My view
The aspect of public speaking has for many years been looked down as nothing that can move this country forward , many people think or believe that they don’t need the skills of public speaking because they think its just a tool of becoming a Politician, Lawyer and many other related professions.
Alas, this is not true because in today`s world, we can not run away from the aspect of communicating well. Because in order for one to do this he/she needs to learn these skills of public speaking in order to communicate effectively.
Many people underrate themselves of being potential public speakers, but the truth is, on a daily basis speeches are given by ordinary people in society. Just by explaining how to use a mobile phone to customers is speech presentation even when a street vender persuades a motorist to buy his merchandise it`s still speech presentation and many other areas.
My view and belief is that once a person acquires the skills of public speaking, Zambia will have people who will be able to analyze and interpret issues that affect us, rather than engage in acts of violence or being used even be cheated.
Public speaking skills are not taken seriously in our schools I have a strong feeling that my column will compliment what careers teachers do in schools. Many youths have not seen the importance of public speaking because they have being made to believe that it is a hindrance to their academic success.
I was involved in debate for over 5 years, during my secondary school days at Kamwala Secondary School; this was from 1998 to 2003.
After completing my secondary education in 2000, I was invited by Ms Florence Nkowane who by then worked for International School of Lusaka; she was the coordinator of “ZAMUN”.
This is where I trained students from various schools debate skills, lobbying skills and resolution writing.
I also took part in National Youth Parliament in 1999 at the National Assembly then later on took part in the largest debate programme in Zambia called the Zambia Model United Nations in short ‘ZAMUN ‘.
ZAMUN was a stimulation of the real United Nation where students represented member countries of the United Nations. I was involved in this programme for 3 years in which I represented countries like Saudi Arabia, U.S.A, France and Morocco in various committees such as disarmament, Environment, Human Rights and the General Assembly.
And in this programme my achievements were from being a delegate to ambassador then I became the deputy secretary general of the general assembly and I was also privileged to be joint best delegate with Timothy Katanga who now works for the office of the president.
And these are some of the examples of individuals who have done debate and are excelling in life, Mutuna Chanda worked for the post newspaper now with the BBC, Gloria Kabungo now musician, K Smash now with muvi TV, Nathan Sinkala now with the Barclays Bank as an Accountant, Kwenda Paipi worked for the post newspaper now with the World Vision, Makebi Zulu now a lawyer, Chiteta Kayombo now with MTN Zambia, they are so many.
Therefore I have the experience in this area and am able to provide the best information not only through my knowledge but also from books and the experienced people whom I have interacted with during my life of debating.
Public speaking skills are for everyone so that we communicate well and these skills help in so many ways such as becoming confident, improvement in written and spoken English Language, in research and leadership qualities are seen when one is able to express themselves.