Good morning to the honorable judges, teachers and all my fellow friends. Today I would like to give a speech titled “ Good manners”. Good manners play a very important part of our lives especially in maintaining peace and good will in a community. For example, a man who has good manners does not hurt the feelings of others. He is also on good terms with his friends, neighbours and also with other people. In this way, he helps to keep peace and harmony in the society. But if a man whose manners are bad, he will have no respect for others.
He often uses words carelessly and behaves rudely towards others. This will cause a lot of ill will and unpleasantness to those who around us. In the end, it is he himself who suffers the most. Everyone will then avoid him and he is forced to live almost in isolation. In order to live well in the society, money alone is definitely not enough. We should also have good manners as it is human nature to seek friendship; and friendship cannot be bought with money. Friendship with others makes life very pleasant and it has to be earned through our own attitude towards others.
For example, if we are kind to others, they will be kind back to us, and kindness is the greatest essence of good manners. Bad manners not only drive away our friends but other people too which also includes our own family members. Even the richest man cannot afford to have bad manners. For example, a man might have enough money to buy all the things in the world that he wants; however if his manners are bad, he will have no friends. As we know, no one can live happily without friends. Even the members of his own family may not respect him if he has bad manners and finally he will become a lonely man.
On the other hand, if a man whose manners are good, he will have many friends. He commands the respect of all those who come into contact with him. He does not talk ill about others. Even when he is provoked, he tries his best to use words in a way which will not offend others. He is also sympathetic towards the weak and ignorant. He does not poke or make fun of others at their deformities and weakness. There are, however, many people who behave so well outside their home that they are respected and admired by everyone outside. However, when in their own homes they are worse than the devil.
Such people could not be said to have good manners because their whole behavior is just pretence. Well it does not take long for others to discover his bad manners. If one’s manners are good, one behaves well everywhere, even when one is away from critical eyes of others. Only such a person can live well in society. It is therefore essential for everyone to cultivate good manners. Therefore, having good manners could help to realize our Prime Minister’s vision of “ One Malaysia” concept in maintaining peace and harmony in the society today.
