The Power of Public Speaking - Maia Marabotto

The Power of Public Speaking

Maia Marabotto

    Public Speaking is one of the most valuable skills we can develop. It's not just about standing in front of an audience and delivering a memorized set of lines. It goes much more deeper than that.  It's about learning to connect with other human beings, to express an idea clearly, to inspire confidence, and to influence others in a way that makes life easier and more meaningful. In fact, when we look at history, many of the most transformative figures, leaders, activists, and teachers achieved their impact not only through their ideas but through their ability to express them persuasively. Communication is what opened doors for them, and it's the same tool that can open doors for us. 

    At first, classes in public speaking might feel like an "extra", something outside our direct field of study. For example, a business student might think, " I'm here to study finance, why should I care about presenting in front of people?" or a science major might assume that their work speaks for itself... but in reality, these classes are not "extra" at all, they are foundational. Every career, regardless of field, involves moments when communication makes the difference between being understood or being overlooked, between inspiring trust or leaving doubts. 

    Even something as simple as practicing in front of classmates, inside a safe space and supportive environment, is powerful training. It might seem small, even insignificant and sometimes ridiculous - especially when you are doing a Zoom class- but the kind of practice builds habits, muscles, and confidence - something that must of us lack.  Laterwhen we find ourselves pitching to a boss presenting a project, or speaking in front of a crowd, the ability to communicate with confidence becomes priceless. 

    What I struggle to understand is how some people waste the opportunity to practice. They show up physically but not mentally; they attend to class but then don't really give themselves the chance to step into the challenge.  Instead of embracing the discomfort and growing from it, they hide behind the screen,  just reading off the slides and repeating without intention or emotion.  And I'm not an expert on public speaking, specially with the language as a barrier. But come on, at least I fake it till I make it.  Slides are meant to support you, not replace you. The growth only comes when you put in effort, risk mistakes, and actually try.

 The other day, during class,  our teacher asked us to share feedback after a round of presentations. I had to bite my tongue. Of course, I didn't want to embarrass classmates or make enemies.  We are not used to being brutally honest during classes. But what I really wanted to say was "stop reading slides! stop hiding" or even "I can tell that answer came straight from ChatGPT, at least make the effort of rephrasing."  And that wasn't about being mean. It was about caring. If no one tells us the truth, how can we improve? But again, I don't want to be hated by my classmates. It would be super nice to normalize the idea of constructive criticism.

    It feels like every new tool that comes along just makes people lazier. Artificial Intelligence, templates, pre-made scripts, and even endless cheating websites made by students for students with answers for quizzes and tests.  Where is the effort? Where is the passion?  Too often, it feels like people are just going through the motions, clicking through slides, not even memorizing, but reading poorly and effortlessly. Guys, please, at the very least,  look live- bring some energy, some presence. 

Public Speaking is not about perfection - it's about connection. The audience does not want a robot; they want authenticity. They want to feel that you care about what you are saying. If not, why are we here listening to you? Why should I care, if not even you are making an effort to make me interested? I mean, for me is such an effort to come to class, not only on time, but in money as well. I don't come here to waste my time, I come here to learn, improve, and fight for a brighter future. I get so upset when these things happen in class, and I'm happy that we get to write a journal on it, because I feel this is a way to express and let go of what I really think that happened during a week of presentations. We have to be really careful with these types of situations because once you set a bar of expectations, it's so hard to level up; it's like contagious. Once you see the level of effort of your classmates, you end up imitating. Why should I  put more effort than anyone else? Maybe for self-respect or self-improvement.  Sorry if I come off rude, maybe I got too excited. 1000 words? Here they are my brutal honesty 1000 words. 

    As Daisaku Ikeda once said :

"A firm determination is crucial. Without determination, one is defeated before the battle has begun." 

(The Human Revolution, Vol. 24. "Beacon"Chapter)

    This applies directly to Public speaking. Determination is the invisible foundation. Without it, the words fall apart. But when determination is present, every word carries power.

    Passion, effort, and determination are what truly set people apart. Public speaking is just a tool where we can demonstrate these qualities. And you can apply this tool to every aspect of your life. Think about a job interview, how much difference you can make if you dominate the skills of public speaking. A person who communicates with sincerity and energy often stands out more than one with a perfect resume but no voice. Think about leadership, the leader who can inspire with words - and actions- earns trust, while the leader who cannot communicate struggles to move people forward.

    So the next time we stand up in front of people- whether is during class or in a meeting- I hope my classmates to remember: this is not just for a grade. It is about building a skill that will serve us for life. Speak with effort, speak with passion, speak with determination. because when you do, you can change someone else's life, you can be the motor of change for someone, you can inspire, you leave your footprints.