Mastering the ability to speak in public and effectively convey ideas helps individuals succeed academically and professionally. In the soft skill training titled “Speak Confidently to Achieve: Presentation Skill,” communication practitioner Siwi Lungit shared her insights and experiences on how to build confidence in public speaking. The training took place on Friday–Saturday, May 16–17, 2025, at the 8th Floor Learning Center Auditorium, FEB UGM.
In the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) session, Siwi emphasized that public speaking is an essential skill in everyday life. This skill plays a significant role in building strong verbal and non-verbal communication.
“Speaking in public is crucial to increasing self-confidence and leadership skills. A strong presentation can strengthen personal growth and strengthen personal and organizational image,” she explained.
Siwi also explained Dr. Albert Mehrabian’s Communication Theory, which is the basis of public speaking, namely visual, voice, and verbal (3V), with the rules of 7%, 38%, and 55%. This rule refers to the percentage distribution of each element of public speaking. Audiences only judge about 7 percent of the content delivered verbally, 38 percent of the tone and intonation of the voice, and 55 percent of the visual appearance. Visuals have great power in successful public speaking.
In this session, Siwi guided participants through essential principles to consider when delivering an effective presentation.
“A good speaker understands their roles and responsibilities and recognizes the audience they are speaking to. In addition, mastering the material is crucial, and engaging visual aids can help strengthen the message,” she added.
Equally important, strengthening body language, paying attention to intonation and voice, and using facial expressions appropriately can maintain audience attention and enthusiasm during presentations. In addition, Siwi motivated the participants to keep practicing and remain confident when performing in public.
She emphasized that building confidence takes time and consistent practice.
“You can start by watching others present as references and grabbing every chance to speak in public, no matter how small the event is. By doing so, you’ll gradually overcome your fear and build confidence,” she concluded.
FEB UGM organized this soft skills training to help students develop the ability to express ideas clearly and confidently in various situations. With strong presentation skills, students can communicate persuasively, build positive connections, and confidently present themselves in academic and professional settings.
Reportage: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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