Deputy British High Commissioner. PHOTO: www.gov.uk
He was speaking as the chief guest at the second round of the three-stage National Public Speaking Competition (NPSC), arranged by the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) on Saturday evening. The contest was organised to select a finalist to represent Pakistan in the International Public Speaking Competition 2015, which is to be held in London from May 11 to 15.
Four shortlisted students from Lahore and Karachi talked about topics ranging from colonial legacy to the effects of media and monetary development on the intellect of the people, competing to represent Pakistan internationally. They were judged on their tone, body language, clarity and content by Amina Khalfe of the Karachi Grammar School and Iffat Nigar from the Standard Chartered Bank.
“Public speaking helps in structuring the thought process,” explained Tariq Ikram, the chairperson of the ESUP youth exchange committee. “If you jump from one point to another, you communicate but it doesn’t register.”
“I feel great about winning a free ticket to London,” said Rafeel Qadari of the Lahore Grammar School Paragon, who won the NPSC. When asked what he would take with him to represent the country abroad, he said, “Apart from my clothes, I will take the healthy laidback Pakistani attitude to London so I will not feel any pressure when I meet people there.”
The runner-ups included Anna Waqar Khan from the Lahore Grammar School, Huma Nazeer from the Lyceum School and Masooma from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School.
“I hope when you go to London representing Pakistan and ESUP, you will win laurels and make us proud,” said union president Aziz Memon.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2015.
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