Adedeji Awolesi

Public Speaking!!!! Whosh!!.. In today’s edition, I will be sharing my journey into the world of public speaking. I will talk about the spark, the challenge, how I found my style, preparation, breakthrough and continuous learning.

The Spark

It all started when I was in third year in secondary school, I volunteered to speak to my year mates during one of our daily assembly. During those times, I had been introduced early to inspirational books (leadership, financial, motivational etc). I remember the first book I was introduced to which was Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki & Sharon Lechter and I read this book when I was 13 years old. Not to digress, I volunteered myself to give a monthly charge (speech) to my mates in school.

I can still remember vividly that day as I was called on the stage, my heart raced, my palms became sweaty and as I was walking up to the stage, I could feel my shaky legs ( I think I even stumbled while climbing the stage). Even before I started my speech, I could feel my shaking voice was just all over the place. Unfortunately it ended up as a disaster (not as I wanted) but thankfully I had my mates gearing me on.

Instead of letting that experience defeat me, I decided to join a public speaking society club we had in school when I got to year 5. I got engaged in almost all the activities in the club, help planned socials, literature seminars, organise club meetings and developed my one – to – one interpersonal relationship with peers and groups. This helped built my confidence and with each engagement I had, speech given, I started enjoying being on stage.

Embracing the Challenge

The route to being a public speaker can be very challenging. Sometimes, I have to deal with self-doubt. Mostly, when I’m about to climb the stage, I have to silence an internal critic voice within me of failure or inadequacy. I have to always convince myself that my thoughts are worthy of my audience attention.

Another challenge for me is learning to communicate complex ideas into clear, engaging and compelling messages for my audience. This made me spend countless hours practicing the delicate balance between information and engagement, studying the art of rhetoric, crafting speeches that were informative and making sure I master my message.

Apart from these challenges, sharing personal stories and opening up to my audience requires courage which I didn’t know I had. I remember days where my pastor will invite me on Sundays to teach on Faith, Leadership or Wisdom to the congregation or when I had to coordinate youth seminars or teach during youth retreats. Each speech or teaching became a leap of faith, a hope that my experience will resonate and inspire.

Each of these challenges have been a stepping stone to growth which has not only shaped my speaking skills but has transformed me as a person.

Finding my Style

For me, the quest to finding my unique style was more of a transformational process that shaped not only how I communicate but how I do see myself. I remember my early days, I looked up to giants in public speaking, those who are eloquent in speeches and command presence. Their styles, gestures, tones, pace and delivery seem to set a standard of excellence for me. Fela Durotoye was someone I really respected, studied and followed from afar.

I began to reflect on what could make me unique. I started to look into my experiences, my values, my persona and began to embrace its authenticity. This enabled me to weave these elements into my speech. I spoke with sincerity, shared my failures, hopes, dreams, fears which resonated with my audience and created a bridge between us.

My style became a blend of storytelling, dialogue, humour, conversation and authenticity which revealed my true self that helped me find my rhythm to speak as I want to speak not as others expect me to.

Power of Preparation

Through years of trial and errors, I have known that preparation is the key. I have learned that great public speaking is not all about charisma, it about preparation. Knowing your material inside and out not only boosts confidence, it also allows you to connect with your audience effectively. I spend many hours researching my topic, crafting my message, rehearsing tirelessly, refining my delivery and understanding my kind of audience.

Even before I start researching my topic, mentally I need to map out the structure, key points, transition and have a detailed outline of my speech ensuring that these elements serves a purpose to the talk. After these, I then delve into books, articles and study material to gather facts to my words depending on the topic chosen and audience.

Practice, Practice, Practice is the next agenda. Rehearsal is non negotiable. I practice my speech in various setting – alone, in front of a mirror, with family, friends and sometimes colleagues. I have learnt that the more I practice, the more I refine my delivery, pace and body language.

I seek feedback during my preparation process. Constructive criticism is invaluable, it makes me see my speech through the eyes of others and I make adjustments where necessary. I remember when a friend I practiced with suggested I reduce the way I say “you know” in my speech as I normally say that unconsciously and that helped me to watch my vocabulary anytime I am speaking. I also remember one time when a colleague advised about my presentation slide , he advised that it was not too catchy as it was word based. I had to make necessary adjustments as I believe that flexibility is key and I remain open to changing my approach based on the insights I receive.

Some days to the event, I make sure I am mentally and physically ready by being well rested, hydrated, energised before taking the stage. I make use of visualisation and positive affirmations to help me center my focus and calm my nerves.

The Breakthrough

I believe every journey has its own turning point, moments that define the path that we take. In my own case, I believe the moment that stood out for me and transitioned me to being a global speaker was when I registered and attended Microsoft Community Speaker event organised by Zoe Wilson, Sara Fennah ,Luke Evans and José Lázaro Pinos in 2023. The event was a training to groom speakers and all the organisers shared their experiences and also taught valuable lessons on how to become a global speaker.

The lessons gained from this event enabled me to submit a session for my first international summit which was the Scottish Summit 2023 ( A Microsoft tech annual event). My session was approved and I was billed to speak at the event.

After getting a confirmation of my session by the organisers, I went through my preparation stages as shared above. I remember as I stepped on stage for my session, I could feel familiar flutter of nerves. But as I began to speak, something clicked – my voice became steady, my message was clear, my passion was genuine and I connected with my audience. The response was immediate and overwhelming, my audience was engaged, asking questions, sharing their thoughts and I was super confident.

After the event, many people came to meet me, expressing how they enjoyed my session and how it made them think on the topic chosen. I even had a feedback from the Cloud Pirate by Daniel Mcloughlin. The feedback was very gratifying and evidence of my preparation and effort.

After this breakthrough event, I have spoken at numerous global events. Some as at the time of this blog are: Microsoft Lagos 2023, MVP/MCT Microsoft Event Abuja, NAUG Manchester UK, Global Azure Bootcamp Manchester UK and billed to speak in Germany, USA and Kenya in the coming months.

Continuous Learning

Becoming a public speaker is not a destination, it is a continuous journey. I improve myself by investing more in continuous learning. I attend events, workshops, conferences , listen to different talks and also still seek mentorship from seasoned speakers.

I make sure I stay abreast of technological advancement which can enhance my speaking. I also adapt and overcome my nerves, mentor others and give back to the community.

Conclusion

I am a proof that with dedication and determination, anyone can become a confident public speaker. I understand that everyone’s journey to becoming an exceptional public speaker is unique and filled with highs and lows. So my advise is that remember, everyone starts somewhere. Don’t let fear hold you back from your dreams, embrace every opportunity to grow & learn and believe in yourself.

So go forth, my fellow speakers, and share your voice with the world. You never know whose life you might inspire.