Ugandans are poor public speakers - Bitature
Sep 12, 2014
The board chairman of Umeme, Patrick Bitature, raps Ugandans for being poor public speakers, saying the locals’ style of speaking is unattractive.
By Francis Emorut
KAMPALA - The board chairman of energy distribution network company Umeme, Patrick Bitature, has rapped Ugandans for being poor public speakers, saying the locals’ style of addressing audiences is unattractive.
Despite Uganda being ranked high as a tourist destination, Bitature maintains that Ugandans still fall short in communication skills.
“Ugandans can’t speak in a manner that attracts tourists. Learn to communicate effectively and not to be timid,” he said this week in Kampala.
While speaking during a Kampala ToastMasters Club meeting at Protea Hotel, the Umeme boss pointed out that while addressing a particular audience, many Ugandans like rumbling on and on without effectively getting to the point right away.
That, he said, normally makes audiences lose interest, yet it is critical to attract and hold their attention.
In fact, Bitature said further, such poor public speaking art is detrimental in attracting tourists in the country especially in high-level meetings.
“When you are selling a product you have to speak in a fluent manner.”
He also criticized Ugandans for a “heavy accent”, saying their neighbouring counterparts, the Kenyans, are now overtaking them after polishing their accent.
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Bitature handing over a certificate to the president of Kampala ToastMasters Club. PHOTO/Francis Emorut
Bitature handing over a certificate to the president of Kampala ToastMasters Club. PHOTO/Francis Emorut
The meeting was aimed at equipping participants with leadership and communication skills and drew lawyers, ICT experts, academicians and others.
Nahabi Wandera, an ICT expert based in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, emphasized the need to equip leaders with communication skills so that they are able to carry a vision to improve the lives of society.
“Once you have competent leaders who can express themselves clearly, then they are able to carry forward a vision to better the lives of society,” he said.
Norah Matovu Winyi, the president of Kampala ToastMasters Club, echoed the need for training Ugandans in the art of public speaking.
She said the Club offers members access to a wealth of education materials and resources on public speaking, listening skills, meeting protocol, the use of technology in presentations and effective communication in conferences and meetings.