Cambodia/Public Speaking Workshop: a step towards Francophone employability in Cambodia

On March 20, 2025, the Royal University of Phnom Penh hosted a workshop dedicated to public speaking, led by Dr. Stéphane-Laure Caubet, an international expert in management, recruitment and legal advice. The event brought together some 30 students and teachers from member institutions of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), including the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the Royal University of Fine Arts, and the National Institute of Education.

Public speaking is often dreaded, with nearly 75% of the population suffering from glossophobia, the fear of speaking in front of an audience. During this workshop, Dr. Caubet shared practical tips to strengthen participants' oratory skills, while delving deeper into the fundamentals of eloquence.

Eloquence, often defined as the art of speaking with ease and persuasiveness, enables us not only to convey ideas, but also to touch the audience's emotions. Whether seducing an audience or defending arguments, eloquence relies on the ability to make speeches engaging.

"Establishing credibility is essential to persuasion. It starts with confidence in yourself and your message," emphasized Dr. Caubet. She also stressed the importance of adapting to your audience while remaining true to yourself, using accessible vocabulary without compromising the rigor of your message.

This workshop is part of a series of activities designed to promote the employability of young French speakers in Cambodia. Organized by the Centre d'Employabilité Francophone (CEF) in Phnom Penh, it is the fifth workshop to be held this year. Dr. Caubet expressed his satisfaction after this enriching experience: "It was a real pleasure to share my expertise with bright and ambitious students. Thank you to the university and AUF-Cambodia for hosting the workshop, and to the students for their enthusiasm and participation! ".

To become an effective speaker, it's crucial to combine content, enthusiasm, presence and authenticity. Public speaking takes time and practice, but with the right strategies, everyone can improve their eloquence and get their message across with impact. By applying these tips, participants will be better equipped to captivate their audiences and make their voices heard in an increasingly competitive world.

source: www.auf.org/nouvelles/