Are Great Public Speakers Born or Made?
By Ms. Teresia Muia
Can a great public speaker be created through training, or are some people simply born with the gift?
This question sparked one of the most thought-provoking sessions of the five-day intensive Public Speaking Training Programme facilitated by the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) for Dominican brothers preparing for ministry.
While many participants argued that great speakers are made through training, practice, coaching, and experience, others believed that some people possess a natural gift for public speaking that only needs minimal nurturing. A few maintained that despite training and exposure, not everyone will become an exceptional public communicator.
Beyond the debate, participants explored The Architecture of Persuasion, a framework that examines what makes communication truly effective. Through discussions and practical exercises, they reflected on the three pillars of persuasion: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. They learned that successful public speakers earn trust through Ethos, connect with audiences through Pathos, and persuade through sound reasoning in Logos. Together, these three elements form the foundation of effective public communication.
Describing the experience as both fun and productive, the brothers appreciated the opportunity to sharpen their communication skills through presentations, simulations, discussions, and peer feedback.
As the programme concluded, the question remained unanswered: Are great public speakers born or made? Yet one lesson stood out; effective communication is a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened. For those preparing to serve and lead others, the journey toward becoming a persuasive and trustworthy communicator never truly ends.