GAVEL CALENDAR
EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS
The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club holds Weekly Educational Meetings every Thursday from 4 – 6 pm at the Career Guidance Unit Training Center. These meetings take place whether it’ s rain or shine, or sometimes even off university premises when the occasion calls for it. The Toastmaster for the day and enthusiastic Gaveliers always take the initiative to make each meeting unique and exciting. So, in several occasions, the members of the club found themselves transported to a movie theatre( popcorn included), walking into a room filled with hearts, arguing about the pros and cons of a popular television series, talking with a past Gavelier living abroad via Skype, or even in the serene atmosphere of a Buddhist temple grounds. Moreover, different Gaveliers take the opportunity to become role players of each meeting, which improves their soft skills and leadership qualities beyond leaps and bounds. The Educational Meetings are the secret behind the Gavel Club’ s strong foundation as they are the ideal place for a beginner to take their first step into the world of public speaking, and provides the opportunity for speakers to refine their abilities while having fun at the same time.
At the end of each meeting, the Gaveliers also don’ t forget to enjoy the mandatory plain-tea session which is filled with conversation, good food, laughter, and of course a hot cup of plain-tea!
SUNDAY MEETINGS
Thursdays are for weekly educational meetings at Gavel. Then you may wonder what Sunday meetings are. Sunday educational meetings are so special because it offers an opportunity for both present and past Gaveliers to reunite as the Gavel family, especially for the Gaveliers who are unable to make it to the Thursday meetings due to lectures. Another reason that makes the Sunday meetings unique is the fact that they are held outdoors. This year, three Sunday meetings were held under the themes,‘ Illusions’,‘ Calypso Evening’ and‘ Vintage and Photographs’. On the first Sunday meeting with the theme‘ Illusions’, Gaveliers were given table topics based on their perception of illusion pictures. Hats, kurthas and lungis, drums and songs adorned the‘ Calypso Evening’. During the‘ Vintage and Photographs’ themed meeting, each Gavelier got a chance to pick a photograph from his / her phone and relive that moment during the table topics session. As usual, the table topics sessions were followed by creative
44 BEST SPEAKER MAGAZINE 2017 sessions. Unlike Thursday meetings. Sunday meetings continue to be lengthy, more fun and creative. Many speakers get the opportunity to share their ideas. Sunday meetings help Gaveliers to get away from all the typical undergraduate problems such as assignments, mid exams and presentations. In the end, it keeps you revitalized, completed and satisfied. And once you remember these moments, a smile will draw on your lips, no doubt on that.