Uni of Kelaniya organizes Inter University Best Speaker Contest

BEST SPEAKER 2015: TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES OF COMMUNICATION For most people, public speaking is a daunting task. But for undergraduates, it is very important to be able to speak in front of people, deliver oral presentations, and be confident at interviews & business meetings. The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club, is a pioneer in training undergraduates to master the art of public speaking. The club, started in 2004, prides itself for being the 1st Gavel Club in South Asia. It aims at improving public speaking, communication, & leadership competencies of undergraduates. In 2005, stepping forward from weekly meetings, the club organized its first 'Best Speaker' contest as an Intra University event. Buoyed by its immense success, 2007 witnessed the first All Island Inter University Best Speaker Contest.  Since then, 11 consecutive Best Speaker contests have been marked in history. Best Speaker has journeyed 11 consecutive years since its inception. The event provides a platform for undergraduates to explore and exhibit their talents in public speaking and leadership, and be recognized for their forte. It is also an opportunity to build ties with the corporate sector and to work in close cooperation with other Gavel and Toastmaster Clubs in Sri Lanka. The All Island Inter University Best Speaker Contest 2015 is organized for the 5th consecutive year by the club in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Kelaniya. This year's contest is themed around the ‘Blue Sapphire’ and the tagline 'Transcending boundaries of communication'. The contest comprises of three stages: Preliminaries, Semi-Finals and the Grand Finale. The preliminary round witnessed a medley of 150 contestants from all state universities. After a tough competition, 21 contestants were selected for the semifinal round. Six talented finalists are now preparing for the final round to compete for the 'Best Speaker' title. The grand finals are to be held on the 15th of October 2015 at the Sri Dharmaloka Convocation Hall of the University of Kelaniya from 4.00 pm onwards. The audience will include special invitees from universities, Toastmaster clubs, and representatives from the corporate sector, university lectures, undergraduates, and students from invited schools. The Chief Guest for the event will be the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Professor Sunanda Madduma Bandara. The University of Kelaniya Gavel Club extends an open invitation to the public to witness the grand finale showcasing the passion and enthusiasm of the finalists for public speaking as they battle for the title 'Best Speaker 2015'. *The contestants are tested for creativity, quick thinking, passion & energy blended in public speaking. *The event is one of the most prominent in the university calendar.