By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Many of us have felt a racing heartbeat and shaky breath before speaking in public, but this anxiety can be rechannelled into energy and confidence to take command of the podium.

This is the hope offered by Dr Sumartono Mulyodiharjo, head of the Department of Communication Science at Universitas Ekasakti in Pandang, Indonesia, during an online lecture. The lecture, titled “The power of public speaking: Turning anxiety into strength”, was hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Social Transformation research entity on 23 September 2025.

“Anxiety is not weakness,” said Dr Mulyodiharjo. “There are practical techniques that help us calm our nerves, like deep breathing. Deep breath assists with managing our emotion.”

The session addressed what makes public speaking impactful and how speakers can use emotional energy to their advantage. Rather than trying to eliminate nervousness, Dr Mulyodiharjo advised speakers to redirect it. “Instead of fighting anxiety, welcome it and redirect it. Transport the energy into enthusiasm and patience.”

The lecture further explored how communication extends beyond delivering information. Dr Mulyodiharjo explained that effective speaking is about connecting with others and shaping outcomes. “Public speaking is far more than standing in front of people and saying words out loud. It is about adjusting to the situation, understanding another person, sharing ideas and changing the situation.”

The lecture highlighted why mastering public speaking matters: it enables individuals to influence conversations, build relationships and create change in professional and personal settings. Dr Mulyodiharjo stressed that every speaking opportunity is a chance to foster understanding and transformation.

“Public speaking gives you the power to shape how people think and feel,” he noted. “When you use anxiety as energy, you speak with more presence and purpose.”

The lecture’s key takeaway: anxiety is not a barrier to communication but a tool that, when managed and channelled, can strengthen a speaker’s message and impact.

Dr Sumartono Mulyodiharjo, head of the Department of Communication Science at Universitas Ekasakti in Pandang, Indonesia