Arfiana Triandari - Juara 2 Erlangga English Speech Contest 2018 SMK/MAK

Summary

In this heartfelt speech, Athena from 30 Vocational High School shares her life-changing experience with the book 'Girl in Pieces' by Kathleen Glasgow. The book, which tells the story of a girl named Charlie who overcomes self-harm, inspired Athena to stop her own emotional self-harming. Athena emphasizes the power of literature to inspire survival and face life's challenges with a strong heart. She concludes by highlighting the importance of self-love and acceptance, urging others to find inspiration in any genre of books.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speech begins with gratitude to God and the Prophet Muhammad for guiding people from darkness to enlightenment.
• 🎤 Athena introduces herself as a student from 30 Vocational High School and expresses her nervousness about the speech.
• 📚 Athena shares a personal connection with the book 'Girl in Pieces' by Kathleen Glasgow, which has had a profound impact on her life.
• 🔪 The book's protagonist, Charlie, struggles with self-harm as a way to cope with feeling inadequate, which resonates with Athena's own experiences.
• 🌟 The compelling narrative and language of 'Girl in Pieces' make it stand out among similar books, according to Athena.
• 😢 Athena describes the emotional journey of reading the book, experiencing a mix of sadness, laughter, and tears.
• 💔 She admits to having engaged in emotional self-harm, feeling sad, ugly, and depressed, but finds inspiration in Charlie's story.
• ❤️ Athena realizes the importance of self-love and acceptance as a means to heal and be worthy of love from others.
• 📖 Athena credits 'Girl in Pieces' with saving her life by helping her understand the need to stop self-harming behaviors.
• 🌈 She emphasizes the power of literature to inspire survival and face problems with courage, regardless of the book's genre.
• 🌟 Athena concludes with a favorite quote from the book, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and growth.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Athena's speech?

The main theme of Athena's speech is the transformative power of literature, specifically the impact of the book 'Girl in Pieces' by Kathleen Glasgow, on her personal life and perspective on self-harm.

How does Athena begin her speech?

Athena begins her speech by offering greetings and thanks to God, the Prophet Muhammad, and the judges for the opportunity to participate in the contest.

What does Athena reveal about her personal experience with self-harm?

Athena reveals that she has experienced self-harm, but not in a physical way like the character Charlie from 'Girl in Pieces'. Instead, she has struggled with emotional self-harm, feeling sad, ugly, alone, and depressed.

What is the title of the book that Athena discusses in her speech?

The title of the book Athena discusses is 'Girl in Pieces' by Kathleen Glasgow.

Who is the author of 'Girl in Pieces'?

The author of 'Girl in Pieces' is Kathleen Glasgow.

What is the central message Athena takes away from 'Girl in Pieces'?

The central message Athena takes away from 'Girl in Pieces' is the realization that self-harm is wrong and the importance of self-love and acceptance.

How does Athena describe the writing style of 'Girl in Pieces'?

Athena describes the writing style of 'Girl in Pieces' as compelling, with an amazing sequence of words and a combination of sentences that are intriguing.

What is the name of the main character in 'Girl in Pieces'?

The main character in 'Girl in Pieces' is named Charlie.

What is the main character's struggle in 'Girl in Pieces'?

The main character, Charlie, struggles with self-harm as a coping mechanism for feeling not good enough and eventually finds a way to heal and realize she deserves love.

What is Athena's closing statement about the importance of the book's genre?

Athena's closing statement emphasizes that it's not about the genre of the book, but rather whether the book can inspire you to survive and face your problems with a big heart.

What is the quote Athena shares from 'Girl in Pieces'?

The quote Athena shares is: 'I am tired and angry at me for letting myself get smaller and smaller, in the hopes that someone would notice me, but how can someone notice you if you keep getting smaller.'

How does Athena conclude her speech?

Athena concludes her speech by expressing hope that the audience has learned something new and enjoyed her speech, and she thanks them for their attention.