How ALG’s public speaking class built my self-confidence

Editor’s note: This article was written by Daphne Stevens, a graduate of ALG’s Public Speak Class Chort 12. Daphne was born to teenage parents in the small southern town of Elaine, Arkansas. Her father joined the United States Air Force to provide a better life for his new bride and daughter. Because of her father’s profession, her family traveled the world throughout her formative years, and she eventually graduated high school in Okinawa, Japan. Daphne has been a school teacher for more than 25 years.

I came to the African Leadership Group with the intention of spending quality time with my husband and son. 

I didn’t join the group expecting to find out I could do hard things. 

I didn’t join the group expecting to find out I could speak my truth in a room full of people I didn’t know. 

I didn’t join the group expecting to find out that my voice matters.

Before I joined the ALG family, I would describe myself as introverted. I now describe myself as thoughtful, contemplative even, but definitely not introverted! Those are words I would allow others to use to describe me because I didn’t know better. I saw myself through the eyes of others.

My ALG journey began in November 2022 and during that time, I have learned about myself as a public speaker, a teacher, a wife, a mother, and about myself in many other aspects of my identity. 

It is with the support of my ALG family that I can confidently enter a room and give a public speech about any subject within reason. How do I know that? I know this because I engage in public speaking on a daily basis and something has always been missing for me in my execution.

It was through the support of my ALG family that I came to articulate what was missing in my delivery. It was my voice! It was fear of public speaking! 

My ALG family has been one of the greatest support systems I have had and one of the toughest critics. They tell me when I am on track and provide advice on my next steps out of a place of love and commitment.

If you are looking to use your voice and are on a journey to personal growth, I highly encourage you to join ALG’s Public Speaking Class and the ALG Leadership Cohort.

Click here to register for the next public speaking class cohort.