'Don't talk' was the repeated instruction I got in the school. I was an average student - very ordinary. But I used to talk a lot. Now that one thing has given me fame, and earning me good money," the RJ Mastmaula Gaurav of Radio Mirchi, Doha, revealed adding his flavour to the sumptuous spread of wit and wisdom on the feast Grand Finale of 'the Qatar Talks' at Giwana Ballroom, Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha.
It was its 17th edition, and happening in the face to face mode after the killer Corona had begun its tandav two years ago. There were separate inspirational and humorous contests for the adult and youth categories. The finalists were chosen after the elimination round held earlier. While the youth (students of XII grade or below) were allowed free entry in the contest, the adults were supposed to pay a nominal registration fee of QR 50.
There were 85 contestants in the preliminary of whom 26 (Youth 7 +7 and Adult 6 + 6) were the finalists in all categories put together. The norms : 1 mt for preparation - microphone & props (if any) settings; the speaker had to speak for a minimum of 5 minutes and shouldn't exceed 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Less than the minimum or more than the maximum would imply disqualification. There were 2 people posted for time keeping and the speaker would be given 3 visible signals regarding the time.
A jumbo panel of four judges for each category was there, led by a chief judge Pavithra Philip (most likely a Malayalee, with that 'h' added to make it Pavitra). Each contest had a separate chief - a youngster with some credit-worthy social/academic background. Both the panel of judges and the contestants were international - representing Arab, Indian, Srilankan, Philippino, African nationalities. Besides the panelists, there was a separate popular voting as well, for determing the best in each category. There was the elegant Lornalyn T Tallod as the Master (?) of Ceremonies.
To my great satisfaction, in 3 categories my judgement was same as that of the judges. Surprisingly, the popular voting and the expert judgement coincided in all categories. When it came to the awards - for the winners it was showers of fabulous prizes - the microphone shaped trophy, a watch, a trolley suitcase and a cheque for 5000 QR for the first prize winner, and QR 1000 for the third prize winner. And pictures with the sponsors and the judges... What a fabulous treat. And consolation prizes for all the finalists!
All the speakers - most of them very young, except the two award winning seniors Mr. Solanki and Mr. Sebastian in the adult (humorous) category, had become familar with that elite audience and also gaining a space in their minds. I felt like inviting some of the speakers to interact with the students, perhaps, deliver the same speech for them - the adult winner - Shareef Mihlar on belief in miracles, Roshan Sukheja on pursuing your goals, Ibtissam Khamlichi on finding your passion, the towering Sahitya Reddy on quitting is not an option! Among the youth, I felt Adarsh Nair stood out for his wise & witty humour on the things he loves, with his intertwining Indo-American identities. I met his father Ram Mohan Nair! I also felt our former student Venus Rinith also did very well.
What was most noticeable was all of them depended on their personal experiences and lives as the focal point - some of them with a ring of sincerity, others evidently imaginative, but still engaging. They were trying to make people laugh or think at their expense! As the old time public speaking tip would go: base your speech on what you know. And good many of them, tried to put to use their kinesthetic, histrionic and mimicry skills to make their delivery more emphatic. I felt on humour front to grow to a level of make people laugh spontaneously is not an easy task - unless you have a sportive audience, sitting there to give into laughter at the least provocation - the Birla team of Jaya was doing just that. And the award ceremony, with the founder convener M.I. Farid himself in the control of events, leading them all with great ease and spontaneity, in spite of being lengthy, was bearable, even when you had the least involvement. The lucky-draw for the participants added to its charm - miraculously, with judges turning out to be among the most lucky people; and Divneet Kaur Sirin's family turning tremendously lucky winning 3 prizes including a contestant second prize.
FM1 Jockey Intisar Adam who was guiding the prize distribution in the adult category pointed out the possibilities in 'talking to fame' and 'earning by hours' for your ability to talk - talk - talk.... That was not all that imaginable when we were initiated into the art of public speaking as school children some 4 decades back. Looked back with nostalgia for those by-gone days, but never having had any such great stage available. I wonder whether any thing comparable is available anywhere in India, though our Sacred Heart Speakers' forum did provide some prestigious avenue through its flagship programme 'sargapatham'.
A great event - fabulous crowd, generous sponsors, elevating entertainment, convivial company, delectable delicacies! We Rajagirians, who also happened to be among the sponsors, departed with some satisfaction, with 3 of our brilliant youngsters making their presence in the youth categories, and Ruth (inspirational) and Kevin (humorous) bagging third prize in their respective events.
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