By Akandwanaho Emmanuel
On 1st December, The Association of Uganda Public Speakers organized this year’s Public speaking challenge held at St. Augustine Conference hall. The competition involved youth at different levels of education; secondary and university summing up to a total of 45 contestants.
The contestants rivaled for the title of Best Young Motivational Orator of the year 2019 by The Association of Uganda Public Speakers. This event happened on Worlds AIDS Day 1st December at Makerere University under the theme “IMAGINE UGANDA WITHOUT AIDS.”
The aim of the competition was to identify, empower and recognize skilled young speakers in Uganda. The relevancy, uniqueness of the content presented and charisma of the speaker were among the main items being awarded by the judges. The audience voted basing on the presentations and were also considered in the selection of the top speakers.
There were two rounds; first round, contestants were asked to present speeches under the theme: “HE WHO CONTROLS A NATION IS POWER BUT HE WHO CONTROLS HIMSELF IS MIGHTY.”
In the final round, the finalists were selected to compete for the title and five out of the 45 received medals and also a Presidential handshake (money). The overall winner of the competition was Walusimbi Edmund, a third year Mechanical engineering student at Makerere University.
Edmund is a resolute and proficient person who has beaten all odds at any task and opportunity that he comes across. He is the founder of Secret Initiative (www.thesecretinitiative.com) which is a youth program that is aimed to inspire and motivate students achieve academic excellence regardless of their socio-economic background or life history.
Edmund attributes his success to the late night practices, listening to World’s Greatest speakers on Youtube, experience gained through motivational talks he offers in high schools and mostly importantly, the exposure at Makerere Gavel club where he serves the Vice President Education.
Makerere Gavel Club is an affiliate of Toastmasters International which develops better leadership and communication mainly through public speaking. It gives students a platform to express themselves and share their personal thoughts. (check out social media platforms for more information)
With the fear of public speaking (gloss-phobia) being the world’s top phobia, it is vital for individuals to overcome it mainly through practice and delivering presentations or speeches to enhance personal and professional development. In our day today communications, we always need to speak to share our thoughts, ideas and feedback to our relatives, friends or workmates. And this requires utmost clarity in communication.
In the end, all you are is a voice and a memory. Use your voice well to create a proper memory.
