ASP Chapter Leaders’ Training on Public Speaking

ASP Luzon Chapters converged together last August 8, 2009 at Asian Social Institute for a whole day’s training on public speaking.

The morning session was an exciting reunion for the leaders as they gave updates about their respective chapters. Delegates were asked to re-introduce themselves using unique adjectives that best describe them, and specify why they chose those adjectives. The ice breaker set a relaxed mood and eased minds from the temporary concerns of Autism Beyond Borders Conference this coming October 24-25.

ASP Officers and members during ASP Chapter Leader's Training

Due to the demands and requests for Autism Early Detection Program and Autism Orientation for schools, institutions and private entities, such as malls; the National Office saw a greater need for training and equipping chapter leaders.

Since, ASP Chapter leaders can best address the unique needs of the constituents in their local areas, they are gathered for this training to gain practical pointers on how to prepare and deliver the two in-demand programs.

Participants during the public speaking demo

Seasoned veteran speaker, our very own ASP National President, Dang Koe, informed the leaders on the objectives of the workshop. She shared her personal experiences and observations during her different trips to the provinces, schools and SM Malls.

The morning session was full of laughter, at the same time jam-packed with new knowledge. ASP Metro-South’s Evert Malapad and ASP Marikina Valley’s Alex Cabason, both chapter presidents, also gave their local experiences and personal insights.

The delegates were given “effective public speaker” templates to review over during lunch time. Later in the afternoon, they were divided into 6 groups. With their given templates, borrowed laptops and video cameras, groups recorded their demo 10mins spiels.

Groups were given 2 choices, demo for SM Orientation (an on-going partnership project on autism orientation for mall frontliners and staff) or the demo on Autism Early Detection Program (which featured different autism symptoms or red-flags to alert barangay day-care workers and public school teachers). Teacher My Sorongon, ASP EDEIP Trainer was present to give her comments and suggestions.

We would like to thank our anonymous Angel Sponsor for the success of the project. Another pool of speakers is now equipped to take on the challenges of educating more people about autism.