AgriFest 2024, organized by UGM’s Center for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT), provided a platform for a Faculty of Agriculture UGM student to practice public speaking skills. On the first day of the national talk show held on Thursday, 5 September 2024, Havidah Tria Yunita, a student from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program (class of 2021), was entrusted as the moderator for Session I. The session’s theme was “Strengthening Food Security Programs to Realize the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045”.
Known as Tria, the seventh-semester student shared how she landed this golden opportunity. She was approached by an alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Muhammad Fajar Ridqi, S.P., who was directly involved as the Field Coordinator for AgriFest 2024. With her ample free time, Tria accepted the offer, despite having limited experience as a moderator for formal events discussing agriculture-specific topics. To prepare, Tria conducted research on the speakers, delved deeper into food security topics, and studied public speaking techniques for moderators.
“I’ve been a moderator before, but usually for less formal events that didn’t discuss agriculture-specific topics. So, this was my first experience moderating a national talk show focusing on agriculture. To perform my best, I spent about three days learning about the topic beforehand,” Tria said.
After her moderation role, Tria reflected on the differences between formal and informal moderation, particularly in a national talk show attended by farmers. She noted the improvisation required in this context, especially in interacting with the audience and adapting her language to ensure accessibility.
“In this talk show, most of the audience were farmers. So, as a moderator, I adjusted my language to use more casual expressions. From the academic content provided by the speakers, I simplified it into everyday language to help the audience understand better,” Tria explained.
For Tria, this experience provided valuable lessons for future opportunities. While she acknowledged areas for improvement, she is determined to continue learning and become an even better moderator. She also expressed relief and satisfaction with her bold and successful performance in this talk show.
Tria, a 2024 DIY Cultural Ambassador and an accomplished student, demonstrated the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to offering opportunities for personal development. This achievement also aligns with UGM’s dedication to supporting SDG 1:No Poverty, SDG 2:Zero Hunger, SDG 4:Quality Education, SDG 10:Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17:Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Hanita Athasari Zain, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: UGM Faculty of Agriculture and PIAT UGM Media