Youth urged to polish their communication

Due to the high levels of unemployment in Uganda, Dr Christine Nabiryo, the Division Fabulous Director in charge of Toast trustees in Uganda has urged youth to find a way to polish their communication skills.

Nabiryo said effective communication goes beyond public speaking.

She said she wants to see every corporate in Uganda polished up in terms of their corporate agenda by having effective communication and leadership skills.

“If you cannot sell yourself, then there is a problem. I have attended many interview panels for people that wanted a job. But, when they are before the panel, they freeze and fail to speak,” disclosed Nabiryo.

Addressing journalists during the virtual division speech competitions held at Forest Cottages in Bukoto on Saturday, Nabiryo said that if you cannot sell your product, nobody will buy it.

Toastmasters International is an education programme that helps people to learn how to communicate and also speak in public. Members are trained to speak through different competetions.

"Effective communication is key in these unprecedented times. With all these high levels of unemployment, if you cannot sell yourself, you will be at a loss," Nabiryo said.

While giving a keynote address, Eric Murlithi, the Division B director in District 114 advised youth to do what they are passionate about with the right attitude. Adding that they can strive irrespective of where they are coming from.

“Understand that excellence is an attitude. Since you are a brand, always deliver extraordinary service and keep developing yourself through continuous learning,” Murlithi advised the youths.

At the climax of the competition, Patricia Nanteza, the program quality associate, Division F in district 114, said out of the 12 contestants who participated in the international speech, tales speech, speech evaluation and table topics, only four emerged the winners.

According to Nanteza, the winners are going to represent Uganda at district level in Mombasa in May this year. If they succeed, they stand a chance to participate in the World International Contest which will be held early next year.

During announcement of the awards for public speaking, Harriet Ocitti emerged the winner. In a tell-tale speech, Paul Kavuma was the winner, speech evaluation, Doreen Baingana was the winner and Table topics, Ann Tasamba emerged the winner.

Paul Kavuma, one of the winners, stated that speech contests help an individual to plan for life. If you learn how to build a network, it is a skill that you can translate in other spheres of your life.