How do you convince your friend to drink alcohol? Well, according to my group’s thoroughly researched and wildly creative brainstorming during Beyond Words-Phase 2 workshop held on 7th of December 2024, it involves a lot of charm and unbeatable logic. Before you judge us for (hypothetically) trying to persuade our friends to drink alcohol, let me assure you, it was part of the fun session we had on how to structure our thoughts and ideas into an impactful and convincing speech. Now, that is surely not all the fun we had. So, read on to know more about the fun and dynamic workshop we hosted with our amazing speakers and mentors, GV Naethree Premnath, a past president of Gavel UOC (22/23) and GV Sankaja Jagoda, the Sergeant-at-Arms of Gavel UOC (22/23).
When I snuck into the workshop that day, 30 mins late and worried if I missed a lot, I was genuinely a little disheartened. There was a low turnover for the session despite the efforts of exco and the organizing committee to bring undergraduates in for this irreplaceable workshop. However, challenges are not a push back to the resilient Gaveliers of University of Colombo. So, the meeting flowed into the afternoon as a more intimate and interactive session than expected, an unexpected win in an unforeseen circumstance.
Guided by our two exceptional mentors, Naethree and Sankaja, the workshop became more than just a lesson in public speaking, it was about unravelling the art of writing and delivering unforgettable able speech. Their synergy was magnetic, and the room was alive with energy and curiosity. We were split into two groups, and given the most unexpected of topics: “How to, or how not to, convince my friend to drink alcohol.” laughter erupted as we brainstormed, running up to the whiteboard to scribble down facts supporting our topics. Then, we faced the real challenge: weaving the facts we gathered into a coherent and impactful speech. The mentors guided us through the process, offering tips and strategies for structuring our speeches. In under 15 minutes, our chaotic brainstorming morphed into two speeches presented by the two teams, each person taking a turn to deliver a part of the speech.
The speeches were as hilarious as they were insightful. Our group, hilariously advocating for why “alcohol is good,” presented our case earning laughter. To our delight, we won the challenge, and victory was sweet, literally because we were handed a box of Chunky Chocs as our prize. In true Gavel spirit, we shared our sweet treat with the other group.
The day reminded us that public speaking is not just about words; it is about brainstorming, a good structure, and a tasteful delivery. We walked out of that room not just as be er speakers but as a closer-knit community, because, at the Gavel Club, it is not just about speeches; it is about the stories we write together.
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