Jack Devnarain

In conversation with Jack Devnarain (Award-winning actor, Chair: South African Guild of Actors)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-devnarain-6593b2159/

Web site: https://www.jackdevnarain.co.za

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The main points from our conversation:

Confidence and Passion Matter More Than Perfection: Audiences connect with authenticity and enthusiasm rather than flawless presentations or technical perfection. Speak about what you are passionate about, and your energy will resonate.
Listening is a Superpower: Effective communication starts with active listening. Engaging with different perspectives and learning before speaking makes your message richer and more articulate.
It’s Okay to Say ‘I Don’t Know’: Confidence includes humility. If you don’t know something, admit it rather than faking authority. People respect honesty and transparency.
Young and Underrepresented Voices Must Speak Up: Women and young professionals, particularly in Africa, need to claim their space in public speaking. Their insights and perspectives are valuable and necessary.
Be Aware of Your Rights as a Speaker: In the digital age, speakers need to understand their intellectual property rights, especially regarding recorded content and AI-generated deepfakes.

About our conversation:

The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum is committed to empowering African professionals to share their insights confidently. In a recent conversation, Johan Steyn spoke with seasoned actor and speaker Jack Devnarain about the art of public speaking, confidence, and the power of storytelling. Their discussion offered invaluable lessons for aspiring speakers, particularly young professionals and women looking to make an impact.

The Power of Storytelling

Jack Devnarain, an accomplished actor and chair of the South African Guild of Actors, emphasised the importance of storytelling in public speaking. He explained that whether on stage, in business, or at a conference, storytelling is an essential tool for connecting with an audience. People relate to narratives, and effective speakers use personal experiences to bring their messages to life. His journey from law enforcement to acting demonstrates how diverse life experiences enrich one’s ability to communicate persuasively.

Confidence and Authenticity

A key takeaway from the discussion was that confidence plays a crucial role in effective speaking. However, confidence does not mean knowing everything—it means believing in your message. Many aspiring speakers hesitate due to fear of making mistakes, but Jack highlighted that audiences value authenticity over perfection. Passion is contagious; when speakers genuinely believe in their subject, their audience engages more deeply.

He stressed that humility enhances credibility. A speaker does not need to have all the answers. Admitting when one does not know something fosters trust and respect. This is particularly relevant in Q&A sessions, where acknowledging a knowledge gap and inviting discussion can make a speaker more relatable.

Overcoming Barriers to Speaking

Cultural and societal norms have often discouraged young women from speaking up in professional settings. Jack addressed this issue, noting that women’s voices have historically been sidelined. He urged female professionals to claim their rightful place in the public sphere. Their perspectives are not only valuable but also necessary for shaping a more inclusive discourse in technology and business.

For those struggling with nerves, Jack advised focusing on the message rather than the fear of judgement. Nervousness often stems from self-consciousness, but shifting focus to the importance of the topic can help speakers present with greater confidence.

The Importance of Active Listening

One of the most insightful points Jack shared was the value of listening. Many speakers focus too much on what they want to say rather than engaging with different perspectives. He advised young professionals to absorb a broad range of ideas, as this enriches their own messaging. A well-rounded speaker listens more than they talk, ensuring that when they do speak, their insights are well-informed and impactful.

Knowing Your Rights as a Speaker

In an era of artificial intelligence and digital content, speakers must be aware of their intellectual property rights. Jack highlighted the risks posed by deepfake technology, where voices and images can be used without consent. He urged speakers to be vigilant about how their recorded content is used and to advocate for better protection of their personal and professional rights.

Conclusion

Public speaking is a powerful tool for change, and Africa’s voices deserve to be heard. As Jack Devnarain demonstrated, confidence, authenticity, active listening, and knowledge of one’s rights are fundamental to becoming an impactful speaker. By embracing these principles, aspiring speakers can amplify their voices and contribute meaningfully to the global conversation.