By: Nicole Llanderal
Photo from : Alexis Melancio
On March 7, 2025, the Mic On!: A Public Speaking Showcase transformed Balagtas Hall into a dynamic stage celebrating not just eloquence but the diversity of human intelligences. This event shone a spotlight on the multifaceted brilliance of Purposive Communication students under the guidance of Instructor Ryan Justine Bautista, College of Education English Area faculty member.
With the theme Beyond IQ: Unleashing Multiple Intelligences, it challenged the notion that one must be a "jack of all trades, master of none," instead emphasizing that each student can excel in their own unique way. The event was not merely about grades but a celebration of diverse intelligences, culminating in an awarding ceremony to recognize outstanding performances from each section.
As students took turns to delight the audience with their own speeches, they not only honed their public speaking skills but also explored and celebrated the unique strengths that make each individual shine. In a world where IQ is often measured, what if intelligence is more than just a number?
For Nikki Marcelo, a first year Accountancy student, participating in this event was not just about fulfilling a course requirement but about sharing her personal experiences and learning from others. She noted, "I was motivated to share my intelligence and personal experiences and, at the same time, learn from the intelligence of others." This motivation was fueled by the guidance of Inst. Bautista, who provided valuable advice and practice sessions to help students refine their speech delivery skills.
"My strength, based on the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, is Bodily-Kinesthetic, which also happens to be the intelligence I highlighted in my speech,” Nikki reflected. This realization empowered her to use gestures and movements to make her delivery more engaging, giving her the confidence to express herself naturally and impactfully.
For Maria Ramillosa, a first year Tourism Management student, the event was a transformative experience that helped her enhance her public speaking skills. "It was the intrapersonal because I need to learn to understand myself more better and when I did, I try to share it to everyone," she shared.
Maria focused on improving her pronunciation and tone, and her intrapersonal intelligence played a crucial role in overcoming her fear of speaking in front of an audience. This newfound confidence will serve her well in her future career where she will interact with diverse groups of people.
Inst. Bautista's vision for the event was inspired by the unique strengths of his students. He emphasized that intelligence extends far beyond traditional academic grades, encompassing creativity, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
He encouraged students to highlight their passions and strengths, creating an inclusive environment where everyone could express themselves freely. He shared that he was once a student who struggled with stage fright. As he advised, "Let your faith be bigger than your fear," urging students to step out of their comfort zones and discover their capabilities.
The event not only celebrated individual strengths but also encouraged a culture of respect and empathy. By listening to their peers, Letranites gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse forms of intelligence that contribute to a dynamic community.
Inst. Bautista’s message to hesitant students was clear: "Believe in yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and never let fear silence the brilliance within you." This mantra resonated deeply, inspiring students to view public speaking as a powerful platform to showcase their strengths and connect with others on a deeper level.