“WALK IN THAT ROOM LIKE YOU OWN IT”

OVERCOMING FEAR IN PUBLIC SPEAKING: SPEAK WITH CONDIDENCE AND CLARITY.

It was an incredibly insightful session with Coach Samuel Ibanda and Canary Mugume, who shared valuable insights and practical essentials on the art and realities of public speaking.

 Public speaking plays a crucial role in education, leadership, business, and personal development. Whether you're delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or giving a toast at a wedding, the ability to speak confidently and clearly in front of others can open doors and inspire change.

Key Takeaways from Canary Mugume on Effective Public Speaking, with clarity.

Do Your Research. Being well-informed about both your subject matter and your audience is crucial. Often, members of your audience may know more than you do on certain aspects, so thorough research helps you maintain credibility and avoid sharing inaccurate information, especially when citing statistics. Additionally, always have your key points or data written down for easy reference during your presentation. This not only keeps you organised but also ensures accuracy and confidence in delivery.

Defend Your Quotes with Confidence. Always be prepared to back up any statement or quote you use in your speech. A strong speaker doesn’t just deliver information—they understand it deeply and can defend it when questioned. 

Uphold Integrity. Integrity is the backbone of credibility. What you say should align with your values and actions. Audiences connect more with speakers who are honest and principled.

Practice Continuously. Public speaking is a skill that improves with repetition. Make time to rehearse regularly. Canary stressed that consistent practice sharpens delivery and builds confidence.

Stay Authentic. Audiences can sense when you're genuine. Speak in a way that reflects your true personality, beliefs, and values. Authenticity builds trust.

Exude Confidence. Confidence commands attention. Even when you're nervous, act with assurance. Preparation and self-awareness are key to appearing—and feeling—confident.

Maintain Eye Contact. Eye contact creates a connection with your audience. It makes your delivery more personal and helps hold attention.

Be Aware of Body Language—Yours and Theirs. Non-verbal cues communicate just as much as words. Be mindful of your posture, gestures, and facial expressions. Also, read your audience’s body language to gauge their engagement and reaction.

Be Consistent in Your Messaging. Stand firm in your beliefs and be consistent in your delivery. Audiences respect speakers who are grounded and clear in their convictions.

Review and Reflect. Constant improvement requires feedback. Canary shared how he re-watches his news bulletins on NBS Live at 9 to analyse his performance and identify areas for improvement. Self-review sharpens your delivery and helps you grow.

Keep It Simple. Simplicity is powerful. Avoid jargon or overcomplicated language—clarity helps your audience grasp and remember your message more effectively. 

Use Humour Wisely. Humour can be a great tool, but only when used appropriately. The right joke, at the right moment, can break the ice and build rapport. The wrong one can do the opposite. Choose wisely.

At its core, public speaking is not just about speaking—it's about connecting. It involves knowing your audience, crafting your message with purpose, and delivering it with authenticity and impact. While many people fear public speaking, it is a skill that can be learned and mastered through practice, preparation, and passion.

In today’s fast-paced world, strong public speaking skills can elevate your professional credibility, boost your confidence, and help you stand out in any crowd. Whether you're a student, a professional, or an aspiring leader, mastering public speaking is a powerful step toward achieving your goals.

Just do the right thing, no matter who is in the room!

A heartfelt thank you to Canary Mugume for generously sharing your journey into the world of impactful public speaking. Deep appreciation also goes to Coach Samuel for consistently offering these invaluable sessions at no cost and for creating a platform that brings together such inspiring voices.