UNS — The Student and Alumni Bureau Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held Webinar Public Speaking Tips & Tricks. The event was attended by 70 students and was held through the Zoom Meeting application and YouTube livestream on Friday – Saturday (11-12/12/2020). The Student and Alumni Bureau UNS invited public speaking experts such as Dr. Intan Novela Qurrotul Aini, Dr. Sunny Ummul Firdaus, Rafika Nur Kusumawati, M.A., and dr. R. Prihandjojo Andri Putranto.
The event was opened with a remark from Drs. Rohman Agus Pratomo who represented the Vice-Rector for Student and Alumni Affairs UNS. Drs. Rohman Agus Pratomo or Tomy stated that public speaking is a vital activity for the community in general and UNS students. Especially those who want to improve their skills in public speaking. The student and alumni bureau UNS always encourage UNS students to excel at the national and international level.
“One of the efforts to reach that direction is by preparing students to have good speaking skills, convincing, and to have self-confidence at the national and international level,” he stated in his opening remark.
The first speaker in the event, Dr. Intan Novela Qurrotul Aini, shared the tips and tricks of public speaking. The skill of one’s speaking skill represents their intelligence, Intan stated. Her tips and tricks in public speaking are to be brave in speaking, speak systematically, and focus on impact. The courage in speaking can be trained through preparation, self-confidence, and speaking training.
R Prihandjojo Andri Putranto as the second speaker, shared the design of the public speaking event. The difference between talking and saying is in its responses. Talking requires responses in the form of behavior and mindset, while saying does not require responses. “Speaking needs to be systematic, has a target, and energize. There are five points of public speaking design, determine goals, audience, preparing material, performance, and facilities and infrastructure,” he explained.
Supporting Prihandjojo explanation, Rafika Nur Kusumawati, M.A., stated that to speak in front of the public, a person needs to adjust with the audience to deliver the messages better. Then the last speaker, Dr. Sunny Ummul Firdaus discussed the theories and practices of debating. Dr. Sunny explained that debating is an activity to discuss a topic and to defend one’s argument. In debate there is discussion and exchange of views on a subject by providing rationales to defend each other’s opinion.
“Debate aims to deliver and defend one’s argument. The quality argument is based on fact, evidence, and logical thinking. There are tips for debate, such as always think like a jury, think comparatively, act like a winner, do not carried away with one’s own argument, work as a team, and makes contender answer their own questions,” she said
At the end of the webinar, all participants are required to upload a video practice of their public speaking di YouTube. On the second day, all speakers provide their reviews and suggestions to all participants. This event is expected to increase the participant’s skill and courage. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
