National Virtual Storytelling Workshop and Competition 2022

“Nothing sticks in your head better than a story. Stories can express the most complex ideas in the most digestible ways” (Sam Balter)

UTAR Centre for Learning and Teaching and UTAR Sungai Long Toastmaster Club organised the National Virtual Storytelling Workshop and Competition 2022 (VSWC 2022) on 5 and 6 March 2022 via Zoom.

The main objectives of the workshop and the competition were to assist primary school children in improving their confidence and skills in public speaking, as well as to promote UTAR and the Toastmaster Club to the public. The VSWC 2022 also allows participants to show their talent for communicating with clarity and courage, besides providing a platform for them to build self-esteem and sharpen their critical thinking skills through storytelling.

The event received more than 150 attendees, consisting of primary school children from national, national-type, private and international schools. The first day of the event saw three workshops held by external speakers from International Toastmasters, Mr Sivalingam Ganasalingam, Mr Brian Chan Weng Chung and Madam Safura Atan. The fourth workshop was held by UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries academic Dr Saraswathy Thurairaj. The children were taught about content writing, usage of vocal variety, body language and presentation skills.

Additionally, on the first day, the children were divided into three breakout sessions; the three breakout sessions took place via Zoom on three separate platforms. In each breakout room, a facilitator was assigned to assist the children in crafting their stories and honing their public-speaking skills. The facilitators were the members of the organising committee. They consist of UTAR lecturers and members of UTAR Sungai Long Toastmasters Club.

The children prepared everything from scratch, just in one day. On the following day, after a short rehearsal, the children had their first round of knockout sessions in the morning. After the lunch break, the final round commenced at 1pm. The session was streamed on Facebook Live.

The competition was intense, and the judges certainly found challenges in selecting the winners for the respective categories of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. A total of 33 trophies and e-certificates of achievements were awarded to all the winners and participants. Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, 4th place and 5th place were awarded to the respective categories of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. In addition, nine trophies and certificates were awarded to the Best and Most Active participants. Lastly, another nine trophies and certificates were awarded to the Most Improved participants. 

In her heartfelt closing speech, Dr Saraswathy paid tribute to the amazing children who had put so much effort into the competition. “They have strived so hard; pushing their abilities to the maximum,” enthused Dr Saraswathy. Dr Saraswathy also mentioned that this National Virtual Storytelling Workshop and Competition is not only about winners and one-upmanship, it is about discovering the hidden talents of each and every child. She added, “You are a diamond deep within yourselves. Continue to polish this diamond and continue to harness your strengths and abilities. You will all grow up to write this Book of Life.”

Top row, from left: Ms Chloe Lau and Dr Sarawasty with other participants

Top row, from left: Faculty of Accountancy and Management academic Winnie Er Pek Hoon and Dr Sarawasty with other participants

Top row, from left: Faculty of Arts and Social Science academic Nurullashkeen binti Mohd Anis and Dr Sarawasty with other participants