Most teenagers quail at the thought of having to speak in front of an audience. Perhaps it is because they lack proper direction and simply need someone to guide them through the challenges of public speaking.
However, some residents of Dubai are encouraging youngsters to become more articulate and are providing them with a boost of confidence.
The teenage version of Toastmasters International — a public-speaking organisation — is being led by volunteer toastmasters. They dedicate their free time to help children develop their public speaking skills.
The name of the club that I attend is called Creations Gavel Club. Every first and third Saturday of the month, at 4pm on the dot, teenagers congregate at a restaurant in Karama, in Dubai.
It is where we passionately discuss issues ranging from global warming to world politics.
We exchange ideas and share opinions on subjects that concern us as teenagers. A ‘toastmaster' acts as the compere for the meeting.
Opportunity
Taking up the role of a toastmaster is a wonderful opportunity for teenagers to enhance their leadership skills. Speeches are delivered by working on different skills such as organising ideas or using visual aids.
An impromptu speech session called the ‘table topics', tests our ability to think on our feet.
Topics range from ‘Should Barack Obama have received the Nobel Peace Prize?' to ‘If you could meet your favourite actor, what would you do?'
We receive feedback from our peers, but more importantly, we can get critiqued by a seasoned toastmaster. He would also present the best speaker and evaluator with trophies and certificates, which encourages us to give our best.
At the end of the meeting, a fun session is held, which can involve anything from telling jokes to playing a game. The people who manage the club and act as mentors for us do not receive any remuneration, but rather do it for the sheer pleasure of watching youngsters learn and grow.
In the fast-paced life of Dubai, these good Samaritans are beacons of hope for teenagers who are eager to learn new skills but are daunted by the prospect of a shortage of motivated teachers.
If you are between 12 and 18 years of age and need a platform to voice your opinion, send across an email to Mr D'souza at creations-gavel-club@googlegroups.com.
Even if you do not decide to become a member, you are welcome to attend a meeting and experience the magic. The Gavel Club is a melting pot of ideas and no voice is too small to be heard.
The reader is a 14-year-old pupil at Dubai College.
Be a citizen reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Write to us at readers@gulfnews.com
