By Onwa Ekor
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River Council, has concluded a five-day intensive training programme on Public Speaking for young participants drawn from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS).
The capacity-building workshop, was designed to equip budding comperes with essential communication skills required to speak confidently and effectively in public.
The training, facilitated by a Director of News and Current Affairs in the state owned Broadcasting Corporation, CRBC, Uduakikang Obeten Okorn, saw the facilitator describing public speaking as a vital life skill that can be learned and improved upon.
Okorn noted that many individuals experience anxiety symptoms such as palpitations, cold shivers, weak limbs and stuttering when called upon to address an audience, hence, structured training and consistent practice can help them overcome such inhibitions.
Drawing from the works of renowned communication experts including Dale Carnegie, Gary Vaynerchuk, Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, Chris Anderson, Nancy Duarte and Amy Cuddy, Okorn who was the resource person argued that “Public speaking is not about perfection but authenticity and connection,”
She maintained that effective public speaking remains central to societal development, as many transformative ideas in history gained momentum through persuasive and impactful communication.
The Resource person further advised participants to shift from personal fears to audience needs by “standing tall, occupying your space, and speaking with conviction while remaining humble.”
Contributing, International Mother and National coordinator, BCS IMOCAMBO, Her Eminence, Grace-Magdalene Arikpo, encouraged the participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained in their daily engagements.
Arikpo noted that effective communication remains a powerful tool for service to humanity, urging the trainees to use their voices responsibly in order to inspire positive change in the society.
She also appreciated the Holy father, Olumba Olumba Obu, for giving her the opportunity to sponsor his children.
Chairman, Cross River Council of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Comrade Archibong Bassey, described the initiative as part of the Council’s commitment to youth development and communication excellence, adding that, empowering young voices with strong public speaking skills will enhance leadership, civic engagement and community development.
Participants applauded NUJ and the resource person for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and transformative.
The programme explored key aspects of public speaking, including confidence building, audience engagement, speech structure, storytelling, and stage presence, even as participants were exposed to practical applications including compering events, delivering wedding toasts and eulogies, participating in debates, presenting business proposals, giving lectures, keynote addresses and sermons.
The event received blessings from the spiritual leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu, who prayed for the participants and encouraged them to utilize the knowledge gained for the advancement of humanity.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates of participation to the trainees by His Holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu.
