Five books on public speaking skills

Let me start this conversation today by putting out a caveat. The fact that I am a broadcaster does not mean I am saying people should speak in broadcast quality mode. All I am asking is clarity and better communication in a language that is currently the language of governance and doing business in Nigeria.

I believe that is official. So, let us break down this conversation. Speaking well publicly adds value. And please remember in English, good English, not accented English, not pidgin English and not twitter or WhatsApp English. I have noticed to my greatest chagrin that persons rising in their professions, medium and senior management in public and private speaking in a non-discernible language which is neither English nor their local language. We hear some of those phoney and funny intonations on television when they give interviews on their jurisdictions and at public where they are delivering welcome addresses, keynotes or vote of thanks.

Even more worrisome is the fact that this is done without any sense of concern by the speaker who is possibly a directorate level staff speaking so badly you can hardly hear him/her. So communication is lost and the message has not been delivered. The essence of communication is that a message is well received. When that does not happen, there is miscommunication and misinformation or no information at all.  I once attended an event where the vote of thanks was delivered by a Director and it was an international event. I did not understand a word. And she was purportedly speaking in English.

This has worried us enough at the Eugenia Abu Media centre that we have started a series of Executive Masterclasses for top-level management staff on how to be an engaging panellist, delivering excellent keynotes and how to be a good moderator. We are unto our third edition and we are proud of this intervention and the excellent feedback from our 60 participants over three editions. Public speaking instils confidence and helps you deploy authority better and communicate better even in everyday life. In the spirit of excellent public speaking, I am dedicating this column to our participants and aspiring public speakers. Enjoy.

1. Larry King. The American master public speaker and TV Host has written many books. But my favourite is, ‘How to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere, the secrets of good communication’. This is a gem of a book. Larry has worked on television and radio and is also an event compere. So he brings his experience to bear in this book about how to be a better speaker no matter the circumstances. Also, we know that communicating can be difficult and intimidating for some people. In the many classes I have taught on public speaking, I have found participants who tell me they simply freeze on a podium or their palms begin to sweat or their hearts beat faster than normal. I understand this perfectly and we always help the participant with so many nerves to conquer it. Larry King’s book gives practical guides on the key to building confidence and improve your communication skills.
2. And so it goes by Linda Ellerbe. This is a good book to read just to see how a TV presenter manages their public speaking and on-air assignments
3. Steve Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking. This book is so seminal in its practical guide to public speaking that it’s in its 11th edition.
4. So you want to be an MC? Tales and Tips From a Veteran Event Compere by Eugenia Abu. This book available in 2020 will give information, tips and adventures on how to become a public speaker on national and international platforms. The intrigues, the backstories and how to prepare for practice, to managing your audience to how to dress for your role as the event compere. Using tales from over 30 years’ experience as an event compere, I bring to life some of the behind the scene stories that eventually brings to life an excellent outing. There are also chapters on how to manage anxiety in front of an audience and the many resources to help you improve your public speaking. The books are currently for pre-order by December.
5. Funke Treasure, The Spoken Word Industry and The Clergy. Funke formerly of FRCN Lagos, broadcaster and Writer has done two books one for the clergy to help them pronounce better on the pulpit and the other one for anyone wanting to join the broadcast industry. Highly recommended.