering the art of public speaking for one and a half decades. This, the oldest Gavel Club in the region, proudly celebrated its 15th anniversary recently at Hotel Sanara Mandira in Kiribathgoda.
The Gavel Club of the University of Kelaniya (UOK) operates with two prime objectives, (i.e. developing communication skills and leadership skills among the university youth) has achieved much in its 15 years long journey.
Weekly educational meetings and other activities going beyond club level have sharpened both the educational and public relations aspects of the Toastmaster International. Home to a bunch of energetic young university undergrads the Gavel UOK is now conducting communication workshops for schoolchildren as one of their core social responsibilities towards the community. It also organises Inter-University and Inter-School Best Speaker contests separately, to recognise best speakers in the respective fields.
The club currently organises the ‘Most Iconic ‘Best Speaker’ contest after the All Island Best Speaker (which is organised at the Toastmaster level) and has been organising the ‘All Island Inter-University Best Speaker Contest’ since 2005. It has enabled many university undergraduates to conquer the stage and deliver their valuable message to all Sri Lankans, while emerging champions.
The 15th celebration was full of fun and had been organised as a get-together for all present and past gaveliers to share the joy of being gaveliers, once in their lifetime. The evening was well-spent, with fun activities, dancing, mingling and of course cherishing old memories, since 2005.
