The ability to speak English is one of the most learned things. This is because communication is one of the most important factors supporting daily activities, especially in this modern world. To develop enough courage and confidence in speaking English, consistent practice is needed. This year, SAFEL presented a program designed by the Department of Public Speaking, namely SAFEL Speaking Forum (SERUM). This program is carried out twice a month by all departments in SAFEL. The implementation of these activities is still mostly carried out online through Zoom Cloud Meetings. This program is specifically aimed at all staff from each department at SAFEL.
Serum 2022 brought up “improving, sharing, and bonding” as the main theme as well as the tagline. Firstly, this activity aims to train and improve speaking skills in English. Secondly, this activity is also used as a place to share various things related to the topic at each meeting. Thirdly, strong bonding between staff can also be achieved from this activity, because each individual can get to know each other better.
Serum was held from April to October, with a total of 12 meetings. It is divided into two types of meetings, including 10 weekly meetings and 2 big meetings. Weekly meetings are held twice a month, with the dates determined by department agreement. Some topics have been provided in the syllabus and will be different at each meeting. The big meeting is a cross-departmental meeting where all departments are brought together in one forum, the purpose of which is to strengthen and get to know other departments.
At the weekly meeting, everyone is required to convey their opinion or experience regarding the given topic. The presentation was carried out for 10–15 minutes for each person, followed by a response session or questions from other staff. This weekly meeting is very fun because everyone can convey and provide feedback in their own style, especially if someone conveys his opinion or experience by inserting humor that makes everyone laugh. That’s why every department enjoys this program.
At the first big meeting, the committee provided several breakout rooms, where in each breakout room there were a maximum of 10 staff from different departments. In the breakout room, they played some really fun games, which of course practiced their speaking skills in English. Moreover, there are very interesting confession sessions, padlet sessions, and impression sessions that allow everyone to convey their feelings regarding Serum activities.
The second big meeting was also very enjoyable because it had a Disney theme. Each department gets one Disney film, which is then used as the theme and concept for their dress code. At the end of the Serum meeting, there is a video that shows which project was completed. The videos were made by each department and are in the form of impressions or parodies of someone in their respective departments. In addition, there is also an awarding session for the staff. This award is in the form of individual awards, such as The Most Outstanding Staff in Serum, or group awards, such as The Best Department in Serum. Like the first Big Meeting, there are confessions, padlets, and impression sessions to convey their feelings about Serum during this one period. Serum activities were closed with a short speech from the Head of Serum 2022. -Rahma
