Public Speaking Training for Youth

Collaboration between Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta and the Youth Commission of GKJ Panggang, Gunungkidul.

"How can I overcome my nervousness?"

"I lose confidence when many people are watching me."

"I blank out when I’m in front of an audience."

These heartfelt confessions emerged during a Public Speaking training session at GKJ Panggang, highlighting the challenges faced by youth when speaking in front of a forum. It's undeniable—standing before an audience can be intimidating, and many people shy away from it entirely. Yet, the ability to speak confidently in public is not beyond reach. With a willingness to learn and consistent practice, anyone, including youth, can develop this valuable skill.

The Youth Commission of GKJ Panggang, Gunungkidul, partnered with Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta to organize a

The Youth Commission of GKJ Panggang, Gunungkidul, partnered with Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta to organize a Public Speaking Training for youth. This event, held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at GKJ Panggang Church, carried the theme "Come on, Youth, Let’s Speak!" The training aimed to empower teenagers to confidently express themselves, offering simple yet effective tips for public speaking. Participants engaged in activities such as presentation practice, event hosting, promotion techniques, and more, fostering their communication skills in a supportive environment.

I was filled with enthusiasm as I joined the youth of GKJ Panggang for their training session, which began with the engaging role-play activity, "If I Were...". In this exercise, participants assumed the role of an agent or actor promoting a specific topic, such as self-promotion, the benefits of the youth commission, or the potential of Gunungkidul regency. Each participant showcased their performance, focusing on critical aspects like self-confidence, verbal creativity, pronunciation, body language, and expression, making this an excellent platform for honing their public speaking skills.

The Youth Commission of GKJ Panggang, Gunungkidul, partnered with Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta to organize a Public Speaking Training for youth. This event, held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at GKJ Panggang Church, carried the theme "Come on, Youth, Let’s Speak!" The training aimed to empower teenagers to confidently express themselves, offering simple yet effective tips for public speaking. Participants engaged in activities such as presentation practice, event hosting, promotion techniques, and more, fostering their communication skills in a supportive environment.

During the session, participants gained valuable insights to enhance their public speaking abilities. First, they learned to overcome nervousness by thoroughly understanding the event’s context, including the type of event, the audience, as well as the time and venue. Second, they discovered strategies to prevent blanking out or losing focus, such as mastering their material, using effective presentation media and tools, and preparing for unforeseen circumstances like power outages or equipment malfunctions by having backup materials in multiple formats—PowerPoint, PDF, printed documents, cue cards, or email storage. Lastly, participants explored ways to build self-confidence by selecting appropriate attire, crafting engaging opening remarks, and practicing their performance beforehand, including using audio-visual recordings to identify areas for improvement.

From this moment forward, the youth of GKJ Panggang are determined to apply their newfound experiences in both church service activities and their school environments. Come on, youth, let’s speak up! Channel your skills into meaningful service and make a difference! *