On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, aspiring changemakers gathered at the Fearless & Fluent: Public Speaking & Media Training Workshop, an initiative of the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), under its Emerging Female Leaders Programme, and proudly sponsored by Community First Co-operative Credit Union.

This high-impact session provided participants with the practical tools and real-world insight needed to elevate their public speaking, media engagement, and leadership communication skills.

The day opened with inspiring remarks from Mr. Jamie Sunders, Executive Director of the DoGA, with a call for authenticity and courage in communication, encouraging participants to step into their voice and use it for impact. He also underscored the role of effective communication in shaping public discourse and advancing gender equity.

This was followed by remarks from Jime Hunte, Marketing and Business Development Officer at Community First Co-operative Credit Union, who emphasized the Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth and women’s leadership.

Facilitator Angelica O’Donoghue, a seasoned journalist and media trainer, set the tone early by asking participants to present their ‘elevator’ pitches. This exercise challenged attendees to clearly articulate:

• Who they are and their professional role

• Their cause or mission and why it matters

• Their target audience and the impact they aim to make

• Their overarching goal or call to action

The exercise was not just about speaking; it was about owning your story and projecting confidence. Ms. O’Donoghue encouraged attendees to ditch the apologies and own the stage, reminding everyone that “The art of communication is the language of leadership” (James Humes).

Drawing on her media experience, Ms. O’Donoghue introduced the group to 12 key principles of effective communication, focusing particularly on the top three:

1. Clarity – Say exactly what you mean. Avoid jargon, speak plainly, and be intentional.

2. Structure – Like a story, every good speech has a beginning, middle, and end. Your audience should never feel lost.

3. Audience Awareness – Know who you’re speaking to. Consider their age, culture, values, and expectations. As Ms. O’Donoghue explained, “knowing your audience isn’t just polite, it’s strategic.”

She also touched on the importance of non-verbal communication, noting that the human face is capable of over 250,000 expressions, and “the eyes have been called the windows to the soul.” When presenting, your tone, posture, and facial expressions speak as loudly as your words.

The workshop also explored how communication is evolving in today’s media landscape. In Antigua and Barbuda, Facebook remains the most used platform, followed by Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat. Ms. O’Donoghue noted that while traditional media like radio, newspapers, and television still hold weight, especially during crises or for official information, social media is crucial for real-time communication and personal branding.

Attendees were split into groups and challenged with real-world scenarios, from writing and delivering a press release to conducting a mock media interview. Individual assignments included giving a wedding toast, delivering a tribute, or making opening remarks at a ceremony, each delivered in front of the class. The variety of tasks ensured that everyone had a chance to speak in front of an audience, confront nerves, and receive feedback. Ms. O’Donoghue emphasized the importance of preparation and authenticity over perfection, urging participants to embrace their nerves and connect genuinely with their audience.

In the end, Ms. O’Donoghue left participants with a quote: “Always let your voice be heard,” and perhaps the most memorable reminder of all: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou)

With continued support from initiatives like the Emerging Female Leaders Programme, Antigua and Barbuda can look forward to a generation of bold, articulate, and fearless female leaders ready to take the mic and the moment.