‘Unlock Your Potential: Insights from the Public Speaking Workshop with Jonty Rooke and Dami Sangobiyi" 

Public speaking is a powerful and transformative skill. Whether you are addressing a small group of colleagues, speaking at an interview, or presenting to a packed auditorium, effective communication is key. To help our students and alumni improve their public speaking abilities and enhance their communication skills, the Employability Team has held a Public Speaking Workshop on the 19th October, in collaboration with two dynamic speakers from the Toastmasters Club London: Jonty Rooke and Dami Sangobiyi. This workshop promised to deliver a wealth of insights, practical tips, and techniques to improve public speaking and unlock leadership potential.  

The workshop was introduced by our Marketing Officer Tina Plamadeala, who shared her personal journey of becoming a more confident public speaker thanks to the help of the Toastmasters Club. Tina then introduced the speakers, Jonty Rooke and Dami Sangobiyi, who started by sharing their personal experiences and journeys in the world of public speaking.
 
All their stories engaged the audience immediately, illustrating that even the most accomplished speakers were not always masters of the art. They stressed that anyone can improve public speaking abilities with practice and the right guidance. 

Jonty and Dami shared their journey from novices to confident communicators. Dami shared his powerful story and highlighted his transformation from someone who used to fear speaking in public and used to avoid it at all costs to becoming a captivating speaker. These personal anecdotes resonated with the attendees, as they could see themselves in the speakers' journeys. 

The first part of the workshop provided valuable insights into public speaking. Jonty and Dami shared a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and techniques to captivate an audience, conquer stage fright, and present with confidence. They emphasized the power of storytelling, how to practice delivering a speech that charms the audience, and how to make any speech more engaging and memorable. 

One unique aspect of the workshop was the opportunity for the audience to practice impromptu speeches. This hands-on approach allowed attendees to immediately apply the techniques they had learned and receive real-time feedback from the experts and the audience. This interactive element made the workshop educational and empowering. 

Following the engaging first part of the workshop, attendees had the opportunity to take a break, network with fellow participants, and enjoy some snacks. This break allowed for informal interactions, where people could share their experiences and insights gained from the workshop. 

The second part of the workshop was just as insightful as the first. Jonty and Dami delved into interview techniques, highlighting the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, which can be a game-changer for job seekers. They emphasized the importance of presenting oneself effectively during interviews, demonstrating how mastering public speaking can open new career opportunities. 

Improving presentation skills was another focal point of the second part of the workshop. Attendees learned how to structure their presentations effectively, deliver with confidence, and handle questions from the audience confidently. With a wealth of actionable advice, participants left with the tools needed to create impactful presentations. 

At the end of the workshop, the president of the Public Speaking Society at ARUL, Loredana Cotlet, also made an appearance, informing students of the opportunity to join this new and thriving University Society.  

The Public Speaking Workshop was a resounding success. The combination of personal stories from the speakers, practical exercises, and expert insights left attendees more confident and motivated to work on their public speaking skills. 

The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from over 60 participants: they all noted how engaged and inspired they felt by the end, and they left armed with newfound knowledge, enhanced skills, and a renewed sense of confidence.