The Art of Representation: AsiaCALL 2025 Pre-Conference Capacity Building Workshop Trains Students in Public Speaking and Professional Conduct
Cirebon, October, 11th 2025 — After the presentation session with Emma L. Schuberg, Ph.D. from Charles Darwin University, Australia, the pre-AsiaCALL capacity building workshop continued into its second session, led by Sirniawati, S.Pd.I., M.A. from Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Indonesia. The theme, “Voicing Critical Perspectives: AI Research Workshop and Public Speaking Bootcamp for AsiaCALL Participants,” focused on hands-on practice in public communication, front office duties, and the art of welcoming and serving VVIP or executive guests. Under the guidance of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership at UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, the event ran smoothly and meaningfully. Lala emphasized, “Professionalism begins not when you speak on stage, but when you prepare yourself to serve, to represent your institution, and to inspire others.” This workshop became an essential moment for the International Office’s student interns, who were simultaneously preparing to serve as presenters and committee members for the upcoming AsiaCALL 2025 International Conference, allowing them to step confidently into a more professional academic sphere.
At first, many of the internship students at the International Office of UIN SSC admitted that they felt uncertain about their ability to manage both academic and organizational roles at such a large international conference. The idea of being a committee member, a presenter, and a participant at the same time felt overwhelming. Yet, through mentorship, guidance, and structured training, they began to realize that professionalism is not about perfection, but it is about process. They learned that managing a conference is not merely about coordination but about emotional resilience, teamwork, and the courage to represent the university’s values. As one of the facilitators reminded them, this is not just another student activity; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow and shine. Every participant deserved to stand on the stage, for, as Lala put it, “Each of you must feel the stage, because you are the masters of it.”
During the workshop, Sirniawati, M.A. engaged participants in a lively and practical discussion about effective public speaking and professional behavior. She reminded the students that eloquence without empathy lacks authenticity. “When you speak,” she said, “don’t just deliver information,deliver your sincerity. People don’t remember your words as much as how you made them feel.” This statement encouraged students to internalize emotional intelligence in their speech, aligning with the concept of Reading for Emotions that connects intellect and feeling. Through interactive dialogue and real-time feedback, participants practiced voice modulation, eye contact, and confidence-building exercises. The workshop became not only a training ground for communication skills but also a reflection space for students to discover their inner voice as representatives of their university.
As the sessions progressed, the atmosphere transformed from hesitation to confidence. Students who once stood timidly behind their notes began to express themselves with clarity and poise. The training on front office duties and guest service ethics deepened their understanding of representation not just in speech but in gesture, behavior, and attitude. They learned to greet guests with respect, manage unexpected situations with composure, and maintain professional warmth even under pressure. These moments illustrated that representation is an art form, built upon empathy, timing, and awareness. In the broader context of AsiaCALL 2025, this workshop positioned UIN SSC not only as a participant but as a contributor to the global dialogue on academic professionalism and intercultural communication.
In the final session, Sirniawati, M.A. concluded with a reflection that resonated deeply with all attendees. “The stage is not a place to prove who you are,” she said, “but a place to serve with grace. When you speak or act on behalf of others, you carry their hopes within you.” This realization tied together the themes of the workshop: self-awareness, service, and representation. The participants understood that public speaking is not merely a technical skill but an ethical responsibility. Through guided practice and moral reflection, they began to internalize the essence of academic humility and leadership qualities that define the true spirit of AsiaCALL’s global community.
At the end of the workshop, Lala Bumela, Ph.D. offered a closing message that encapsulated the emotional and intellectual journey of the event: “Professional conduct is not learned in one day, but it begins the moment you realize that every gesture, every word, represents a legacy larger than yourself.” His words reminded everyone that representation is an emotional art that binds communication, character, and commitment. Through The Art of Representation, UIN SSC successfully transformed preparation into formation, cultivating young professionals who not only speak with confidence but serve with sincerity. The pre-conference capacity building workshop thus became a living testament to the harmony of emotional intelligence, academic skill, and intercultural ethics that AsiaCALL 2025 aspires to uphold.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir