Empowering Confidence and Mastery: Conquering Public Speaking Anxiety within the African Context

By Patrick K. Lumumba

Thomas Sankara, the former president of Burkina Faso, was known for his charisma and his ability to connect with people, but he also struggled with public speaking anxiety. At the 1987 Organisation of African Unity Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sankara was supposed to speak about African unity and self-reliance, but he became too anxious. He ended up giving a brief speech that was largely incoherent. Sankara's experience is not unique. Many African leaders have struggled with public speaking anxiety. 

The fear of public speaking has frequently been cited as people's greatest fear, with several reports comparing it to the fear of death. While this may not be entirely accurate, it is still a widespread fear. Your brain's automatic response to danger, anxiety, often causes glossophobia, or public speaking fear. Feeling anxious means thinking, "They will think I am not knowledgeable enough," "I am not as well-endowed as my fellow speakers," and "What if I forget my key talking points?" All these reasons show that this fear stems from how the speaker feels about public speaking, not the quality of the speech.

The demand for public speakers is rising as digital communication and Africa's global prominence rise.  This tool helps leaders and professionals express themselves passionately and authentically.  Impactful public speaking is recognised as a catalyst for driving change and progress, with several issues relying on effective articulation to be effectively addressed. From political leaders communicating their countries’ aspirations globally to business leaders attracting investment, there is an increased sense of harnessing the art of public speaking to inform, educate, and transform societies.

Barriers to effective public speaking

Despite the importance of public speaking, a number of issues arising from cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors prevent individuals from reaching their full potential in Africa. These include fear of judgement, with many individuals worrying about how diverse audiences will view their perspectives and qualifications. Being criticised for their ideas, appearance, or speaking style increases self-doubt and anxiety, preventing them from connecting with their audiences.

Cultural norms also present major bottlenecks, as assertiveness is seen as disrespectful in some African cultures, which value humility and respect, making it difficult for some to speak confidently in public. The fear of appearing arrogant or boastful can limit one's expression.

Then there are language barriers, as speakers who engage audiences in languages other than their native tongue face challenges in each African country. This causes anxiety, which lowers speaker confidence.

Limited access to training is also a major hindrance. Most African regions lack professional training and resources, making it difficult to improve public speaking skills. In addition,  socio-political pressures come in the way as discussing sensitive political or social issues in some African countries can be risky.  Fears of consequences stifle free speech and critical dialogue. Above all, gender bias is a major impediment. In some African communities, women face stereotypes that prevent them from speaking to large groups, resulting in underrepresentation in public speaking fora.

 Surmounting the Challenges

These challenges require a variety of strategies to overcome public speaking anxiety in African settings, including understanding the cultural landscape. Public speaking often involves addressing diverse audiences with diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Effective communication and anxiety management requires cultural awareness. Understanding the audience's values and customs helps one tailor their message and make it more appealing.

Improving language proficiency is also crucial for speakers who address audiences in languages other than their native tongue. Conversations with native speakers, reading about languages, and language learning programmes improve fluency.

We also need to explore the power of storytelling. African cultures have a rich oral storytelling tradition that has been passed down through generations. Public speakers who use anecdotes, personal experiences, or folktales to engage their audience should adopt this tradition emotionally. This significantly reduces public speaking anxiety by focusing on your speech rather than yourself.

Programmes for experienced public speakers to mentor and support aspiring speakers, offering feedback, encouragement, and guidance to boost confidence and abilities, should also be initiated, as well as training and workshops. Enrolling in Public speaking workshops, whether in academic or community settings, equips aspiring speakers in Africa with crucial communication skills.  These workshops typically provide valuable insights and techniques to assist individuals in overcoming their fear of public speaking and becoming more effective communicators.

Ultimately, practice is key to developing skills, even after attending training, reading literature, and meeting communities. Self-rehearsals in front of a mirror or rehearsals with colleagues who can provide constructive feedback will help boost confidence and reduce anxiety.

At Newmark Group, we orchestrate a transformative symphony for corporate leaders, guiding them through the intricate notes of public speaking mastery and the art of conquering anxiety. Our expertly curated programme is a voyage that embarks on unravelling the knots of apprehension, instilling unwavering poise and persuasive prowess. Like skilled navigators, we chart a course through the tumultuous seas of self-doubt, steering captains of industry towards the shores of unparalleled confidence. With Newmark Group as your compass, executives emerge as articulate speakers and symphonists of their narratives, captivating audiences across the vibrant landscapes of African business settings.

In conclusion, African public speakers should practise, learn, and embrace cultural values that resonate with their audiences to reduce anxiety.

The author leads the Experiential and Multimedia practice areas as a  senior Account Manager at Newmark Group Ltd.