Public Speaking is the Biggest Challenge of All

On Friday I had the pleasure of attending an event at the impressive new Ulster University Belfast campus. The aim of the event was to promote ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’, which is a new community for members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in the early stages of their construction careers. In total there were seven speakers, but two in particular caught my attention:

1. Katherine Dobbin, who works for Constructionline, introduced the attendees to the concept of Tomorrow’s Leaders and gave an overview of the aims and objectives of the community including how it helps in creating a path towards becoming chartered.

2. Ronan O'Neill, who works for Dublin-based Walls Construction, gave an inspiring presentation centred on how he embraced the construction industry at a young age and forged a career.

The event reminded me that public speaking is such an important skill. Standing at a podium looking at 50 faces ranging from students to construction industry bosses is difficult. I too was in their shoes at one stage. I remember reading in a personal development book that public speaking is the most intimidating thing in the world. I fully believe that. I worked at it for years and took on every opportunity to do public speaking to help improve. Each time I knew I had to present, I practised and practised for weeks in advance. I remember when I became Chair of the CIOB Belfast Hub committee in 2016, I started drafting my speech for the follow-on annual dinner event six months in advance. I knew I would be standing in front of 200 people at a formal dinner, so I needed to get it right. The night went well and to this day nobody knew that I drafted a speech, critiqued it many times, and presented to a mirror in the bathroom once per week for six months.

I went home from the event on Friday admiring both Katherine and Ronan for each accepting the invite to present. Their confidence and presenting style will only continue to improve as their careers progress. Credit to David Bolton from Farrans too; David is the current CIOB Construction Manager of the Year for Ireland and presented on how he project-managed a major extension at Altnagelvin Hospital.

It takes time to form a public speaking style. Mine is ‘relaxed but professional’, although everyone’s style is different. Public speaking is a skill that can be developed with time but cannot be taught. Well done to Katherine and Ronan, as well as David, for stepping forward as prime examples of Tomorrow’s Leaders.