PRESENTATION 3 - THE KING'S SPEECH

King George VI

In September 1939, Britain was preparing for war with Germany. King George VI delivered his speech through radio broadcast to give reassurance to his people that the country was on the side of right. The king delivered this speech with the help of his speech therapist.

In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself.

For the second time in the lives of most of us, we are at war.

Over and over again, we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies, but it has been in vain.

We have been forced into a conflict, for which we are called, with our allies to meet the challenge of a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilized order in the world.

It is a principle which permits a state in the selfish pursuit of power to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges, which sanctions the use of force or threat of force against the sovereignty and independence of other states.

Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that might is right, and if this principle were established throughout the world, the freedom of our own country and of the whole British Commonwealth of nations would be in danger.

But far more than this, the peoples of the world would be kept in bondage of fear, and all hopes of settled peace and of the security of justice and liberty among nations, would be ended.

This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all we ourselves hold dear, and of the world order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge.

It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my people across the seas who will make our cause their own.

I ask them to stand calm and firm and united in this time of trial.

The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield, but we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then with God’s help, we shall prevail.

May He bless and keep us all.

King George VI giving "The King's Speech" to his country on the eve of World War II.

PRESENTATION 2 - BACKPACKING

                   

Backpacking is to travel on low budget with a backpack. The idea is travel in an economic way so you can extend your travels as long as your budget can take you. 

1.  Why? Benefits

(I) Experience diff cultures & explore the world.
 Meet new people from different backgrounds.

You can learn about yourself, others and the world through backpacking. Backpacking gives you an opportunity to experience the other cultures and explore the world in a more intense way. However, you may have to lower your standards such as walking or taking bus instead of taking taxi, eating street food, living in a dorm and sharing toilet with other people.

Backpacking gives you the chance to mingle with locals and make friends from different backgrounds and cultures. You can learn to deal with different types of people and it definitely helps to build your confident, strengthen your interpersonal communication skills as well as social intercourse.

(II) Flexible plan

Backpackers usually don’t stick to a schedule. Their trips are not plan; they have the freedom to choose their destination. Normally they just visit anywhere as they like. They might spend more time at their favourite place to discover more about it. At times, they might just randomly travel up to some strange places. Due to the flexible plan, backpackers can relax and enjoy the trip. They can take their time, explore around with no pressures. Backpacking is full of excitement and challenging. Because you have no idea what will happen in next minute, where your next station is and who you are going to meet.

(III) Independent and open minded

Most of the backpackers are more independent and open minded. Backpackers have no one to depend on. They have to be strong and rely on their own. Through experiencing many different cultures, they have a different view on life. They gain knowledge and grow mature. Additionally, they know how to deal with dangerous situations and issues since they have been through it. They learned it through experiences.

2. Do research

You have to do some researches before you depart.  It is normal to have culture shock when you first reach a new environment. You need some times to adapt it. It will be helpful if you have read the background of the country or have little knowledge of the culture and customs. Apart from that, you might face problem in the local language. Although you can communicate in English, it’s still better to know some common phrases in local language.

3. Travel with whom?

Normally backpackers do not travel with a bunch of people. It is better to travel independent or with one of your friend because it allows greater mobility.

Backpacking is low-cost and fun. It is a great way to explore the places around the world, from famous cities to remote places. It will be a truly memorable adventure in your life.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” - Miriam Beard

So, go ahead and explore the world.