25-05-2025
Kaamatan and public speaking
The columnist with the finalists of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan National Level 2024 after their session on public speaking skills.
Kaamatan 2025 is now in full swing across Sabah, marked by festive joy, cultural pride and a strong sense of community. Among the most anticipated highlights of the celebration is the iconic Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant.
The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant is much more than a beauty contest; it is a cultural and spiritual tribute rooted in the sacred story of Huminodun, the daughter of Kinoingan, the creator deity of the Kadazan and Dusun people. According to tradition, Huminodun sacrificed herself to save humanity from starvation. The Unduk Ngadau represents her spirit of selflessness, resilience and grace.
In the past, an Unduk Ngadau contestant was primarily expected to appear resplendent on stage to reflect the poise and dignity of Huminodun. However, expectations have since evolved. Today, contestants are required not only to embody elegance but also to articulate their thoughts with clarity, to demonstrate intelligence and confidence, and to express a deep understanding of their language, culture and traditions.
These evolving expectations bring public speaking to the forefront; skills that go far beyond the traditional question-and-answer (Q&A) segment. Contrary to popular belief, public speaking is not limited to verbal responses. A contestant well-versed in these skills will radiate quiet confidence, authenticity and presence both on and off the stage. Confidence reveals itself not only through speech but also through facial expressions, posture and body language.
This year, 51 finalists will compete on the grand stage at Hongkod Koisaan on 31 May, before an audience of over 7,000 spectators, both in person and online. As a former judge of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant at both district and state levels, I have often observed contestants struggle to express themselves with confidence. This shortcoming is rarely owing to a lack of beauty or cultural knowledge but more often a result of inadequate preparation in effective communication. I have seen many contestants who had the potential to win the crown or at least secure a higher placement fall short simply because of their limited public speaking skills.
Drawing from my experience as a Toastmaster and public speaking coach, I wish to offer essential tips to guide all contestants, including other aspiring pageant candidates, in approaching both the Q&A segment and their overall presentation with greater confidence and poise:
Start early with language preparation
The Unduk Ngadau is a cultural contest deeply rooted in the Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) heritage. Contestants are expected to demonstrate a natural and workable command of their mother tongues. This ability cannot be achieved through last-minute memorisation. Judges can easily tell when a contestant is reciting a rehearsed script versus speaking with genuine fluency.
Develop clarity of thought
Train yourself to think clearly and concisely. When answering a question, identify your main point and support it with one or two relevant insights or examples.
Practise with feedback
Practise regularly and sufficiently. Practise in front of friends, family or a coach who can provide honest feedback. Avoid just rehearsing the content; also practise your tone, gestures, expressions, and timing.
Avoid memorising; internalise instead
Rather than memorising your speech word-for-word, understand the essence of what you wish to say. Speak naturally and sincerely from the heart.
Know your audience
Understand whom you are speaking to, their background, interests and expectations. This understanding will help you tailor your message, language, tone and examples for maximum impact. For the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, the audience expects contestants to demonstrate knowledge of their culture, traditions and mother tongues.
Know your subject
Being well-informed builds confidence and credibility. Do your research, anticipate potential questions and stay updated on relevant topics.
Be prepared
Rehearse your speech multiple times. Familiarity with your material reduces nervousness, improves fluency and allows you to focus on delivery rather than memorisation.
Check yourself for distractions
Ensure your attire is comfortable and appropriate. Avoid distracting jewellery, exaggerated movements or habits that divert attention from your message.
Know how to handle equipment in the audience's presence
Test the microphone by gently tapping it. If the stand is too high or too low, remove the microphone and hold it in your hand confidently.
Smile at everyone
A warm smile sets a positive tone, makes you appear approachable and creates a welcoming atmosphere. It also helps calm your nerves.
Establish eye contact immediately
Scan the room and make eye contact with individuals in the audience. This builds trust and connection while keeping them engaged.
Display the right posture
Stand upright with a relaxed yet confident stance. Avoid slouching or stiffening. Good posture reflects confidence and presence.
Know what to do with your hands
Use natural, intentional gestures to highlight key points. Avoid crossing your arms, hiding your hands or using excessive gestures that distract. When at rest, place your hands on your sides or on top of your waist, but not clasp together at the crotch.
