Temi Badru, a distinguished figure in broadcast media, journalism, public speaking, and legal consultancy, has facilitated discussions for organizations such as the German Embassy, the World Bank, and Lagos Business School. A member of the International Law Association, Temi’s contributions to the world of corporate events and public speaking have earned her international acclaim. One notable moment in her illustrious career came when she graced the Open Speakers Forum at the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Dubai. There, she delivered a captivating presentation titled “Public Speaking for Leaders,” where she shared invaluable insights into overcoming stage fright and becoming an effective public speaker.
“It is perfectly normal to feel stage fright,” Temi assured the audience of leaders, reminding them that even the most experienced speakers are not immune to nerves. “Sometimes we feel we’re not just that person that comes out [on stage to speak], but it is needed. The question, however, is, what can I do about it?” To answer that question, Temi outlined three practical strategies to help speakers conquer their fears and sharpen their skills:
Practice:
Temi emphasized that practice is fundamental to mastering public speaking. She encouraged individuals to embrace every opportunity to speak, regardless of the size of the audience “The 500 women in the hall to talk to might be too much, but what about that of the 20 women? What about 10 women?” She reflected on her own journey, recalling how raising her hand to ask questions at university helped her become more comfortable speaking in public. “You know how else you can get better?” she asked. “By using the recorder on your phone.” Reviewing recorded speeches, she explained, allows speakers to identify areas for improvement.
Preparation:
Preparation, according to Temi, goes beyond simply knowing the subject matter. “It is multifaceted,” she said. A well-prepared speaker must understand their audience—whether young or old, formal or informal. “Language of the younger people is different from the language of the older people,” she noted, adding that tailoring your communication style to suit the audience is just as important as understanding the topic.
Nonverbal Communication:
“People assume that public speaking is only about your mouth, but it is not,” Temi explained. Actions often speak louder than words, especially when verbal communication falters. “Assuming that I come and I keep looking at my watch, what impression do you get? My time is going, right?” She stressed the importance of being aware of gestures, facial expressions, and posture, all of which contribute to a speaker’s overall message. “Your actions speak louder than your voice,” she concluded.
