By Nethu Lamahewa
On the 9th of February at ENTC1, the University of Moratuwa the Speech Olympiad XVII semifinals competition commenced. The 12 outstanding semifinalists were ready to take center stage and deliver charm, wit and power through their speeches. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the judges, contestants, friends and family gathered to cheer on the contestants.
Semifinalists
1. Afrah Rumie
2. Amirthavarshini Ananthan
3. Aloka Fernando
4. Anuja Mahamalage
5. Harshi Gunawardane
6. Hemindi Kalubovila
7. Neelayadakshi Priyadakshan
8. Nethu Lamahewa
9. Ranuja Jayawardena
10. Ravitha perera
11. Thulasithan Gnanenthiram
12. Unduli Senadheera
The MC of the day, Upani Gunathunga, commenced the proceedings with the opening ceremony and handed over the reins to the contest chair, gavelier Lakindu Kariyawasm, and finally the competition began.
Unlike the preliminary rounds, the Semifinals demanded more than just a prepared speech. The semi finalists had to go through two grueling rounds; the prepared speech round and the impromptu speech round.
Thus, the speakers had to give a well-rounded and polished prepared speech as well as show their quick-thinking skills, efficiency and wit as they had to respond to a surprise topic with only two minutes of preparation time as well.
First up was the prepared speech round and it was nothing but a pure show extraordinaire given by our talented speakers. Some had lifejackets as props that gave a deep message to the audience, some made the whole crowd erupt with laughter and some speeches made the audience move to tears with gushes of awe. Overall, there was a vivid diversity in the speeches that revealed the pure talent that our semifinalists brought on to stage.
Then it was time for the much awaited impromptu speech round that had the ability to change everything for our speakers.
The semifinalists were taken out of the hall and one by one brought into the hall to compete for this round. Needless to say, the impromptu round was nothing short of spectacular, it almost seemed like a rapid-fire display of brilliance! Our semifinalists gave a master class in quick thinking as they gave their impromptu speeches with ease even though the nerves and excitement were very high. Their wit, intellect and the ability to conjure up a defined speech within just a few minutes was all showcased during this speech round. And with the conclusion of this round, the competitions for the day were finally over.
Whilst the chief judges and the judge panel were allocating results outside ENTC 1, the hall that was previously filled with nervousness, excitement and speeches suddenly turned into a hall of music and joy as our very own musically talented gaveliers put on a wonderful musical performance up on stage. It was a much-needed break from the competition for our semifinalists and a time of joy and camaraderie and a brief escape from the nail-biting suspense of the upcoming results. This also showcased that the Speech Olympiad XVII was not only a competition but a celebration of all voices and talents.
Then it was time for the final results. Everyone was eagerly waiting to know who the 5 finalists would be, and the chief judge read out the list of the five finalists and the reserved finalist. Cheers erupted, hugs were being passed on from loved ones and family and the roaring wave of applause shook the entire hall.
Finalists
1. Afrah Rumie
2. Aloka Fernando
3. Amirthavarshani Ananthan
4. Neelayadakshi Priyadakshan
5. Thulasithan Gnanenthiram
Reserved finalist
1. Unduli Senadheera
This signified the end of the semifinals round of the Speech Olympiad XVII. The chief judge congratulated everyone, and the president of the gavel club ended the competition. As the event wrapped up the familiar noises of chatter, laughter and the mandatory photo shoots all proceeded to happen. The finalists beaming with their achievement of succeeding the two grueling speech rounds were congratulated by everyone and the day slowly ended as everyone took home the precious memories and joy shared during the competition.