Speeches for School Children – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

August 9, 2024

The Pleasures of Reading

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”

Respected Teachers and my dear friends,

Today as I speak on the pleasures of reading, the first thought that comes to my mind is from Francis Bacon. As he said, reading is like tasting and enjoying your favourite food. It gives immense pleasure. As food nourishes your body; reading refreshes and strengthens your mind.

The second pleasure of reading is that of knowledge. Reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It is through reading that we connect with people across the world and participate in their lives drama; through their sorrows and joys; their despair and dreams.

The third pleasure of reading is that of inspiration. Biographies of great men and women tell us that most of them became great because of the inspiration they got from reading books especially during their childhood days. So also, as we read, our minds are ignited with hope and courage, with cheer and determination to make our lives count and leave footprints on the sands of time.

The fourth and last point I would like to communicate regarding the pleasure of reading is that of entertainment. Novels, short stories, poems, travelogues, even comics and cartoons entertain our minds. It helps us relax. More than that it engages our mind in a way nothing else does. Our imagination is ignited when we read. We become co-creators of stories as we animate the stories we read in our minds. It is definitely a healthy exercise for the mind.

Let me conclude now by saying that books continue to be written and published because people continue to read and be entertained and inspired. Reading is one of the healthiest entertainments a man or woman can have. I am sure the pleasure of reading will continue to ignite hope in countless lives even like a thousand points of light twinkling in the night sky.

Thank you

October 24, 2023

A Child’s Dream About the Future

A child will always dream about the future and I am no exception. I wish to make myself a success in future. My dream today is to become a doctor. I would like to be a child specialist. This is because I love children. To be able to care of children will give me great joy because it not only helps the children but also helps the parents as well.

To become a Paediatrician I will study hard. I will focus sharply on my goal and will not allow distractions like movies and video games to sidetrack me from my goal.

The next step that I will take is to find out about the best medical colleges in India as well as outside the country where I can study. Learning about such colleges will inspire me and keep me motivated to achieve my goal.

But the best motivation to me comes from the joy of seeing the smiles on children’s faces whom I will treat. A child helped means that I have touched the destiny of that child. If there are healthy children that means there is a healthy tomorrow. It means that there will be people to lead the future.

Then my goal becomes more meaningful. So let me conclude by saying that I wish to become a Paediatrician in the future and bring health, healing and lovely smiles to all young children. This is my dream and my future.

October 23, 2023

Speech on Obedience | Stefan B. Peter | Elocution Competition

Respected Judges,

A warm good morning to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The topic for today is obedience. Isn’t it lovely that the New Testament begins with the story of one man’s obedience. The Bible says: “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” The lesson for us is that one man’s obedience can impact history. So it is important for us to obey. This is especially true for us children as Paul wrote in Colossians 3:20, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

Now let me point out a few thoughts about obedience.

First of all, obedience can take us through difficulties.

Our supreme example of obedience is that of Jesus Christ who obeyed God to the point of bleeding to death on a cross. The writer of Hebrews says, Jesus learned obedience from what he suffered. It tells us that the path of obedience is not always smooth. It might lead us through difficulties and suffering. But these pressures of life will transform us from an ordinary lump of dark charcoal to a priceless diamond that shines brilliantly.

Secondly, obedience is not about obeying rules but it is about a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ.

In John 14 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Therefore obedience is an outflow of our love relationship with God. We can obey God with joy when we believe that God is good all the time. We can obey God when we believe that God has our highest good in mind when he commands us to do something. Therefore let us obey God because we love him.

Thirdly, obedience is about faith.

Let us look at Abraham, the father of faith. In Hebrews Chapter 11, that great roll call of faith, it is said “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” He went because he trusted in God.

Let me conclude by saying that God always warns us when we try to disobey him. If we do not listen we will sink like the great ship Titanic which ignored warnings about icebergs ahead. Let us not be like Prophet Jonah who ran away from God in disobedience; or like King Saul who lost his kingdom due to disobedience; but let us be like Joseph who obeyed God and left his footprints on the sands of time. Amen.

Speech on Obedience | Daniela B. Peter | Elocution Competition

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023

Speech on Obedience | Daniela B. Peter | Elocution Competition

Respected judges,

A warm good morning to you all. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The topic obedience is of great relevance in today’s world where artificial intelligence enables robots to obey commands. They are programmed to obey. In contrast, God gave human beings the ability to choose. We have been given free will. We can choose to obey.

Listen to God’s Word

But unfortunately, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. How did that tragic fall happen? It was simply because they chose to listen to the serpent which made them doubt God’s word. The question the serpent asked Eve was, “Did God really say?” She doubted God’s word and therefore disobeyed.

So my first point is that obedience can happen only when we listen to God’s word. That is why Jesus at the end of the Sermon on the Mount told us that the man who listens to his words and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock.

