Long before he became a communications consultant, professional speaker and published author, Kuby Uyanga was a young engineering student with a growing sense that his future lay elsewhere.
By the time he completed his Civil Engineering degree at the Federal University of Technology, Yola, in 2009, he had already reached a life-changing conclusion: engineering was not the career he wanted to pursue. What remained uncertain was how exactly his passion for communication would evolve or where it would eventually lead him.
Nearly two decades later, that uncertainty has given way to a remarkably diverse career spanning film and television, advertising, public relations, branding, marketing, corporate communications, professional speaking and training.
Today, Uyanga serves as Director of Letters at KUBOiD Communications Limited and works as a writer, speaker and consultant on appearance, behaviour and communication. His latest project is Everyspeaker – Relatable and Practical Speaking Tips for Every Speaker in Every Situation, a comprehensive guide designed to help people navigate the challenges and opportunities of public speaking.
Seated in the elegant surroundings of the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Uyanga arrived early for our conversation, impeccably dressed and characteristically composed. Speaking in a measured, authoritative tone punctuated by easy smiles and occasional chuckles, he reflected on his professional journey, the inspiration behind his new book and why effective communication remains one of life's most important skills.
Helping People Communicate with Purpose
For many, the title "writer, speaker and consultant on appearance, behaviour and communication" may sound broad. Uyanga, however, explains it in practical terms.
"(Chuckles) The pleasure is mutual," he said. "As per my work, I'm simply a professional that organisations, government departments and high-net-worth individuals call on when they need to achieve greater effectiveness and significance, and better business results."
He continued: "I help them by up scaling their brand, promotional and leadership communications through communications strategy, branding, advertising, marketing, speaking and training services. I provide these services both through our agency, KUBOiD Communications, and personally."
At the heart of his work lies a simple principle: helping people and organisations communicate more effectively in ways that create influence, credibility and measurable results.
The Story Behind Everyspeaker
The idea for Everyspeaker emerged from personal experience.
When Uyanga first ventured into public speaking more than a decade ago, he struggled to find a single resource that addressed the full spectrum of challenges speakers encounter throughout their development.
"As an amateur, when I made my entry into the world of speaking about 14 years ago, I would have greatly benefited from a comprehensive book on public speaking," he recalled. "I did not have that privilege."
Years later, after building extensive experience as a professional speaker and communications consultant, he decided to create the resource he once needed.
"So, years later, after I'd become a professional and amassed tremendous competence in public speaking and interpersonal communication, I decided to create such a book for others who, like me many years ago, might be in need of such a resource."
The result is a book designed not merely for professional speakers but for anyone who may need to address an audience at any stage of life.
"I wrote Everyspeaker for everyone who'll need to speak in public at some point in their lives," he explained.
From nervous beginners battling stage fright to experienced professionals seeking to sharpen their delivery, the book offers guidance for a wide audience.
"Everyspeaker is for everybody because speaking is not a niche skill. It is a life skill that we all need for advancement in our professional, civic and personal lives."
What Makes the Book Different?
With countless books already available on public speaking, Uyanga believes Everyspeaker stands apart for several reasons.
The first is its structure.
The book is divided into five sections, each addressing a distinct stage in a speaker's development: overcoming fear, understanding best practices, mastering advanced techniques, building a professional career and ultimately creating a lasting legacy.
"While together they provide all-encompassing knowledge, each part still makes complete sense on its own," he noted.
The second distinguishing feature is accessibility.
"I wrote it in short, easily digestible chapters using conversational language, and this makes for easy and enjoyable reading."
Perhaps most importantly, however, is its authenticity.
"Many of the insights and examples presented in Everyspeaker are from my personal experiences, and I affect no airs but tell it just the way it is. It makes the book and lessons therein very relatable to most readers."
Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking
For readers taking their first steps into public speaking, Uyanga believes confidence is the foundation upon which every other skill is built.
When asked which section of the book beginners should focus on first, his answer came quickly.
"Simple. That's Part 1, which is aptly titled: 'Why's My Heart Thumping?'"
The section focuses on overcoming glossophobia—the fear of public speaking—and developing confidence through greater self-awareness.
"This is because real success in public speaking can be achieved only after the discovery of personal confidence," he said.
A Toastmasters Journey
Uyanga traces his own speaking journey back to December 2012, when he joined a Toastmasters club with the goal of improving his communication skills.
What began as a personal development exercise soon became a passion.
"I got so interested in the program that I became super committed to and passionate about growing both my speaking and leadership abilities."
As his competence improved, opportunities followed.
Initially, he spoke at events without compensation. Then came invitations to serve as a master of ceremonies at weddings and to conduct training sessions for organisations.
Over time, confidence and expertise combined to create a professional pathway.
"As my skills improved, my confidence grew with it, and eventually, I defined the type of professional speaking services I offer and began charging appropriate fees representative of my worth."
The Writer Behind the Speaker
Although many know him today as a speaker, Uyanga reveals that writing was actually his first love.
"Writing came first because I started reading very early," he explained.
Inspired by the books he consumed as a young reader, he developed a desire to create stories and ideas of his own. That passion eventually matured into a professional writing career.
His credits include screenwriting, copywriting, ghostwriting and content curation projects across television, advertising and music.
Among the productions associated with his work are Jenifa's Diary, Lagos Cougars, Africa Magic Hustle, as well as music videos including Kizz Daniel's MAMA and Wande Coal's BALLERS.
Despite his success in multiple fields, Uyanga does not rank one discipline above the other.
"While I started out as a professional writer earlier than when my work as a professional speaker begun, both writing and speaking are equally important to my work as a communications consultant."
'Great Writing Is Rewriting'
Discussing his creative process, Uyanga shared a disciplined approach that centres on revision.
"When I'm working on a book, screenplay or ad, I constantly retype my own sentences," he said.
Rather than viewing rewriting as a tedious task, he considers it an essential part of the creative process.
"The cardinal thing to remember is that great writing is rewriting. You can fix bad writing, but you can't fix a blank page."
That same process played a major role in shaping Everyspeaker.
"Of course, I did," he said when asked whether he employed the technique while writing the book. "It was especially important with this book because so much of it depended on echo."
Life Beyond Work
Outside writing, speaking and business leadership, Uyanga embraces a range of interests that reflect his curiosity about people and personal development.
He enjoys daily exercise, regular running and meaningful conversations with children. He also spends time reflecting on spirituality and the deeper questions surrounding human existence.
"Oh, I really enjoy working out daily, running at least once a week, conversing with children whenever I have the opportunity, and pondering on spirituality and the human condition."
And then, with a smile, he added another simple pleasure.
"And yes, I do enjoy a good draw on a nice cigar from time to time."
Looking Ahead
The publication of Everyspeaker is only one part of a broader vision.
Uyanga revealed that several new projects are already underway, including a public-speaking radio programme titled Speak Up & Stand Out!, a live speaking show expected later in the year and another book focused on appearance, behaviour and communication.
"There are a number of projects in the making," he said. "So, expect the debut of my public speaking radio show, Speak Up & Stand Out! Expect a live speaking show later in the year. Also, expect a new book on appearance, behaviour and communication."
As the conversation drew to a close, one thing became evident: Kuby Uyanga's career has been defined not by a single profession but by a commitment to helping people express themselves more effectively.
From engineering graduate to communications strategist, from screenwriter to author, his journey illustrates the transformative power of finding one's voice—and helping others discover theirs.
For readers eager to begin that journey, Everyspeaker is available through Selar, Amazon, Boldoz Bookstores in Uyo and Roving Heights Bookshop outlets nationwide.