How I Wrote a Winning Speech: My SpeakHer Story

Zainab Aderounmu

November 3, 2026

On the 24th of October, 2025 I emerged a category winner of the Speakathon during the Third SpeakHer Conference founded Rolake Akinkungbe-Filani and Ayo Mairo-Ese. The conference is organised to equip young women with executive presence and effective communication skills, under which the Speakathon is held, 

There were four categories, and I won the “If I had the Power” category (and overall third prize ), which essentially asked me to answer the question, “if you were elected the first female President of Nigeria or Governor of your state, what would you promise?” in three minutes. 

As someone who attended the first SpeakHer conference and volunteered at the second one, I would say this was definitely my time. I remember the first conference, it was refreshing. Here was an event on effective communication, my favorite topic. I was so excited that I even participated in a mock interview on the stage right before the Speakathon began. After the competition, I was so blown away that I promised myself I’d participate in the next one. 

The following year, the conference held again, but I didn’t follow through with my promise. Because it was the same year in which I served as Apex Lagos State Youth Ambassador, I didn’t want to overload my plate with a competition (obviously an excuse, but hey, I won!). 

I’ll point out the lessons as I tell the story. So here’s lesson one: sometimes, “you’re not ready for the opportunity” may only be an excuse to remain in your comfort zone. Step out! 

In 2025, the SpeakHer Conference did not hold. I was devastated. What if they never organised another edition, that means I won’t be able to participate again? The experience took me back to a fellowship I wanted to apply to in 2020. I convinced myself I’d apply for the next one instead, so I skipped the application. Guess what? The Margaret Ekpo Fellowship hasn’t held another cohort since. I thought I’d been bitten twice. Thankfully, the founders organised a 2026 edition. 

On the day the application for the competition was to close, I had a talk with myself. It went like this; “Zainab, you may likely have outgrown this competition. What if it goes south, and you embarrass yourself?” Almost immediately, I redirected the conversation, “we love speaking, and this is an opportunity to revive that debater from school. Plus, it’ll be an opportunity to help people imagine a female Nigerian President. Let’s do it!” And with that, I hit submit. 

Lesson two: self talks are important, but the content and direction of your self talk is even more important. When you hear that small voice, overpower it with positive reasons to keep going. The negative voice made it about winning, but the empowering voice focused on the experience and process. I wrote a winning speech, not just because I wanted to win, but because I imagined what it would do for my audience to be able to say, “madam president”.

During my speech, I really couldn’t hear myself or feel my body. It was almost like an out-of-body experience, but I kept going because I knew my speech thoroughly. The final lesson here: the fear of speaking isn’t the reason why you can’t speak. You just don’t know your material enough, and you haven’t practiced enough or you’re just not passionate enough. You’re not ready, is the reason why you can’t speak. 

Therefore, the next time you have a reason to climb a  stage, think of what it’ll do for your audience. Why should they care? Then, write a winning speech, and master it, embody it, including the body language and other additions. Let your audience know what it means to say “madam president”.  

About Author

Zainab Aderounmu A. W.

Zainab ADEROUNMU A. W. is a First Class graduate of English Language and the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. She’s a professional Master of Ceremonies, known as The Hijabi Compere , a public speaking coach and Communications Professional. She is currently a Youth advisor to the European Union where she doubles as the Spokesperson and Head of Communications & PR for the Youth Sounding Board.