In response to increasingly evolving global challenges, the demand for workforce with competent communication skills continues to rise. To address this challenge, the D-3 Bahasa Inggris programme at Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Jenderal Soedirman presented Valent Fun, a renowned event host in Banyumas, and Andy F. Noya, founder of BenihBaik.com and host of Kick Andy, as guest lecturers for an event titled Improving Public Speaking Skill and Becoming Good Host.
The event was held on Wednesday, June 22, 2023 at Aula Gedung Bambang Lelono, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. The event opened with remarks from Dean of Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Dr. Ely Triasih Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum. and Programme Coordinator of D-3 Bahasa Inggris Kristianto Setiawan, S.S., M.A. In their remarks, both emphasized the important role of practitioners in lectures, especially in enhancing students’ public speaking abilities so they could have greater competitiveness in the job market in the future.
In the first session, Valent Fun shared his knowledge about the fundamentals of public speaking and important tips for gaining confidence and overcoming anxiety when speaking in public. “Speaking ability is very important for our lives so that our ideas and thoughts can be well received. Anyone can master public speaking as long as they keep practicing, so don’t worry,” he said.
Then, Andy F. Noya presented in the second session, sharing his life story. He also emphasized the importance of speaking ability and language knowledge in today’s marketing era. “Speaking can generate money, that’s true, but it must be accompanied by language knowledge as well. That’s why language skills are important, because in the marketing world today there are many new terms that can be applied and attract many people’s attention,” he added.
Throughout the event, D-3 Bahasa Inggris students listened attentively. In fact, when the question and answer session opened, many students appeared enthusiastic about asking questions. The event concluded with a photo session and autographs, as well as the presentation of souvenirs to both guest lecturers.