Best speaker Magazine Issue 2 - December 2017 | Page 7

T CAREER GUIDANCE UNIT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE he All Island Inter University Best Speaker competition takes a new face this year, as it has been doing every year for thirteen consecutive years. This year it is one where tradition meets excellence in the embodiment of the conch shell. The traditional, yearly speaking platform offered by the the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club to students of all state and government-recognized universities, is presently to be lightened up with the excellent performances of the charismatic speakers who have shined the brighter among the bright. The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club has been instrumental in moulding the public speaking skills and leadership skills of the undergraduates of state and state- recognized universities in the country. The club has been working in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya for many years, in organizing and carrying out prestigious events that benefit many. In the beginning of the year the club organized the “Unleash Yourself- Phase VI” and the Inter School Best Speaker speech contest for school children. This was for Prof. Chamaru De Alwis the benefit of the students of government schools in the country. The All Island Inter University Best Speaker 2017 competition, in this way, is not only for the benefit of those DIRECTOR who compete in it, but also for that of the students who have been engaged in organizing CAREER GUIDANCE UNIT the event, whose skills in leadership will be sharpened, much as the communication UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA skills of the contestants are improved. The success of these programmes, organized by the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club, is the outcome of the huge effort expended by the Gaveliers for this cause. The bond that I see between the members of the club has its roots in this hard work and interaction to create these events that are perfect to the eye. The Gavel Club is the ideal place for students who want to develop their soft skills. The weekly educational meetings provide platforms where the speakers are able to build their confidence to talk in front of an audience and satisfy themselves in seeing the rate at which they improve themselves, not only in the use of language but also in the skills necessary for good presentation. The assistance of the senior members of the club is always readily available to those who feel the need to improve these skills and to acquire knowledge. In this occasion I am glad to be able to witness and to be part of an event that has taken so much dedication and efficiency. I consider it as fortunate for all those who are part of the Best Speaker 2017 competition either as contestants, members of the organizing committee or the audience. My heartiest congratulations reach out to the finalists of the competition for making it thus far in the competition, and I also congratulate the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club for the successful contest conducted. SENIOR TREASURER’S MESSAGE “Everyone has a chance to learn, improve, and build up their skills. Gavel provides the platform to it” The Career Guidance Unit renders its services to the undergraduates guiding them through good attitudes, knowledge and corporate skills inculcating entrepreneurship and navigating them successfully through career preferences. It is noticeable that the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club contributes immensely to develop the communication and leadership skills of our undergraduates and school students since it was promoted under the guidance of the Career Guidance Unit of University of Kelaniya. Speech sessions at educational meetings of the University of Kelaniya Gavel Club are an opportunity to develop one’s soft skills by speaking to an audience. It is really important for an undergraduate to acquire knowledge, soft skills and activeness. The Gavel Club provides this opportunity as best as possible to many students in Sri Lankan state universities. Gavel signifies the power and authority of words, speech and leadership. The club creates effective communicators by providing its members instructions, educational Senior Lecturer material and opportunities that help them to improve the skills in preparation and Dr. M.P.Deeyamulla delivery of speeches. The club organizes various events to develop leadership skills of members, undergraduates from other universities and the school community. SENIOR TREASURER The Best Speaker contest is an excellent initiative taken by the Gavel Club to create a UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA GAVEL CLUB platform for the undergraduates of all state universities to cultivate their public speaking and leadership qualities, positive attitudes and to build up the confidence that creates future leaders. Best Speaker 2017 is sure to play its part in this vital process and help students to identify their hidden talents and develop them in order to face the corporate world as confident citizens. I am much privileged to witness and to help such an outstanding event that would reflect the talents of the young undergraduates. Best Speaker is and has always been an exceptionally splendid event. Congratulations to your club and its’ amazing Organizing Committee that uplifts the standards of public speaking to unreachable heights. I sincerely appreciate the effort taken by the Gavel Club and would like to convey my warm wishes to all the Gaveliers and the contestants of the Best Speaker 2017, the All Island Inter University Speech Contest. BEST SPEAKER MAGAZINE 2017 7