The University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Al Mussanah (UTAS) recently hosted a compelling event designed to cultivate crucial life skills in its students. The third season of “UTAS-Talks,” the annual public speaking competition, took place on December 1st, 2025, at the Al Mussanah Auditorium, under the esteemed patronage of Dr. Nasser bin Salim Al-Baimani, Assistant Vice Chancellor. This initiative highlights UTAS’s commitment to holistic student development, extending beyond academic rigor to encompass effective communication, a skill vital for success in virtually any field.
Empowering Voices: UTAS-Talks Season Three
The UTAS-Talks competition isn’t just about delivering a speech; it’s about empowering students to articulate their thoughts confidently and persuasively in English. This year’s event specifically targeted students within the General Foundation Program, focusing on those enrolled in General English courses (Levels 2 and 3) across all UTAS branches. This wider reach demonstrates the university’s dedication to fostering communication skills across its entire student body.
A significant 41 students initially registered their interest, showcasing a strong desire to participate and improve. From this pool, a carefully selected group of 16 contestants, representing nine different UTAS branches, were chosen to compete for the coveted top positions. The selection process itself likely involved preliminary rounds assessing clarity, organization, and initial presentation skills.
Developing Essential Communication Skills
The core aim of UTAS-Talks is multifaceted. Beyond simply improving public speaking abilities, the competition actively works to build self-confidence in students. Many find the prospect of speaking in front of an audience daunting, and this platform provides a safe and supportive environment to overcome those fears. Furthermore, the event directly enhances students’ ability to use English effectively and expressively – a critical skill for academic success and future career opportunities.
The Importance of Presentation Skills
In today’s world, strong presentation skills are increasingly valuable. Whether it’s pitching an idea to a potential employer, leading a team meeting, or presenting research findings, the ability to convey information clearly and engagingly is paramount. UTAS recognizes this need and proactively provides opportunities like UTAS-Talks to equip students with these essential tools. This focus on practical skills complements the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom.
Diverse Themes and Rigorous Judging
The speeches delivered during the competition were remarkably diverse, reflecting the students’ broad interests and awareness of current affairs. Participants tackled themes ranging from the exciting possibilities of innovation and technology to the importance of personal development and education. Other topics explored included societal and cultural issues, environmental sustainability, and the challenges and rewards of student life. This thematic variety not only made for a compelling event but also demonstrated the students’ engagement with the world around them.
The judging panel consisted of five experienced English language lecturers from Preparatory Studies Centres across various UTAS branches. This ensured a fair and comprehensive evaluation process. Judges assessed contestants based on a clearly defined set of criteria, including language fluency, the logical organization of ideas, the overall impact on the audience, and the effective use of nonverbal communication – specifically, body language. The diverse backgrounds of the judges undoubtedly provided valuable, nuanced feedback.
Celebrating Excellence: The Winners of UTAS-Talks
The culmination of the event was the well-deserved recognition of the top three performers. Intense competition saw Abbas Muslim Al-Fayrouz from the Shinas Branch awarded first place. His speech, marked by strong content and delivery, clearly resonated with the judges and audience. Iyas Mohammed Al-Nasri, representing the Nizwa Branch, secured a commendable second place. Finally, Faisal Hamood Al-Shakili from the Rustaq Branch earned the third-place honor.
These students showcased not just fluency in English, but a genuine ability to connect with their audience and deliver persuasive arguments. Their success serves as an inspiration to other students at UTAS and reinforces the value of participating in such initiatives. The winners will undoubtedly leverage this experience and enhanced communication skills in their future endeavours.
The Student Activities Team extended a heartfelt thank you to all those involved – the organizers who worked tirelessly to bring the event to fruition, the judges who provided insightful evaluations, and, of course, the courageous participants who dared to share their voices. They viewed the event as a testament to the initiative and dedication of UTAS students and a symbol of the university’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals.
UTAS-Talks is more than just a public speaking competition; it’s an investment in the future. By providing a platform for students to develop and refine their communication abilities, UTAS is equipping them with a skillset that will benefit them throughout their lives. This successful event underscores the importance of extracurricular activities in complementing academic learning and preparing students for success in a globalized world, further emphasizing the university’s dedication to student development.
