Invitation: Enjoy Expats Entertaining For Charity
- 6 Mar 2014 10:00 AM
"You either have it or you don’t", says local expat Mary Murphy, a woman who definitely has it, perhaps by virtue of her Irish roots. She presides over Budapest’s only English-language 'Speech Slam', which is going from strength to strength. ‘It’, of course, is that (quintessentially Irish) ability to talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything, aka the 'Gift Of The Gab'. <br><br>Now in its fourth season, this social / cultural / charity / interactive event is held over six months, building up the final which this time will be held on the 12th of March. The rules are simple. On five occasions, contestants compete on two levels. In Part I of each event, five hopefuls give a five-minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice. Speeches are entertaining i.e. interesting, topical, maybe even humorous. But this is the easy part!
<br><br>In Part II, each contestant then gives a three-minute impromptu speech. Audience members submit suggestions and this is where the gift of the gab comes into play: the participants ability to speak in a persuasive and interesting way on any topic to any audience.
‘It’s not stand-up comedy’, insists Mary (pictured). ‘It’s so much more. You don’t have to be funny to be entertaining, but it helps.’
Each month, judges randomnly selected from the audience determine who goes forward to the final in March. Judges take audience reaction into account when voting, so you, too, can have your say. And indeed, it’s this random judging that adds the slam element to the competition.
On Wednesday, 12th March, the five 2014-season finalists will compete to see which one of them really has the Gift of the Gab. This year’s final features Viktor Morandini (Hungary), Gretchen Meddaugh (USA), Tasleem Lalji (Britain/India) , Virginia Proud (Australia), and Matt Tricks (UK).
It takes place at the New Orleans on Lovag utca 5 and kicks off at 7.30 pm. Tickets are on sale from the venue daily from 10 am to 5 pm and cost 2500 for the main floor and 2000 for the balcony. Dinner tickets also available with doors opening at 6pm for diners.
All proceeds go to support the Irish Hungarian Business Circle’s 'Give a Little' campaign. Last year, the campaign replaced 17 heavy-duty doors in one of the wings; this year, it’s fundraising to wire the ophanage in Göd for sound.
Mary is a stauch advocate for charity work and community involvement. ‘So many charity gigs in Budapest are big-ticket events, out of reach for many. This is an affordable way to do your bit, to give a little, to be part of the community that has taken you in. And have a bit of craic at the same time.’
The final is seated, so be sure to book your ticket on time. And, if you’d like to sponsor a prize or three, contact Mary by clicking here
Follow this link to visit Speechslam Budapest online
Photo credit: Steve Collison
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