Hykie Berg

In conversation with Hyie Berg (Award-winning actor, speaker & entrepreneur)

Actor, Hykie Berg releases New Book ‘Geroep vir Meer’: https://youtu.be/DCf4351vXWM?si=r9Dvm0UmO89vnfrR

The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum is more than just an initiative – it’s a call to action. Technology is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, yet the voices driving these changes often come from the “Global North.” It’s time for Africa to rise, to lead, and to share its own story. Join us here: https://forms.gle/9i71dKWxAPdjRCfA8

The main points from our conversation:

Find Your Message and Purpose – Speaking isn’t about being born talented; it’s about having a meaningful message. Identify what drives you and what value you can offer others. Your personal journey can be your most powerful tool.

Overcome Fear Through Practice – Confidence isn’t innate but developed through experience. Every great speaker has faced fear, but consistent practice, starting with small audiences, helps build skill and assurance.

Start Where You Are – Use social media, join speaking groups (like Toastmasters), or start sharing your story in community spaces such as churches. Speaking opportunities grow as you refine your craft.

Authenticity and Passion Matter – People connect with real, heartfelt stories. Speaking from the heart, rather than relying heavily on notes, helps build a genuine connection with your audience.

Keep Learning and Growing – Watch TED Talks, take courses, seek mentorship, and never stop improving. Even experienced speakers refine their skills to enhance their impact.

About our conversation:

Public speaking is a skill that many admire but few truly master. Whether you are an aspiring speaker or a seasoned professional, the journey to becoming an impactful communicator is one of continuous learning and self-discovery. In a recent conversation with Johan Steyn for The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum, award-winning author and speaker Hykie Berg shared invaluable insights into his own speaking journey. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of sharing one's truth. Here are some key takeaways that can inspire and guide anyone looking to step into the world of public speaking.

1. Find Your Message and Purpose

Every great speaker starts with a message that resonates deeply within them. For Hykie, his experiences with addiction and recovery became the foundation of his speaking career. Rather than focusing solely on technical speaking skills, he emphasised the importance of having a strong purpose behind one’s words. Whether it is personal growth, leadership, or advocacy, a compelling message will naturally connect with an audience.

2. Overcoming Fear Through Practice

Many believe that great speakers are simply born with the ability to command a room, but Hykie debunked this myth. He recalled his early experiences with public speaking, including moments of extreme nervousness. His advice is simple: practice relentlessly. Confidence is built through repetition and experience. The more you speak, the more comfortable you become in front of an audience.

3. Start Where You Are

One of the biggest challenges for aspiring speakers is finding opportunities to practise. Hykie highlighted the importance of utilising available platforms, whether through social media, local events, or community gatherings. Many successful speakers, including Hykie himself, started by sharing their stories in small circles before moving on to larger audiences. Churches, corporate events, and networking groups such as Toastmasters provide excellent opportunities to develop one’s speaking ability.

4. Authenticity and Passion Matter

Audiences respond to authenticity. Hykie emphasised that speaking from the heart, rather than relying too heavily on prepared notes, makes a talk more engaging. He advised speakers to connect with their audience through shared experiences, particularly struggles and vulnerabilities. People relate more to real stories than to polished, scripted performances. Passion is what makes a speech memorable and impactful.

5. Continuous Learning and Growth

Even the best speakers never stop learning. Hykie recommended watching TED Talks, enrolling in public speaking courses, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. One of the most crucial aspects of growth is being open to feedback and refining one’s message over time. He stressed the importance of resilience, noting that failure is simply a stepping stone to improvement.

Conclusion

Public speaking is not about perfection but about connection. Hykie Berg’s journey demonstrates that anyone can develop the confidence and skill to inspire others. By finding your message, embracing practice, starting small, speaking with authenticity, and continually learning, you can become an impactful speaker. Your voice matters—use it to make a difference.