PUBLIC SPEAKING AND YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LASU - Temiloluwa Bolawole

 

I have always imagined university life to be a continuation of high school, with lectures, exams, and the occasional group project. However, my assumptions were quickly shattered when I stepped into my first class. 

The lecturer, Dr. Blaster, greeted us with a smile and announced that we would be starting with an impromptu presentation. My heart raced as I realized that I was expected to stand in front of a group of strangers and speak for three minutes on a topic I had not prepared for. 

It was then that I realized that university was a whole new ballgame, and public speaking was going to be a significant part of it.

After the presentations, we were all given a clear indication of the importance of public speaking skills in our academic journey. We were encouraged to develop our speaking skills as students' speaking was a crucial part of the learning process and assessment in this new world. 

As for me, my impromptu presentation was enough to awaken a desire to hone the public speaking skill I did not know I needed.

In this post, I will delve into the crucial role that honing public speaking skills can play in achieving academic success.

 Whether you're a freshman just starting out or a seasoned student, developing strong public speaking skills is an important part of the academic journey. In the following paragraphs, we will explore how public speaking skills can benefit you in your coursework and preparations for your  career in university.

1. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Public speaking is often misconstrued as simply mastering the art of speaking in public spaces or in front of an audience, but it is more than that. According to the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), public speaking is the process of communicating information to a live audience. It involves a speaker conveying ideas, thoughts, opinions, and messages in a deliberate and structured way. 

Communication is an essential part of public speaking. The Oxford dictionary defines communication as the passing or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.

In academic assessment, you are often scrutinized on subject matters relating to your academic field or what you have been taught. The ability to articulate your ideas and information demanded from you in the assessment, whether non-verbal or verbal, is crucial.

 This ability is honed through developing your public speaking skill. Effective communication through public speaking can lead to academic success by helping students convey their ideas clearly and concisely, engaging their audience, and earning higher grades.

2. CONFIDENCE BUILDING: Confidence building is closely connected with the public speaking skill. Boldness, self-assurance, and a feeling of certainty in your abilities are essential traits that can be developed through public speaking.

 In the university setting, confidence is especially important as it enables students to actively participate in class discussions, express their opinions and ideas, and engage in group work, debates, or presentations. 

This level of participation resulting from confidence can lead to a better understanding of course content and improved academic performance. Furthermore, confidence allows for ease in networking, which is building relationships with peers.

 Students who lack confidence may miss out on networking opportunities and struggle with anxiety or stress related to academic work. 

Public speaking serves as an effective way of boosting confidence, think of it as weight lifting for confidence. Just as weight lifting strengthens and builds your muscles, public speaking builds your confidence and ability to relate to and address people, whether prepared or not.

3. CRITICAL THINKING: Public speaking provides a platform for your ideas and messages to be challenged and reassessed critically through feedback and questioning from your audience. 

This process helps you to develop your ability to respond reasonably to unexpected questions and adapt your message to different audiences. Therefore, public speaking is not only about delivering a message but also about critical thinking as it challenges you to organize your thoughts and analyse various perspectives. 

These skills are crucial for success not only in university but also in your future career and life.

Conclusively, the art and act of public speaking is not just a mere skill to be acquired but an essential tool for success. It plays an important role in your life as a student in your academic pursuit and even beyond in achieving your dreams and success in your career. In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is key, and public speaking is a vital component of effective communication. 

Overcoming glossophobia —the fear of public speaking— and honing your public speaking skills will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your critical thinking and communication skills. It will also provide you with a platform to showcase your knowledge, share your ideas and connect with people, be it in your academic, personal or professional life. 

Therefore, take advantage of the opportunities available to improve your public speaking skills and make it a priority to master this valuable skill as it will serve you well in your journey through the university and beyond.

For students of the Lagos State University, joining the LASU Debate Society(LSUDS), the official public speaking body in LASU is your best shot at spreading your oratory wings.