AMERICAN musician and activist, Mos Def, said: “I’m not shy about heated debate or passionate discourse, but when people get crazy or rude, that’s a buzz kill. There's got to be a better code of conduct, some basic etiquette”.
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His quote gets a mention today for two reasons.
First, there's been discussion about the speaking skills of our younger generation’s inarticulateness and poor grammar. Some “oldies” argue it is because of a lack of discipline within the home; others blame the education system, or both.
We all, in some way, be it as parents or members of the community can encourage good diction and speaking skills.
Last Thursday, for the third year, the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga, staged its primary school speaking competition for pupils from Sturt School, born from a desire by past president, Brad Bland, that Rotary, which has several projects aimed at high school students and young adults, should connect more with primary pupils.
The five finalists, coached by teacher Fiona Hawkins, each took a different slant on the subject, “Light up my community”. Chief adjudicator, Rotarian Robert Sharkie, praised their “strong openings and summaries, persuasive and emotional” deliveries, all fluent with grammar of a high standard.
So, as Rotarian Elaine Almond said in thanking the finalists, the community was in good hands with children putting such positive steps forward to light up the community; in addition, it proved that a little encouragement from the home, school and beyond can ensure the speech skills of our youngsters are encouraged and enhanced.
The finalists were James James, Nicholas Heffernan, Kate Johnson, Juliet Barber and the winner, Chinmay Sholapurkar, whose parents migrated from India and are naturalised Australians.
Second, Def's reference to basic etiquette applies to many adults. A dislike of mine which seems to be getting out of hand is people who rudely keep talking at functions while a guest, emceee or artist is performing.
Some readers have noticed it as well. One, who travels frequently about the Riverina, said the sound of a gong to get an emceee or speaker’s attention is a sign to cease talking, listen and show respect means unfortunately, in Wagga, keep talking to some. Time to get a grip, chatterers. – Graham Gorrel
