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Few comperes? Baina parish priest shows the way!
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Fr Miranda holds public-speaking course for parishioners
THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
After finding it difficult to pick a person to compere events and host shows for his parish, Baina Parish Priest Fr Vital Miranda hit upon a novel plan.
He organised a public-speaking course for his parishioners on Sunday.
About 85 parishioners of Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Baina, participated in the one-day course, which was conducted by Prof Agnelo Crasto, who informed the participants to believe in them and conquer the fear, as fear is major obstacle.
“Once you believe in yourself and conquer the fear, then they will be able to face any obstacle while speaking in public. Fear is a negative thinking that makes the person that he cannot speak in public and handle the crowd build the confidence that you can speak in the public and it will yield results,” added Prof Crasto.
Asked to explain the purpose of organising the public-speaking course for his parishioners, Fr Miranda said: "In any church, I find it very difficult to pick a person, either to compere the event or host the show."
“With the course, I am sure that all participants would have gained necessary knowledge and they will be able to host future events of the church,” he said.
Speaking to The Goan, Sannon Sequeira described her experience of the course. "Though I had earlier attended similar courses, I learned how to start and end the speech, carry on group discussion. Now, if given a chance, I will be able to host a show."
Another parishioner, Anthony Vaz, said, "This was my first course and whatever knowledge I have gained during the course, I will be able to put it in practice."
While commending Fr Miranda for his novel idea, Vaz has hoped that Fr Miranda will also conduct a refresher course. "After all, one cannot be perfect in just one course," admitted Vaz.
Another participant, Joelin Vaz, said the course was very useful. “Though I do the church readings and discuss things with my friends, I am more confident now and am sure of speaking in public and take part in group discussions,” she said.
