On 18 July 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Thira Sutabutra Auditorium, 2nd floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University, Bang Khen Campus, and via Zoom Meeting through Nontri Live, the "How to Better English 2024" event was held. The topic was "How to Make Presentations More Appealing Through Voice Training and More," presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Pattamavadi Lehmongkol, Dean of the Faculty of Education, who delivered the opening remarks. The event featured two distinguished speakers: Professor Andrew Nowlan from the Language Center at Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan, and Dr. Narudol Samchuchot from the Department of English Teaching, Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University. The emcee was Miss Sukanthara Yonto, a third-year student from the Faculty of Education and KU Student Ambassador #6.

..

The International Affairs Division, together with the Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University and the Thailand Extensive Reading Association (TERA), organized a lecture and workshop on "How to Better English 2024: Vocal Training for Better Public Speaking and Sustainable English Language Development." The topic was “How to make presentations more appealing through voice training and more” for Kasetsart University students, faculty members, and staff. The objective was to enhance English communication skills. It focused on building understanding and proficiency in using the voice in public speaking to increase confidence in communicating and presenting information effectively in English. The event provided knowledge on sound control, using the correct touch, and effective speaking techniques. It also included an additional lecture on Sustainable English Language Development, offering guidance on how to read widely to develop English reading skills and create a habit of reading to enhance lifelong learning abilities.

..

About the speakers, Professor Andrew Nowlan, from Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan. Andrew Nowlan, a Special Associate Professor of Language at the Language Center, Kwansei Gakuin University and an active researcher in collaborative online international learning (COIL), and a few more areas including intercultural communication and internationalization. Professor Nowlan has contributed to several trainings in presentations, especially for learners of English as a Foreign Language. Alongside Professor Nowlan is our KU lecturer, Dr. Narudol Semchuchot from English Language Teaching program, the Faculty of Education. Dr. Narudol serves as the Chair of Thailand Extensive Reading Association.

..

Over 90 participants attended both in person and online, engaging in practical exercises such as pronunciation practice, breathing techniques, and addressing common public speaking problems. Participants practiced speaking aloud and engaging in various activities throughout the training. Dr. Narudol concluded with insights on the importance of repeated English practice to avoid the forgetting curve and emphasized extensive reading for continuous language development. He explained that learning English requires frequent use to prevent forgetting, and extensive reading allows for repeated exposure to the language, helping to build vocabulary and understanding. He emphasized that reading should be enjoyable and comprehensible without needing a dictionary. The problem with how Thai people learn English is focusing on grammar rather than meaning, and extensive reading helps overcome this by promoting fluency and comprehension.

..

The program successfully met its objectives, receiving positive feedback from participants who found the content engaging and beneficial for improving voice training and understanding sustainable English development through extensive reading. The event provided valuable knowledge and practical skills to help participants enhance their English communication and presentation abilities.