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I help individuals unlock their potential through public speaking
What you need to know:
- Prioritise active listening and create spaces that honour a range of lived experiences.
- I guide clients to stay true to their voice by anchoring their messages in truth, values, and vulnerability.
- In a world full of filters, authenticity is key to building trust and meaningful connections.
Where words have the power to shape destinies, few wield them with as much purpose as 21-year-old Raymond Omondi, a law student at Mount Kenya University's Parklands campus. He is the author of A Single-Minded Generation, Mind Unclouded, and The Hidden Threads, with the last two set to officially launch on May 31. He is working on his fourth book, The African Lioness, a biography of Dr Ida Betty Odinga.
Raymond is on a mission to empower voices through strategic communication. Leveraging his expertise in law and leadership, he helps individuals and organisations speak with clarity, purpose, and confidence, amplifying messages that resonate with authenticity and power.
What inspired your passion for communication and public speaking, and how did it lead to your expertise in speech coaching?
My passion for communication grew from a deep curiosity about human connection and the power of words to shape destinies. Early on, I recognised how narratives could break barriers or build bridges, and I was determined to master that power. What started as a personal quest transformed into a calling. Speech coaching allowed me to help others unlock clarity, courage, and conviction in their own voices.
You wear many hats: Founder, author, public speaking coach, and law student, how do you balance all these roles?
Balance, for me, is not about doing everything at once but being fully present in each role when it matters. Each "hat" sharpens the other. My legal studies enhance my logic and argumentation, while coaching keeps me grounded and intuitive. Writing fuels my creativity, and founding Talk to Impact Global Ventures keeps me focused. These roles do not compete; they collaborate. It is all about time management and passion.
What has been the most fundamental moment in your career so far?
During my fourth cohort, one of the participants was Ssali Rose, a renowned speech coach, presidential speechwriter, and founder of Ssali Publishing House and Ssali Institute in South Africa. Connecting with her opened the door to a global audience. As a result, both of my upcoming books are now being published by Ssali Publishing House.
As a speech expert, what do you believe is the most common mistake people make when delivering a speech?
Focusing on impressing the audience rather than connecting with them. Speakers often rely on jargon or perfection, which can create a barrier instead of encouraging engagement. The solution? Understand your audience. Speak with them, not at them. Embrace imperfection as it is often more relatable than a flawless delivery.
How do you go about crafting a compelling and impactful message for your clients?
It starts with deep listening. I immerse myself in their story, mission, and the unique needs of their audience. From there, I distil the core message—one central idea that deserves the spotlight. I then sculpt the message, carefully layering it to ensure it is purposeful and memorable. Every word must earn its place.
What are the key elements you focus on to ensure clients communicate with authenticity and confidence?
I focus on self-awareness, storytelling, and presence. We begin by uncovering their 'why,' then craft narratives rooted in truth. We also work on mastering nonverbal communication, ensuring that confidence comes not from masking their true selves, but from magnifying their authenticity.
How has your study of law influenced your work as a speech expert?
Law has taught me the importance of precision, structure, and the power of persuasion through logic. It has shaped my appreciation for frameworks, precedent, and clarity. More importantly, however, it has shown me that behind every legal argument is a human story. Emotions and ethics play as crucial a role as logic in persuasive communication.
Studying law sharpens critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments. I view my legal education not as a separate path, but as a strategic extension of my work, deepening how I frame messages, advocate for change, and train others to do the same.
Can you elaborate on how good messaging helps leaders, organisations, or legal professionals?
I always remind leaders that facts tell, but stories sell, and purpose sustains. A message designed solely to inform is easily forgotten, but a message that resonates emotionally can spark lasting change. Whether advising a CEO or a lawyer, my focus is on helping them craft messages that transcend the moment, that inspire thought, mobilise action, and create a lasting impact.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Overcoming imposter syndrome. I often doubted my voice in rooms filled with more experienced people. But I learned that authority is earned through consistency, empathy, and measurable results. I overcame it by focusing on the work, staying grounded, and allowing the impact of my work to speak louder than my insecurities.
How do you help clients manage stage fright and overcome common misconceptions about public speaking, such as the belief that great speakers are born, not made?
I help clients shift their focus from self-consciousness to the importance of their message, using techniques like deep breathing and rehearsals to build confidence. I also address misconceptions by emphasising that public speaking is a skill that can be developed, not a natural talent, and encourage clients to prioritise authenticity over perfection, as their true power lies in their presence and message, not in flawless delivery.
Your mission is to 'ignite thought, shape perspective, and empower voices.' Can you share a specific example where these goals came to life in your work?
I once coached a young woman who was terrified to speak. She later delivered a speech that won her a leadership position and sparked a campaign in her community. That is how my mission came to life: empowering individuals to discover and harness their voice in ways that create meaningful, far-reaching impact.
How do you ensure the voices you amplify are inclusive and authentic, especially in today’s fast-paced digital world, where communication can often be one-sided?
Prioritise active listening and create spaces that honour a range of lived experiences. I guide clients to stay true to their voice by anchoring their messages in truth, values, and vulnerability. In a world full of filters, authenticity is key to building trust and meaningful connections.