Avoid starting with pause fillers
Begin confidently. Avoid opening with pause fillers such as 'uh,' 'um' or 'okay.' Start with a strong statement, story, or question to capture attention. Replace filler words or sounds with brief pauses. Silence, when used effectively, adds power and presence.
Use a clear, audible and confident voice
Speak loudly enough to be heard clearly, without shouting. Enunciate your words and maintain a confident tone.
Use vocal variety
Avoid speaking in a monotone. Vary your pitch, pace and volume to reflect the emotion and importance of your message. This act keeps the audience interested.
Ensure correct grammar and pronunciation
Good language use adds to your credibility. Mispronunciations or grammatical errors can distract from your message.
Use humour, if appropriate
A well-placed, tasteful joke or light moment can make you more relatable and help put the audience at ease. Use humour sparingly and naturally.
Share personal experiences
Stories help audiences connect with you. Personal examples humanise your message and make it more memorable.
Avoid apologising
Avoid phrases like 'Sorry, I'm not prepared' or 'I'm nervous.' These phrases undermine your confidence. Focus instead on delivering your best and maintaining composure.
Take a deep breath (from the diaphragm)
Diaphragmatic breathing calms nerves and supports a stronger voice. Before speaking, take a few deep breaths to centre yourself. For the purpose of the contest, a contestant is expected to speak spontaneously. When speaking without preparation, use the P.R.E.P. structure: P – Proposal: Begin with your main idea or opinion. R – Reflection: Share a personal insight, quote, or anecdote related to your proposal. E – Explain or Expound: Provide supporting reasons, examples or context. P – Proposal (restate): Conclude by restating your main point, possibly with a twist or call to action. Example: 'I believe learning public speaking is essential. From my own experience, I used to fear speaking in front of others, but practice transformed me. Public speaking helps build confidence and influence others positively. That is why I strongly support initiatives to learn these skills.' There are other important aspects of public speaking to consider. A long speech is not necessarily better than a short one. The challenge lies in conveying meaningful content concisely. Every speech must have a message. Without one, it becomes merely a string of meaningless words. A strong message stems from knowledge, which is gained through the habit of reading. To make an impact, you must cultivate and express your views on issues that matter. The structure of a speech also matters. A well-organised speech is easier for the audience to follow. Every speech should have an opening that captures attention, a body with at least three points or arguments and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. To give the speech a sense of completion, the conclusion should relate back to the opening. For instance, if you mention the moon in your introduction, refer to it again in your conclusion. Avoid closing with phrases like 'Om iri iri no mantad doho' or 'That's all from me,' as they may suggest a lack of knowledge on your part. Delivery is equally important. Be mindful of body movement. Gestures, particularly hand movements, should be coordinated with your speech. Use vocal variety to convey different emotions; raise your voice when excited, soften it when serious or reflective. Maintain warm eye contact and appear to enjoy speaking. Speak clearly and assertively to reflect confidence. Avoid trying to impress the audience by saying what you think they want to hear. Audiences can sense insincerity. It is better to respond genuinely. For example, if you are asked, 'Do you believe that wealth brings happiness?' it is fine to say 'yes,' as long as your response is honest. Steer clear of topics such as sex, religion, race and politics to avoid offending the audience. Use local dialects and languages during local level contests. The use of KDMR languages can impress audiences, even if not everyone understands. While English can be used, it limits your audience to English speakers and excludes others. Finally, embrace every opportunity to claim the spotlight, what seasoned speakers refer to as 'stage time.' This term simply means any chance to speak before an audience, whether large or small. Each moment on stage is a valuable rehearsal ground, allowing you to sharpen your delivery, refine your message and build your confidence. With consistent exposure and deliberate practice, you will not only learn to speak with poise and professionalism but also develop the ability to captivate, inspire and move your audience with authenticity and impact.
The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan remains a powerful platform to celebrate and preserve our cultural identity. It is also a stage where young women can showcase not only their beauty but the strength of their voice and cultural pride. With the right preparation, especially in public speaking, they can truly embody the spirit of Huminodun in both word and presence.
