Date: 14, 21 & 22 June 2025

Venue: School of Languages, Literacies and Translation

Organized by: BA EfP Section, USM

Facilitator: Madam Noor Munira

Participants: 90 students from 10 secondary schools

The Debate, Public Speaking, and Storytelling Workshop was conducted to enhance students’ communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence in delivering structured arguments and engaging narratives. The workshop was part of a broader initiative to promote effective English language use in formal and creative contexts.

Objectives

• To develop students’ skills in structured argumentation through debate.
• To improve public speaking confidence and clarity.
• To enhance storytelling techniques using voice modulation, body language, and audience engagement.

Workshop Structure

The one-day workshop was divided into three core sessions:

              1.           Debate Skills Session

• Introduction to debate formats (e.g., Oxford, Asian Parliamentary)
• Argument construction, rebuttal techniques, and persuasive strategies
• Practice debates with peer feedback

              2.           Public Speaking Session

• Overcoming stage fright and using effective body language
• Speech structuring and persuasive delivery
• Impromptu and prepared speech practices

              3.           Storytelling Session

• Elements of storytelling: plot, character, setting, and emotion
• Voice modulation and pacing techniques
• Hands-on storytelling activity

Highlights

• Engaging hands-on activities encouraged active student participation.
• Peer evaluation helped students reflect on their performance.
• Facilitator provided real-time feedback and guidance to participants.
• Students demonstrated noticeable improvement in confidence and delivery by the end of the workshop.

Date: 21 June 2025

Venue: School of Languages, Literacies & Translation (SoLLaT), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Overview

The second day of the English Language Community Outreach & Assessment Programme 2025 (ELCOAP25) was held on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at SoLLaT, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The day featured the core competitions of the programme, namely Debate, Public Speaking, and Storytelling, drawing participation from over 10 secondary schools across Penang.

Participating Schools

A total of 10 schools participated actively in all three competition categories. Each school was represented by enthusiastic and well-prepared students who showcased commendable levels of confidence, language proficiency, and critical thinking.

Debate Competition

Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 were successfully conducted throughout the day. Each round was organised in a knockout format, with motions centred on current social and educational themes. Debates were held simultaneously across multiple rooms: D09:105, D09:106, D09:107, and D09:108. Each round was judged by trained adjudicators, comprising language lecturers and trained teachers. Students demonstrated strong argumentation skills and quick thinking. 4 teams emerged as strong contenders for the semi-finals.

Public Speaking Competition (Venue: D09A:105)

Participants delivered prepared speeches on pre-given themes focused on youth, innovation, and societal growth. Judging was based on content, language, delivery, and audience engagement. Students displayed impressive confidence and maturity in their delivery. The diversity in topics and unique perspectives reflected excellent preparation.

Storytelling Competition (Venue: D09:112)

Participants engaged the audience with animated and expressive storytelling performances. Stories ranged from folktales to modern narratives, adapted to suit younger audiences and peers. Students had creative use of voice, gesture, and props added vibrancy to the sessions. Judges commended participants for originality and clarity.

Overall Remarks

Day 2 of ELCOAP25 was marked by vibrant participation, dynamic performances, and smooth coordination. The competitions met their objectives of promoting English language use, critical thinking, and creative expression. The level of student engagement and the spirit of healthy competition were evident throughout the day.

Day 3 Report

Date: 22 June 2025

Venue: Pinang Conference Hall, School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, USM

The English Language Community Outreach and Assessment Programme was a state level competition. It aimed to promote creativity, critical thinking, and enhanced communication skills. This annual competition was opened to Penang secondary school students.

The semifinal and final debates were held to recognize the shortlisted students’ competence in English language, subject matter, and generic skills. The participants showcased strong team spirit and higher-order thinking skills. The competitions were intense yet amicable, featuring vibrant interactions among students from various schools. Puan Munirah, the facilitator, along with her team and the organizing committee, ensured the event proceeded efficiently and adhered to the schedule.

The adjudicators were from English language department from the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation:

1. Puan Kam Su-Yin
2. Encik Neoh Soon Yum
3. Puan Sharifah Nur Hamizah
4. Cik Nur Dayana Abdul Rahman
5. Puan Siti Farhah Fuadi Jamil Azhar

The arrangements for the entire event were coordinated by AP Dr. Malini Ganapathy. The closing ceremony was conducted by Dr. Marlina Jamal and was followed by a prize-giving ceremony for storytelling, public speaking, and debate competitions.

The English Language Community Outreach and Assessment Programme 2025 stood out as an engaging and impactful event, inspiring a deeper appreciation for language learning. It fostered creativity and collaboration among students while highlighting the importance of effective communication in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Credits

Text: Malini Ganapathy

Photos: Malini Ganapathy, Marlina Jamal, Jayanthi Muniandy

Upload/Layout: Neoh Hun Keong