‘We’ve lost the art of being able to talk’

Joseph Fa’afiu has become the first South Aucklander to be crowned the national Toastmasters NZ champ since 1986.

The Papakura pastor will represent New Zealand at the world championships in August in Canada.

His speech was about ‘‘making the most of life because life is short’’.

‘‘We communicate via screens and keyboards but we’ve lost the art of being able to talk and connect,’’ says Fa’afiu.

‘‘What got me through to winning probably was moving around on stage, body language and I did a few voices as well. I’m not really good at it, but it stands out when you’re on stage.’’

Rob Woolley, a former national finalist says it was a ‘‘quality contest, but when Joseph mentioned the Titanic the others hit an iceberg!’’

The first time he spoke in public was at a family event in the mid 90s.

‘‘I became a pastor and I am able to speak every Sunday,’’ he says.

He realised he needed to sharpen his skills and joined Toastmasters.

‘‘Public speaking is a missing art,’’ he says. But it’s not difficult to learn.

Before he goes on stage, his last thought is ‘‘really focusing and making sure I deliver what I’ve practised instead of being nervous.’’

‘‘I think nerves can really put you off.’’

‘‘When you make a mistake, the best thing is to pause and then move on. Don’t get stuck in it,’’ he advises.

He adds that the easiest topic is to talk about yourself, about your life.

However, there is one downside to public speaking he points is ‘‘the wisdom to be quiet’’.

He hopes to become the first Polynesian world champion of public speaking.

He shares a few tips to get your foot in the door: 1. Be yourself 2. Practice practice, practice 3. Find stories that mean something to you. Don’t just make it up.

He will be accompanied by his wife at the world championship in Vancouver.

The Mangere local is looking for sponsors to help him get to the world stage and can be helped at www.indiegogo.com/projects/ world-championship-of-publicspeaking-2017