Results & Thoughts on the Divison Contests 2008
Congratulations to all contestants and champions of the Division contests 2008!!
Results:
Division K
Int'l Speech
1st: SK Lau
2nd: Eddie Lee
3rd: Louis Lam
Table Topics
1st: Edward Lo
2nd: Jacky Lai
3rd: SK Lau
Division H
Int'l Speech
1st: Arthur Ting
2nd: Matchy Ma
3rd: Melanie Hoi
Table Topics
1st: Gordon Kerr
2nd: Asta Lee
3rd: Irene Chen
The standard of the speakers has improved so much since I started attending (and sometimes participating in) these contests five or so years ago.
Yet, we always say it, the results are often a surprise. Here are some of my thoughts on this year’s results:
Division K
Well, we all thought Eddie was the strong favourite and, after all the performances, I was convinced that – overall – Eddie’s speech was a winner. SK Lau’s speech was, to be honest, forgettable. When it was announced that he was the champion, I had to ask my neighbour to remind me what he'd spoken about. The title was, I was reminded, ‘Daddy’s always right’. I do remember some touching moments as he urged the audience to connect with their fathers before it was too late. In my case, it already is too late, and I could relate to the message. Yet, in terms of overall delivery – structure of the message, verbal and vocal ability as well as body language - it was far short of Eddie’s performance.
In TT, my favourite, Jacky Lai, lost out to Edward this time. The topic ‘I wish, I wish, I wish’ was generic enough and whereas most of the contestants anwsered this topic literally, Edward was able to divert it slightly by saying that the wishes he had were irrelevant; it was his method of achieving them that was the issue. He ambled around a little, but this simple trick seemed to win over the judges.
Division H
I am so thrilled that Arthur took home the 1st place trophy this year! His speech (I forget the title) carried the message that we should all say ‘Sorry’ when necessary to preserve relationships. Despite a rocky start with a tongue twister that sounded a bit twisted (!), his brave decision to use the prop of Jenga visually supported his idea that relationships are fragile.
Again, I think the audience was surprised when it was announced that Matchy was to take home the second prize, but I was delighted. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I believe the sincerity of the speaker shines through. What Arthur lacked in polish, he made up for with genuine authenticity (Do I sound like Paula Abdul?). I loved the speech and I’m sure Arthur can work it up to be a winning speech in Singapore in a few weeks.
Table Topics was well represented by the fairer sex, unlike the other contests. Yet, a guy took the crown: a speaker I’ve not seen before by the name of Gordon Kerr. He won hands down. By far the best table topic speaker I’ve seen in a long time. And a speech which was truly spontaneous, unlike some of the others.
Well, another Division contest bites the dust and Hong Kong celebrates FOUR new champions who’ll go on to represent our fine SAR in Singapore at the end of May. See you there!
Results:
Division K
Int'l Speech
1st: SK Lau
2nd: Eddie Lee
3rd: Louis Lam
Table Topics
1st: Edward Lo
2nd: Jacky Lai
3rd: SK Lau
Division H
Int'l Speech
1st: Arthur Ting
2nd: Matchy Ma
3rd: Melanie Hoi
Table Topics
1st: Gordon Kerr
2nd: Asta Lee
3rd: Irene Chen
The standard of the speakers has improved so much since I started attending (and sometimes participating in) these contests five or so years ago.
Yet, we always say it, the results are often a surprise. Here are some of my thoughts on this year’s results:
Division K
Well, we all thought Eddie was the strong favourite and, after all the performances, I was convinced that – overall – Eddie’s speech was a winner. SK Lau’s speech was, to be honest, forgettable. When it was announced that he was the champion, I had to ask my neighbour to remind me what he'd spoken about. The title was, I was reminded, ‘Daddy’s always right’. I do remember some touching moments as he urged the audience to connect with their fathers before it was too late. In my case, it already is too late, and I could relate to the message. Yet, in terms of overall delivery – structure of the message, verbal and vocal ability as well as body language - it was far short of Eddie’s performance.
In TT, my favourite, Jacky Lai, lost out to Edward this time. The topic ‘I wish, I wish, I wish’ was generic enough and whereas most of the contestants anwsered this topic literally, Edward was able to divert it slightly by saying that the wishes he had were irrelevant; it was his method of achieving them that was the issue. He ambled around a little, but this simple trick seemed to win over the judges.
Division H
I am so thrilled that Arthur took home the 1st place trophy this year! His speech (I forget the title) carried the message that we should all say ‘Sorry’ when necessary to preserve relationships. Despite a rocky start with a tongue twister that sounded a bit twisted (!), his brave decision to use the prop of Jenga visually supported his idea that relationships are fragile.
Again, I think the audience was surprised when it was announced that Matchy was to take home the second prize, but I was delighted. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I believe the sincerity of the speaker shines through. What Arthur lacked in polish, he made up for with genuine authenticity (Do I sound like Paula Abdul?). I loved the speech and I’m sure Arthur can work it up to be a winning speech in Singapore in a few weeks.
Table Topics was well represented by the fairer sex, unlike the other contests. Yet, a guy took the crown: a speaker I’ve not seen before by the name of Gordon Kerr. He won hands down. By far the best table topic speaker I’ve seen in a long time. And a speech which was truly spontaneous, unlike some of the others.
Well, another Division contest bites the dust and Hong Kong celebrates FOUR new champions who’ll go on to represent our fine SAR in Singapore at the end of May. See you there!
