Mass media and communication is a big deal in the world of leaders. It is a way to connect and communicate, to reach out to others. Communication is the real work of leadership. One way to communicate is through media publications.
Liz Denius had us paired up with our roommates to carry out a mock interview between ourselves. The questions in the interview varies from why do we choose to be in this program to questions of personal preference like music and food. The hidden intention of the interview was so that we would get to know each other better. We were then asked to write an article on the interview. Through this workshop, we learned about the power of the pen which can inspire others and give voices to the voiceless.
Also, earlier this week we were brought to the very office of the Northern Star – the student-produced, independent media at Northern Illinois University. We were oriented on the Northern Star by Jim Killam. It was a wonderful experience as it gave us an unprecedented insight into the world of media.
Posted by Maajidah Mahmud
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Right from the start, we knew that this was no ordinary workshop.
Bursting with energy and enthusiasm, Shanna and Lakhi Siap walked us through everything we needed to know about colourful communication. We began with a really fun exercise – learning how to remember names (no matter how strange) for all eternity - simply by linking the name to something absolutely silly. We were tickled pink by the peculiar ideas which popped up. The whole concept was to be BIGGER than life. It hit us that most of the time, the barrier which stands between us and the audience is our hesitance towards breaking out of our comfort zone. But as we soon found out, things were about to change. Given the license to be entirely ridiculous, it was one of those rare instances where we had the freedom to be goofy AND wacky at the same time without being afraid of looking like a fool. We then explored the four basic emotions – anger, sorrow, joy and fear thoroughly with acting demonstrations by the speakers themselves. We were mesmerized and utterly awestruck by how seamlessly they slipped into such contrasting emotions and were equally amazed with the SEAYLP participants who proved themselves to be completely capable of self-expression. By incorporating theatre and the arts, a whole new dimension was brought to the learning of effective communication.
Fully equipped with the ingredients needed for colourful communication, we then learnt how to channel those skills into public speaking! Shanna gave us an insight into making powerful speeches which both start and end with a bang. Our skills were sharpened, tweaked and polished as every presentation was open to loving criticism - criticism which built and allowed space for growth. We learned to use voice projection, vocal variety, articulation and gestures in a way that enhanced our speech, making our message strike deep in the hearts of the listeners.
This workshop was a wonderful one because it enabled us to discover the hidden talents which lie within and our ability to make a difference in our communities. More importantly, it taught us an important lesson: to be grateful for each day and to make the most out of every moment by embracing it with enthusiasm. So what do you do on days when you’re feeling blue? That’s right. You take out that huge pill from the Vitamin C bottle and put a big smile on your face. You can do it!
Posted by Eleasha Chew
The happy SEAYLPers with Shanna and Lakhi Siap
Oh, and please do not call Mark tonight! ;)