I was the only "white guy" at the debate in a fairly large room filled with students who were studying English at 2 universities, and monks/novices studying English at 2 temples.
Each debater was given between 4 and 6 min. to make his case and if he was under that time or exceeded that time he would be disqualified. A system of bells was used to warn the debater at the 4, 5 and 6 min. periods which seemed to unnerve virtually every speaker!
After an initial introduction and prayers six monks spoke and then there was a break or intermission when the students put on a skit they had created. I'm not quite sure what was the rationale for the skit but the video will be shown below. At one point there was also a traditional Thai dance to wish happy birthday to the senior professor who organized the event.
First I will show a video of many of the debaters. I only used about 1 min. of their speaking so you could get a sense of their ability. Of course the range was from very good to "just learning". Watch the monk at about 8:50 minutes and 16:42 minutes for some fun moments.... (volume is low so you will need to turn up the sound as I used my little Canon S100)
Here is the video of Phra Montri's speech and the subsequent analysis. We are very proud that he came in first!
Finally we get to the "halftime" entertainment created by the students. I have to say I found it mystifying but humorous. I think it was a way to raise money for their class as people bid to see who was performing at the end.
It was an interesting experience for sure. Finally, a picture of the Temple in the morning.
1 comment:
Thanks for recording and sending. Could hear the "analysis" portion very clearly compared to the rest. The one monk who spoke the best English was very eloquent indeed - could express very complex ideas well. Unfortunately, you have to listen very carefully to hear him with the background noise.
Did you hand hold the Sony?? Amazing work if you did - it's incredibly staady.
Bob
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