Penboy Molds a New Breed of Public Speakers, and Spoken Word Artists.

In a bid to create a new breed of performers and speakers who not only master the Art but have the capacity to create new dynamics, Penboy organized a Public Speaking and Spoken word Poetry workshop, to train artists practically and theoretically.
This workshop took place on the 13th of April, 2024. At Mountain Hub Buea, Cameroon. With participants from Buea and Bamenda.

“This is the 21st century and I personally think communication is one of the most valued skills. Be you an artist, entrepreneur, or in whichever field you find yourself, your reputation relies greatly on your ability to communicate. That’s why I deemed this event/workshop necessary.” he confessed.

The workshop lasted for 2days. The first day focused on teaching participants the importance of stage presence, stage tricks, the Dos and Don’ts of Public Speaking, just to name few.
The second day focused on taking participants through stage performance, teaching them how they could master it.

“I’ve watched Penboy perform lots of times. He’s a personal favorite. When I saw the flyer, I just knew I had to sign up and get under his wing, because I was sure I would learn a lot from him.”
Nchung Asek, one of the participants had this to say. She added that the workshop in general was amazing… “Asides the things I learned, it was great meeting and networking with new people. I also loved the fact that there was some level of intimacy between the trainers and each trainee, like our individual strengths and weaknesses were pinpointed and handled. Plus, we had the chance to do practical exercises. You’d hardly find that in a lot of public speaking trainings”.

Asides the intensive training and the facets of Public Speaking and Spoken word, Kanga Cedric had these lessons to pick out “I learned about the importance of connecting with other people. I learned that hearing others’ experiences and points of view helps better build my mindset. I knew this already but the workshop was definitely more proof of that”.

Despite the satisfactions expressed, participants like Harry Micheal Fonlon wished the workshop lasted more than only 2 days. He said… “More speakers and longer days will make it more professional.
It should be more of a one month or two weeks intensive program; at the end of which we’ll be tasked with performing or MCing or singing as its closing ceremony.”

This workshop comes after the host Boris Taleabong, known by his stage name; Penboy, had organized a similar online class where he trained over 41 emerging poets in the art. This time around was an onsite session and he promises to do better in the next one. “So if I were to host another workshop, I will love to do it in the form of a one week boot camp inorder to make it more interesting, effective, and result oriented.” he concluded.

Penboy is a revered Poet and a Spoken word Artist from the town of Buea, Cameroon; who uses his captivating voice and eloquent verses to illuminate the Sociopolitical and Cultural issues affecting the world, championing the cases of marginalized persons and groups.

Elat Larissa.