MITIS Distinguishes Its Best Communicators thru an Impromptu Speaking Contest

It is more than English language skills that distinguishes the best speaker from the rest.

This is what transpired during the Impromptu Speaking Contest conducted by the MIT International School (MITIS) through its English Department on October 12, 2011. Packaged in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG) for 2015, the contest underscored the school’s vigorous efforts to develop and produce critical, reflective, and competent communicators and promote active global citizenship.

Ten brave and exceptional students from Grades 7 to 12 demonstrated their fluency in English as well as their social awareness as they expressed their knowledge and socially significant insights on different issues such as poverty alleviation, universal primary education, gender equality and women empowerment, and environment sustainability. Hyung Jun Woo (Peter) of Grade 12, currently the STRIPES (the school’s official publication) Editor-in-Chief, won the first place while Michael Andre Barbarona of Grade 8 bagged the second place. Dong Kyu Hyung of Grade 12, currently the Student Coordinating Board (SCB) President, placed third.

“We in the English Department believe that competitions like this will encourage and inspire the students to not just be good in the English language, but to become excellent and competent communicators,” said Ms. Mae Malanum, MITIS English Coordinator who is leading the school’s English Programs.

Dr. Bienvenido V. Santos, MITIS President and Principal, also added that to enhance the standard benefits that students gain in the academic and extra-curricular programs of the school, MITIS firmly highlights and promotes the Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs) in all possible venues. “We are keen on producing only the best [graduates] and that’s why we have to embed the concept of ESLRs in everything that we do,” said Dr. Santos.

The Impromptu Speaking Contest is in line with the school’s Speak English Campaign, a year-round program that aims to promote appreciation for the English language among its staff and students as a medium for bridging cultures and a tool for global advocacies.  More activities such as the oratorical, story-telling and poetry writing contests, writing workshops, and the Play Festival await the students in the succeeding months. Meanwhile, the Best English Speaking Class contest, where Grade 10-A was cited the winner for the first quarter, and the Weekly Trivia Contest are ongoing activities that students are encouraged to participate in until the end of the school year.

Photos:

Hyung Jun Woo, Grade 12, talks about lack of education being the primary cause of poverty among developing countries.

Michael Andre Barbarona, Grade 8, shares his ideas on how he and his schoolmates, in their own little ways, can promote gender equality. 

Dong Kyu Hyung, Grade 12, enlightens his schoolmates that education contributes significantly to a country’s development.

MITIS English Coordinator Ms. Mae Malanum talks about the UNMDG program prior to the contest proper. The Impromptu Speaking Contest questions were drawn from the Millennium Development Goals for 2015 to align with the Social Science Department’s efforts to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The judges listening attentively to the contestants as they inform, convince, and at the same time impress the audience with their substantial speeches. The Panel of Judges includes former MITIS Math and English Teacher Ms. Gabby Buencamino (Chairman of the Board of Judges), MITIS Public Affairs and Communications Specialist Mr. AJ Tapia, and MITIS Foreign Language Teacher Ms. Anke Marie Morsheim.

MITIS President and Principal Dr. Bienvenido Santos handing over the certificates to the contest participants. 

The contestants, together with Dr. Santos, filled with thrill as they wait for the announcement of winners. The criteria for selecting the best speakers include grammar and delivery, content and organization, audience impact, and the speaker’s and the speech’s overall appeal.