Public speaking doesn’t come easy for many people. However, with practice and ample preparation, experts believe anyone can have confidence to speak in public. Solange Umuhoza, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker points out that even for those who confidently speak in front of others, it still takes skill and practice to do it effectively in a way that engages an audience. Aminadhad Niyonshuti, an English teacher at Appaper Complex School-Kigali says to confidently pass across your message and be understood, knowing whom you are addressing is vital. He notes that putting in mind that the point of giving a presentation or a speech is about communicating your message to your audience and that it’s not about you, is very important. “With this in mind, it’s easier to speak your mind. When it comes to speaking in public or presenting a speech, it’s important to understand that what matters is the people you are talking to (audience). One should always plan ahead which will mean taking time to figure out the best way to pass across your message to the intended audience,” he says. He further explains that with public speaking, planning ahead involves thinking about points you might want to make depending on what and how you want to pass the message. “By planning ahead, one feels confident which is key when it comes to voicing their opinion.” Daniel Ngabo, a youth motivational speaker based in Huye District says when it’s about giving a speech, one needs to outline their points instead of reading them as they address the audience. He says this helps when it comes to maintaining eye contact with your audience. Depending on what you are going to present, it’s also essential to always practice your speech or presentation ahead of time so that you feel comfortable with the words you’re saying and the way they sound coming out of your mouth. Doing this especially when you are with your friends, Ngabo says they can help to give you feedback on what to improve. Besides, Niyonshuti notes that it’s important to also listen to the audience, whether you’re talking one-on-one or to an audience of many people. He explains that communicating is a two-way activity which means both parties need to be engaged. When you’re trying to engage listeners in less formal conversations, a good communicator listens to what others are saying before speaking up. Why is this important? No matter your audience; a social gathering, business meeting or a big audience at a conference, being able to speak publicly is a very important asset. With public speaking skills and experience, speakers are able to captivate the interest of their listeners and keep them interested in order to deliver their message. Francis Mwangi, a lecturer at Mount Kenya University teaching human resource management says public speaking helps motivate others. For instance, he says public speakers motivate their listeners to make a change. It could be to stop or start something, try something new, or reach their goals. Besides, the lecturer says it also plays a role in informing others. “Inform people about something that matters by using great public skills and they will be sure to listen and be more likely to understand the information, which is one way of educating them,” he adds.
