Media University of Babylon | College of Medicine at the University of Babylon Organizes a Specialized Seminar on Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine

College of Medicine at the University of Babylon Organizes a Specialized Seminar on Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

By : Zaynab Kadhim Ameen Awadh

Date : 22/4/2026 54:07:12 PM

College of Medicine at the University of Babylon Organizes a Specialized Seminar on Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Under the patronage of Professor Amin Ajil Al-Yasiri, President of the University of Babylon, and under the direct supervision of Professor Mohend Abbass Al-Shalah, Dean of the College of Medicine, the Women’s Affairs Unit at the College organized a specialized awareness seminar entitled:
“From Anxiety to Excellence: Mastering Public Speaking and Presentation Skills”
This activity was held in implementation of the action items of the National Strategy for Iraqi Women (2026), specifically within the fourth pillar (Social Development of Iraqi Women). The seminar aimed to enhance self-confidence and develop leadership and communication skills among women in both academic and community settings.
The seminar was delivered by Professor Ifad Kadhim Shibli, who presented an interactive scientific session addressing strategies for managing stage anxiety and transforming it into creative and positive energy. She explained that anxiety is a natural physiological response when facing an audience and is not always negative; rather, it can serve as a motivating factor for strong performance when properly managed.
The lecture highlighted several causes of anxiety and hesitation, including:
• Fear of making mistakes
• Lack of experience
• Overthinking audience reactions
• Insufficient preparation
The seminar also discussed types of anxiety:
1. Negative anxiety: leading to confusion and loss of concentration
2. Positive anxiety: enhancing alertness, attention, and enthusiasm
In addition, the seminar provided a detailed explanation of the key tools of an effective speaker, focusing on:
1. Body language: maintaining stable posture, using purposeful gestures, and avoiding random movements to reflect confidence
2. Voice modulation: varying tone to prevent monotony, using effective pauses for emphasis, and emphasizing clarity over speed
3. Eye contact: building a bridge of trust with the audience through balanced visual engagement
4. Logical organization: arranging ideas in a clear sequence to ensure effective message delivery