Public speaking is a tradition in the University of Ibadan. No argument against this. Jaw war, the largest public speaking event on campus, in West Africa, is known across the campus to be a time of winning and losing. The victors go home after the judges judge their speeches with marks of approval. The approval of victory. The losers go home, claiming the judges are biased.
However, though beautiful is this event, several flaws floor its beauty.
One, entering the hall used for the event and observing, one would realize it's mere hype. An hyperbole to be taken with a pinch of Salt. One can barely hear the speakers because their Corinthian audience is present to cheer them on with noise. The thrills of punchlines thrills, not the content and logic of the speech. The bants and subtle insults soothes because they live for pleasure.
Two, entering the hall, one remembers the spectators who watched gladiatorial contests in the Colosseum of ancient Rome. They would cheer as a Gladiator lifted his fellow's head, dripping blood. Jaw war audience would cheer as a speaker threw subtle insults, made inappropriate remarks about his/her opponents. “It's entertainment,” they say.
Three, this year's Jaw war: Rise of the Legends, reached the height of folly. It was livestreamed; an improvement. But the this brought uncivil comments from viewers. Comments with inappropriate sexual undertones all in the name of entertainment?
Four, entering the hall, one is greeted with a terrible because of the crowd. The hall burns with heat and in the heat and smell of sweat is the noise, making the event repulsive to the intellect.
Now, a debate is meant to stimulate critical thinking. A debate is meant to promote ideas that matter. Jaw war is an example of how not to debate. Though touted and hyped as special event, it's lost its essence. What remains of it is entertainment for a Corinthian audience. No ideas are espoused. No civility from the audience and these flaws ought not to be.
For the largest public speaking event to return to its halcyon days, its executives will do well to properly plan the event well. The heat in the hall is choking. Planning the venue is pivotal.
Also, the use of senseless bants that contributes nothing to the speech. Statements offensive to logic and civility should be solved. The speakers' abuse of rhetoric should be taken care of to protect critical thinking and education - no entertainment alone. On shouldn't stab one's opponent in the name of making a case for a point of view or against it.
Additionally, crowd - controlling strategies should be devised. One can't keep listening to speeches amidst noise. How does one know who speaks better?
Then the event should redefined. It's public speaking, not entertainment alone.
Speakers should engage their audience intellectually, not mere entertainment.
Jaw war must transcend entertainment. It should be a platform for discourses on ideas that matter. It should be a platform for sound reasoning and speaking, not entertainment for a Corinthian audience.
