wouldn't it be a lot better?

Friends would proudly tell me about their kids' talents in singing and dancing but I'd always reply that it would also be a lot better if their kids can also speak very well in front of people. I have many times witnessed talent presentations but at the end of the singing or dancing, when the kids are asked simple questions, like their names or age, they'd answer only in whispers. Why? They could sing and dance very well but could not even say their names properly?

Let's admit it. A lot of people fear public speaking. They'd rather sing or dance, but speak? That is why for me, talent is nothing when you cannot even talk about it. The whole point here is that no real talent can make it big if the ability to market this talent is not there. See? Speech still rules. It should be the basis of all other endeavors.

Kids exhibit public speaking skills in grand debate

Eight kids between the ages 8 to 15 exhibited exemplary skills in the art of public speaking and debate in the evening of June 9 at the Felipa Garden El Oriente Hotel, Dumaguete City held . Using the modified Oregon-Oxford format, the kids debated on the truth or falsity of the issue resolving that poverty hinders people from achieving success. The debaters who composed the affirmative side were Rassel Mercado (1st speaker), Dianne Uymatiao (2nd), Michaela Malabed (3rd) and Bien Llanes as rebuttal speaker. The negative team was composed of Rio Llanes (1st speaker), Angel Ordonez (2nd), Jea Perez (3rd), and Charla Co (rebuttal speaker). HOst of the show was Mark Xander Fabillar, also the asst. coach/trainer. The kids were trained by Ms. Glenda Fabillar, English/Speech teacher and talent coach/trainer.

The panel of judges was headed by Dr. Batchiba Lacdo-o, chairman; Letzah Jo Sienes-Duran and Rodel Deloria, members. The judges chose the negative side as winner.

The kids were amazing! Kudos to the parents for having such great kids!

Dewey's first speech

Dewey, my grandkid who is not exactly five yet will deliver her first speech in front of her classmates. It is a "show and tell" class activity wherein kids are asked to bring any object or picture of an object that starts with letter Aa. I bought her an apple and her speech goes this way:

This is an apple.

It is color red. (For this second sentence I wanted her to say "Its color is red" but she insists on saying this) I like to eat this apple. Thank you very much. (then she makes a bow)

Isn't that sweet? How about you? Can you remember your first public speaking experience? How was it?