By Dr. Calvin Cheah Wei Chieh, INTI international College Penang
As the students at INTI International College Penang gathered in one of its classrooms, there was a palpable sense of nervous energy in the air. They were here to attend a public speaking workshop named, “Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Speak!”, conducted by the facilitator, who is also a lecturer from the Center for American Education, Dr. Calvin Cheah. For many of them, the prospect of speaking in front of a group was daunting.
The facilitator took the stage and began the workshop by introducing an interesting concept of public speaking, its objectives, and learning outcomes. He emphasized the importance and existence of nervousness, the unavoidable fear behind every performer who takes the front stage, and tips on coping with nervousness and turning it into positive energy for maximum impact.
As the workshop progressed, the participants were given opportunities to practice their skills in a supportive environment. They were divided into small groups and given impromptu speaking prompts, forcing them to think on their feet and speak off the cuff. They also had the chance to deliver prepared speeches, receiving constructive feedback from both facilitator and their peers.
Throughout the workshop, the facilitator stressed the importance of confidence and authenticity in public speaking. He encouraged the participants to speak from the heart, to share their stories and experiences, and to connect with their audience on a personal level.
As the day drew to a close, the participants had a newfound sense of confidence in their ability to speak in public. They had learned valuable skills and received personalized feedback, and many felt a sense of empowerment that they could carry with them into future speaking engagements. The workshop had been a resounding success. It provided a safe and supportive environment for participants to develop their public speaking skills and benefited them by giving them the tools they needed to speak with confidence and authenticity. For many, it was the start of a new chapter in their personal and professional lives, one where they could speak up and be heard and never again afraid of the Big Bad Wolf!