Muka Chisaka’s Guide to Confidence and Storytelling on Stage at Yale Africa Innovation Symposium

Public speaking is often cited as one of the greatest fears among professionals, yet it remains an essential skill for leadership, influence, and career advancement. At the YaleAfricaInnovationSymposium (YAIS), Muka Chisaka, Miss Zambia International and Consultant, shared her expert insights on how to command the stage with confidence and connect with audiences through storytelling.

During a panel discussion moderated by The Voice of Africa’s CEO, Kadmiel Van Der Puije, Muka broke down the mental, emotional, and practical techniques that help speakers overcome stage fright. She emphasized that confidence does not begin when a speaker steps onto the stage—it starts long before that moment, through preparation and mindset shifts.

“For many people, the fear of public speaking comes from the uncertainty of how they will be perceived,” Muka explained. “But confidence is built in private moments before the public performance.”

To manage nerves, Muka shared a few powerful techniques:

• Visualization: She encouraged speakers to mentally rehearse their success, imagining themselves speaking with ease and receiving a positive response.
• Breathing Exercises: Controlled breathing reduces anxiety and helps maintain composure, especially in high-pressure moments.
• Mindset Shift: Rather than seeing the audience as critics, Muka advised speakers to view them as supporters eager to hear their message.

However, confidence alone is not enough—the ability to tell compelling stories is what truly captivates an audience. “People don’t remember every fact or statistic you throw at them,” Muka noted. “But they will always remember a powerful story.”

She outlined key storytelling techniques that elevate a speech:

1. Use Personal Experiences – Stories rooted in personal experiences make messages authentic and relatable.
2. Engage Emotionally – Whether through humor, suspense, or vulnerability, emotions make a message stick.
3. Have a Clear Message – Every story should serve a purpose—whether to inspire, inform, or persuade.

Muka’s insights resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom are young professionals and entrepreneurs looking to hone their public speaking skills for leadership and career growth. Her advice extended beyond the stage, reinforcing that confidence and storytelling are vital tools for success in business, media, and advocacy.

Through impactful discussions like this, The Voice of Africa continues to amplify voices that inspire, educate, and transform African leadership on the global stage.