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SPBD SPBD

ing activities, that was very interesting, to see that side of It always amazes me to see that transition. Through these
our economy,” Naiwaqa says. “We trainers all have our own experiences, I always believe that no matter how quiet or
employment, and conduct this training under our Toastmasters scared an individual is in a session, given the right environ-
Club. We have engineers and accountants etc. and we come in ment to practise through small activities and their willingness,
to conduct the training, so we have different interactions with they build their confidence and become effective and even
the informal sector. With me personally, I really enjoyed look- engaging communicators.
ing into their lives, it was humbling learning their challenges
and what they face to generate income and their different
skills and passions. We learnt a lot.”
Naiwaqa’s own journey with Toastmasters began in 2012,
when she visited a session out of curiosity. PUBLIC SPEAKING TIPS
“I used to be scared of speaking in public. I didn’t think FROM TOASTMASTERS
it was something for me. But after going to a few sessions, I
really liked how interactive [it was] and you actually get the INTERNATIONAL
chance to practice in front of a patient audience. It helped
me get better, so I’ve stuck with it and additionally, I’ve built You make a sales pitch when you are trying to sell a
that passion to develop others. product or idea. Here are some tips to make your sales
What advice would she give to other people, either SPBD pitches work.
members or others who fear public speaking? • Give the most important information in the first
“I’ve come across a lot of people who fear public speaking few sentences. This might be how fresh your prod-
and for them, that fear is a full stop. They don’t know that uct is or how well priced it is or the fact you can
they can actually overcome it. And people don’t know that make things to order.
there is Toastmasters that provides that atmosphere or the • Back up your information with details, for exam-
environment to help you deal with that fear. So, when we con- ple, where your vegetables were harvested, where
duct corporate trainings, it’s the same fear regardless of the and when the fish were caught, or other big custom
age, occupation or managerial level you hold. It’s the same orders you might have done in the past.
shared fear that we come to realise that if we internalise that • End your sales pitch with a call to action- some-
fear so much, we fail to see that we can overcome it.” thing you want your customer to do.
“Every time I walk into a group, I always see potential that • Be ready to answer questions; think about what
they don’t see for the various reasons. I provide training and your customers might ask you in advance. You
interactive sessions and games to help them see the potential might want to practice answering questions with
themselves that I saw in the first place. After a few activities, friends and family.
they let go of the self-doubt a bit and take up the challenge.

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