The Communication and Leadership Club of Assumption University organised a Public Speaking Day at the Royal Benja Hotel, Bangkok on February 12, 1999. The Minister for University Affairs H.E. Prachuab Chaiyasarn kindly accepted our invitation to be the guest speaker on this special occasion. Some excerpts from the keynote speech. H.E. Prachuab Chaiyasarn explained that he founded the English Club of Thammasat University over forty years ago and that he introduced the rule that all members must speak English once they were in the club premises and those in breach of this discipline would be liable to fines. Many students resented and demurred against this imposition but he said he stood his ground and applied this regulation strictly. He said that there was brisk collection of fines at the beginning but that within a couple of months everybody spoke in English resulting in improved language proficiency of club members. The Hon. Minister recalled that this public speaking skills were honed during his early day at Thammasat. He said that in Public Speaking establishing "Eye Contact" was an important element for success because the speaker would know quickly whether the audience was interested or not. Eye Contact is the medium for reaching rapport with the listeners. The Minister than tendered a few words of wisdom gleaned from his long training and experience; learn to speak English by thinking in English and on method to practice thinking in English is just look around ourselves and think what is going on in English. Regarding the roles and responsibilities of a university, lecturers and students the Hon. Minister clarified as follows. The university should build up the enthusiasm of students to gain knowledge of facts and figures and to understand and apply that knowledge. Encourage students to continue seeking knowledge and to do research which means to study in detail, reading, thinking and discussing particular subjects which will help in expanding the students intelligence. The university should extend academic service to the community by building up a sense of belonging to and development of partnership with society e.g. Thai Arts and Culture Centre of Thammasat University interacts with Thai people to promote our traditions and a sense of national identity Promote extracurricular activities that will preserve Thai Arts and Culture.

H.E. Prachuab Chaiyasarn, Minister for Universtiy Affairs giving the keynote speech. Rector Dr. P. Martin Komolmas presenting a bouquet of flowers to H.E. Prachuab Chaiyasarn. Chairperson of the Business English Department, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Suthira Duangsamosorn presenting a bouquet to Rector, Dr. P. Martin Komolmas.