Most public officials do not realize that effective public speaking adds prestige, honour and dignity to public office holders and gives good impressions to the face of the country and to the institutions of State. Education is of no value if it cannot build a sound character. How can a so-called educated person speak poorly in various audiences in the country and at international platforms. It is a shame on the value of education. The poor culture of public speaking has been worrisome in the National conversations and in the performances of officials in State functions and in international gatherings. Look at the way many public officials find it difficult to express themselves in English, the official language of the country. Even the bad pronunciation of words is disgusting to say the least. The importance of effective public speaking for those in political leadership in Cabinet, in Parliament and other top echelons in the Administration and other public figures, cannot be overemphasized. Imagine the embarrassment caused by poor speech delivery at the National and International meetings thus tarnishing the image of Gambians. Effective public speaking brings prestige, honour and dignity to the personalities of public officials and holds the country in high esteem. The art of public speaking must be considered as a requirement of state function and training in it as a governance imperative. The Gambia needs impressive public speakers in government, in Parliament, in National conversations, in the political field, in state functions, in social and rights advocacy and in international meetings held in the country and abroad. It gives a good impression of the country and the people in such audiences. Hence the need for all public officials, politicians and Civil Society advocates to endeavour to receive coaching in Public Speaking. Most successful and powerful public speakers around the world have had tutelage through training schools, mentorship and debates. It has been widely said that one such public speaking school that has produced effective and powerful public speakers in the Gambia, is the FORBES ACADEMY FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING, located on the OIC road, opposite the GAMWORKS offices. Enquiries have revealed that the school has flexible hours for the working class and aspiring leaders in society. Perhaps, therefore, those interested in improving their public speaking skills should visit the Head of the Academy, Pastor Forbes. They are experts in the subject matter according to the testimonies of those who obtained certificates in public speaking from the Academy. It is an opportunity for Gambians to have access to the school of public speaking in the country. Delivery of excellent and strongly stated speeches is essentially of fundamental importance in National and international dialogues and negotiation skills. The more one can convince through oratory prowess the greater the gains of attracting public attention in any forum. An audience anywhere will lose interest in poorly presented speeches. Who is ready to rise above such a bad impression of participation in national discourses and in international platforms?
Understanding the techniques of speech delivery and effective communication makes an excellent and dignified personality in meetings and conferences and in other public platforms. Let us see it fit to train in public speaking to engage the people in dialogue and in various platforms of national and international importance in an effective manner.
BY D.M. Badjie
Political Scientist / Commentator
