oration

1. Empowering Resilient Community through Communicative Competence
“We all use language to communicate, to express ourselves, to get our ideas across, and to
connect with the person to whom we are speaking. When a relationship is working, the act of
communicating seems to flow relatively, effortlessly. When a relationship is deteriorating, the
act of communicating can be as frustrating as climbing a hill of sand."
To our distinguished members of the board of judges, to my fellow orators, to all our
keen observers, ladies and gentlemen, good morning!
I believe that communication is the best way to build a strong relationship. Hence, it plays a
vital role in building a resilient community. But how are we going to have it realized if everyone
seems to be struggling in expressing their experiences, feelings, thoughts and ideas in words?
Some are shy and reluctant to speak even if it is in our home language.
It is no wonder that most of the students are afraid to talk in English because we are not used
to it. With few exercises for actual conversation in English and for real-life transactions where
English is likely to be used, it is not surprising that our speaking skills are not honed. Fear of
being laughed at by our peers is one of the reasons why we would rather keep quiet.
Moreover, the limited knowledge of English expressions worsens our ability to state what we
want to convey. If out of necessity, we muster courage to communicate in English, we do so in
a faltering manner. With limited vocabulary, English degenerates into carabao English as what
my teacher said. This happens when a Filipino thinks in his own native tongue and translates
his thoughts into English, word for word. This often results into a funny caricature of the
English language.
As learners in the digital age, we must know how to effectively convey and receive messages
to persons as well as via phone, email, and social media. Our language should be healthy, we
must know how to start and end a conversation.
Homes and schools have a key role in supporting this dilemma in language skills. This can be
addressed if we are going to work hand in hand. At home and in schools, let children read
whatever they want and then talk about it. Talk to them, listen to them, respond to them, and
interpret what they are going to say and most of all model good communication and language
skills. Let communication flow free and open to every home for I believe that behind a strong
community, lies a strong family.
Each of us is like a hub of a wheel; each one can build relationships and establish connections
with people from diverse background. People who are knowledgeable of each other’s struggle
and have a clear understanding of its role in the community. If each person builds a network of
diverse and strong relationships, we can come together and solve problems that we have in
common.
Effective communication enables us to resolve differences, build trust, respect, and create
environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection, and caring can flourish.
Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing!!!