Vera Kamtukule

"My topic today is Public Speaking. In my own understanding. We must first isolate the word “public ” for us to understand what we are dealing with. The fact that you can stand in your living room and order your siblings or your maid around does it mean you are a public speaker. So public in this case would entail people other than your family. Could be a church. A school. A workplace. A hall. Anywhere. And people must be there. The number of people must be significant to justify for it to be called “public ” and so for purposes of our discussion, let’s say, any crowd from 20 of people with whom you are NOT related can constitute a public."

"And so when you stand in their presence to speak, about anything, it matters less the reason for gathering, it could be a funeral, a party, a wedding, a meeting etc., your intention is for you to get your audience not only hear what you have to say, but that ultimately they understand, buy into and agree with you."

"The tricky part is speaking to a group of people who hold a different opinion to yourself. Consider going into a village who so much believes in marrying off young girls for money.And you as a new project officer for a local NGO has to go into the same to tell them that this is wrong and that it is more lucrative for the girls to remain in school."

"This is what I mean. So you are called upon to be poised. Confident. Resolue. Believe me when I say, this is easier said than done. You sweat from your back all the way down your spine. Your legs feel like they will fail you at times yet you must still deliver your pitch."

"At the end of your venture, you will win some of the people and lose some. As you speak, pay attention to the crowd.There will.be others who will constantly nod their heads in agreement. I like to pick up those and focus my eyes on them, it makes things a bit easier. Basically….this is the essence of public speaking…. I will pause there for now."