Reporter’s diary: Being first speaker has its advantages

Given the nature of work, no scribe wants to sit through a verbose event where every speaker vies for the mike or even worse, doesn’t want to let go of it. The anxiety is more so in an event where government officials are involved, and where everything is structured and tailored around a long list of speakers.

However, this reporter was pleasantly surprised that some of the speakers also have their own expectations and calculations made when they take the podium. A recently held conference had a mind-boggling session of numbers and jargons which is hard to digest for anyone at the end of the day. At the realty conference, one of the most-awaited addresses was of S Krishnan, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, who was one of the first speakers at the meet.

He did take everyone by surprise, when he said in jest, “The best thing about speaking first during such meets is that you catch the audience fresh during the day. Even as people try to process the speech you are making, you can complete your address and leave before anyone notices anything.” He did get a lot of takers for the witty and honest admission from the hall filled with realty stakeholders.