Power of public speaking

By Evelyn Ogutu

Tell many professional women that they will be presenting a speech or keynote address, and this is like telling them to climb Mount Kenya.

Public speaking is always a challenge to many professionals, but inevitably, at one time or another, one has to address a conference or present a report.

PowerPoint presentations have become the order of business in most companies and women, like men, have to present.

The 26-year-old sales manager at a blue chip company says every time she has a presentation, she rarely sleeps.

"I am always afraid of talking to a group of people and the sales reports, which I have to present, always give me butterflies in my stomach," she admits.

Never at ease

Kendi says no matter how well she prepares for the sessions, every time she stands up to speak, she sweats and even skips part of the presentation to make it short.

"I always feel someone is staring at my small physique and not listening to what I’m saying. I am never at ease speaking to a big number of people," she says.

But Kendi is not alone. Thousands of women worldwide find it difficult to make a presentation with ease. A recent study conducted in the US of 60,000 executives found that female managers ranked higher than their male colleagues in almost every professional measure except one: confidence.

In a male dominated world, women need to develop the authority and presence to match their intelligence and capabilities, hence it is important to hone their your public speaking skills.

Gifted speakers

Addressing a male packed conference is never an easy job for most women. Although women are nowadays sharing most plum jobs with their male counterparts, public speaking is still a major task for them.

But Susan Koki, a speechwriter and public speaking/communication trainer, says with practice, even a shy person can manage their fear of speaking in public.

Koki says presenting a superb keynote address is every person’s dream, but most professional women, whom she says suffer from public speaking fear, rarely achieve this.

She says although some people are naturally gifted speakers and do not struggle to communicate, others need a lot of coaching and training.

"Public speaking is an art that should be practiced for one to perfect it. You don’t have to be a Patrick Lumumba, but you can have your own style of passing information that leaves your listeners nodding with acceptance," she says.

Koki notes that public speaking skills, especially for women bosses as well as those in business, is vital and majority are yet to perfect the art of talking to masses, be it on a radio or television interview.

"This is a critical tool for women who want to advance their career or who have already done that. Professionals should always make sure that they can comfortably communicate to the masses and pass the right message," she advises.

However, beside the speech itself, adds Koki, there are also other issues that should be taken into consideration, like how to dress while making a presentation.

Dress appropriately

In terms of dressing or accessories, Koki says everything should be done in moderation, as it forms part of the non-verbal communication.

"Women should always ensure they dress appropriately for the occasion they have been invited to address. For instance, if one is to address bankers, one should dress officially, in a skirt or trouser suit."

She notes that some career women tend to overdo their make-up and dressing, which makes them look like clowns.

"Make-up should be done in moderation, as too much of it might distract the crowd one is addressing," she says.

Koki says non-verbal communication, like hand gestures and facial expressions, should complement verbal communication and not distort it.

Well groomed

Besides, it is a must for any public speaker to be well groomed. One should ensure their hair and nails are taken care of.

"Look presentable. Dress in nice clothes, comb your hair, do your nails and groom yourself so that you look as nice as possible. I can say, dress to impress. The nicer one looks, the more she attracts the attention of the people she is addressing," says Koki.

For one to perfect her public speaking skills, she should always grab any opportunity to address a gathering, Koki sums up. Practise, she says, helps one improve her communication skills.

Always remember public speaking is a critical tool to career success as it gives one added visibility.