Workshop on Unlocking Speaker Excellence: Strategies for Initiating and Advancing Your Speaking Journey – Series 1

NUR HIDAYAH AHMAD

Figure 1 showed the promotion program for the Workshop on Unlocking Speaker Excellence: Strategies for Initiating and Advancing Your Speaking Journey – Series 1. This program was successfully held on the 5^th of March 2024 from 9.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. at Dewan Kuliah 1, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

This seminar is organized by the Faculty of Science, UTM under the Popular Science Seminar Series in collaboration with the Advanced Optical Materials Research Group (AOMRG) under Department of Physics and MASS Chapter UTM.

Nur Hidayah Binti Ahmad is a program director of this workshop, receiving support from the entire team from the Advanced Optical Materials Research Group (AOMRG) within the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science at the University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and all the participants from Department of Mathematical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Department of Biosciences. Faculty of Science has recorded 30 involvements from participants in this workshop. The participants came from 21 academicians including international staff which 7 of them were UTM alumni and 5 of them were MASS Chapter members. Others, 2 participants from non-academic staff, 4 participants from postgraduate students, 3 participants from undergraduate students.

WhatsApp Image at PM () — **Figure 2**: Prof. Dr. Azizan Ahmad with several attendees.

Prof. Dr. Azizan Ahmad from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was the representative speakers of the workshop. Figure 2 shows Prof. Dr. Azizan Ahmad with several attendees which very participate in this talk. He gave a talk entitled Unlocking Speaker Excellence: Strategies for Initiating and Advancing Your Speaking Journey. This write-up discusses about the tips and tricks to be a human being.

Prof. Dr. Azizan Ahmad said that the public speaking is a skill that holds immense power. It can inspire, persuade, and ignite change. However, for many, the thought of speaking in front of an audience can be daunting. Yet, with dedication, practice, and the right strategies, anyone can unlock their potential for speaker excellence. Whether you’re just starting your speaking journey or seeking to enhance your skills, here are some invaluable strategies to help you along the way:

1. Define Your Purpose: Before stepping onto the stage, take time to clarify your purpose as a speaker. What message do you want to convey? What impact do you hope to make on your audience? Defining your purpose or “vision and mission” will not only guide your content but also infuse your delivery with authenticity and passion.

2. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is essential for effective communication. Take the time to research their demographics, interests, and needs. Tailor your message to resonate with them, using language and examples that they can relate to.

3. Master the Fundamentals: A strong foundation is key to speaker excellence. Focus on mastering the fundamental elements of public speaking, including vocal variety, body language, and eye contact. Practice articulation, pacing, and posture to convey confidence and authority.

4. Craft Compelling Content: Great speakers are masters of storytelling or “grand design” of the whole story. Structure your content in a way that engages and captivates your audience from start to finish. Begin with a powerful opening to grab their attention, followed by a clear and organized main message, and conclude with a memorable takeaway or call to action.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice: The old adage holds true—practice makes perfect. Rehearse your speech multiple times, both alone and in front of trusted friends or colleagues. Pay attention to your delivery (must have: road map), refining your timing, emphasis, and tone. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments accordingly.

6. Embrace Authenticity: Authenticity is the hallmark of a great speaker. Be genuine and true to yourself, allowing your personality and passion to shine through. Share personal anecdotes and experiences to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

7. Overcome Fear and Nervousness: Nervousness is natural, even for experienced speakers. Instead of trying to eliminate fear altogether, learn to manage and channel it productively. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to calm your nerves before taking the stage.

8. Seek Feedback and Growth: Continuous improvement is essential for speaker excellence. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or professional coaches to gain insights into your strengths and areas for development. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and refinement.

9. Embrace Technology and Innovation: In today’s digital age, technology can enhance the impact of your message. Explore innovative tools and platforms for delivering presentations, such as multimedia visuals, interactive elements, or virtual reality experiences. Stay abreast of emerging trends and adapt your approach accordingly.

10. Stay Humble and Grateful: Finally, remember to stay humble and grateful throughout your speaking journey. Acknowledge the privilege of having a platform to share your voice and ideas. Express gratitude to your audience for their time and attention, and strive to leave a lasting impression that inspires and empowers.

In conclusion, unlocking speaker excellence is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and impact. By defining your purpose, knowing your audience, mastering the fundamentals, crafting compelling content, practicing diligently, embracing authenticity, overcoming fear, seeking feedback, embracing technology, and staying humble and grateful, you can unleash your full potential as a speaker. Whether you’re addressing a small group or a large audience, your voice has the power to inspire change and make a difference in the world. So step onto the stage with confidence, knowing that your message has the power to ignite hearts and minds.