Many people, myself included, experience jitters when asked to speak in public, whether it’s in a professional setting or at a social function. While these situations may seem different, they actually require similar skills. For most of my life, I avoided public speaking, believing it was a gift or talent you were either born with or not. That’s why the public speaking masterclass I attended by happenstance was such an eye-opener for me. The Masterclass titled Becoming a Million Dollar Speaker was led by Maher Elusini, he eloquently explained the art of public speaking, offering a full description of how to begin, progress, and enjoy the journey without giving up. It emphasized the importance of storytelling, body posture, and eye contact, showing how these elements can transform a speech and help connect with an audience on a deeper level.
He introduced the AR.C acronym: A—acknowledging that fear and anxiety are normal; R—remembering that it’s okay to make mistakes; and C—calming yourself down. He provided practical examples on how to implement these strategies, making the abstract concepts more tangible and accessible.
My key takeaway from the masterclass is that public speaking is a skill that can be learned and refined. It’s not about being perfect but about being authentic and connecting with your audience. With the right mindset and tools, anyone can become a confident and effective speaker.