Public Speaking: Nigerian Style

The #1 Rule in Nigerian Oration is: Brevity is not admired; the more you talk the more seriously everyone will take you.

Use these little pointers to help.

‘In my own little understanding, from what little knowledge I have’ is a sound opener to a long, meandering speech.

‘In short’
This is not literal. This is a good reiteration tool. Use it so that you can repeat everything you just said over the last hour and add a few totally new points.

‘What I mean to say is’.
This phrase-linker has the same function as ‘In short’. They are not mutually exclusive.Use them both to add valuable length to the speech.

Be vague.
Give many hazy clues as to what you are hinting at, so that people can either interpret it as they like, and therefore think you are a good speaker, or get so confused that they think you really must be an expert in some pretty complicated stuff.

‘In conclusion…’
Do not be misled by this phrase. It is not a wrap up of what has been discussed but an opportunity to open up a few more points.

‘Are there any questions?’
Time for questions is viewed by the audience as a chance to air their own views on the subject. Those that want to say their piece can often begin, ‘In my own little understanding, from what knowledge I have gained through your explanation, it is my belief that….’. After thirty minutes the next person will stand, ‘As he has just stated…..’.
No questions will be asked of the original speaker in order to avoid showing that the speech was unclear or the message misunderstood.