Secondly, obedience is love in action.

For Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Now a lot of people believe that Christianity is a set of rules dominated by the Ten commandments. But Jesus summarized those commandments into two: Love God and love your neighbour. And this love, if it is true, is always accompanied by obedience.

Jesus himself showed the extent of his love for all of us through his obedience. In Philippians Chapter 2 we read that Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. The practical lesson for us is that there are many things that are not pleasant to do. But we do them because we love God and show that love through obedience.

Thirdly, we need to learn from examples in the Bible.

For example, we have a tremendous example of obedience in the life of Abraham. God gave him the promised child, Isaac. But after a few years God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeyed and went. He asked no questions. We all know how God blessed Abraham for that act of unquestioning obedience.

In contrast we have the example of Prophet Jonah. He was commanded by God to preach to the people of Nineveh. Instead, he ran away in the opposite direction and boarded a ship bound for Tarshish. He had to spend three days and three nights inside the belly of a huge fish before he came back to the path of obedience.

My final thought is that Paul writing to the Ephesians says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” In a generation where obedience is not regarded as popular, this command is a clear direction to children. I am sure that children who obey their parents will receive God’s blessings in their lives. Let me conclude with the chorus of a meaningful song:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Amen.

Speech on Obedience | Stefan B. Peter | Elocution Competition

October 21, 2023October 21, 2023

Interview Success Is About Your Passion

Be passionate about one thing. Your passion shouts out loud when you talk. You need not try to convince the interviewer about your passion; it simply shines through. Instead of wasting time mastering interview techniques, take time to be extremely good at one thing. This one thing can be your ability to code excellently well in a particular programming language or your passionate pursuit to excel in a hobby of yours. That will bring you success.

Now, interviews are won not by the precise answers you give. It is good if you can give the right answers. But it is more about the confidence you inspire in the interview board that enables you to get the job. And it is here that the passion you have will help you.

It is quite natural that the interviewer will, at some point in time, start asking about what you are passionate about. Then you get the chance of your lifetime to showcase your knowledge and expertise. If you say it well, then it will inspire confidence in them.

That brings us to yet another point. How to craft your answer well. The best thing you can do is to write down your thoughts as part of the interview preparation process. The first draft might be just a starting point, the second draft can improve upon it, and probably a third draft after striking out what is not needed can become your pitch for the interview. Many make the foolish mistake of being over confident of their ability to speak off the cuff and nose dive into the pit of failure.

When you prepare, try to connect some elements of your passion with the job you are being interviewed for. Something like: playing football taught me the art of teamwork; passion for photography helped me sharpen my focus; participation in chess tournaments have increased my ability to concentrate and enhanced my strategic thinking; and so on.

And definitely you should try to organize the points of your presentation. It will demonstrate your clarity of thinking; your level of preparedness; and your ability to inspire confidence. Organising content is not about saying everything about what you know. It is more about choosing the best things and editing out the rest.

If you have played cricket with passion; tell them something about your playing for your school, college, or club; about what kind of player are you; a batsman, a bowler; an all-rounder; if a bowler what kind of bowling you have specialised in: fast, medium, spin, and so on. Highlight some of your best achievements.

If you have captained any team; tell them so and it will highlight your leadership capability; your ability to motivate your team; and so on. And definitely be prepared to answer questions like who is your favourite cricketer and why? Such questions will help you to speak with authority and confidence on what you really know; and your passion will shine through.

Finally, let me say that if you are not passionate about something; it is highly likely that you will not be passionate about anything including your job. If you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and your ability to persevere by talking about your passion; you stand a good chance to clear the interview. So before you think about mastering interview techniques; make it a point to be passionate about one thing. And let it speak for yourself at the time of interview.

Beyond interview success; life is about passions; isn’t it?. As the famed Formula One (F1) Racer Michael Schumacher had written on his traditional Schuberth red helmet at his farewell: “Life is about passions. Thank you for sharing mine.” So having a passion in life is about continuing the journey in hope.

Read Interview Success Is About Your Passion on LinkedIn

October 4, 2023October 27, 2023

Life at the Airports

Airports show us a slice of life. Arrivals are marked with joy and elation. Departures, on the other hand, are often accompanied by tears and sadness. It is a constant scene of activity 24 x 7. Now fasten your seatbelt as we take off and land again.

The constant buzz of life; of people coming and going, baggage and cargo, waiting taxis, relatives, and friends; all make airports an interesting hub of activity. It is not just people travelling; it is more about hopes and dreams; finding better jobs, visiting close relatives, going on vacations to tourist spots, making business happen, negotiations, and even participating in sporting events.

Perhaps compared to other forms of traffic like cars and buses, trains and ships, bikes and scooters; the percentage of accidents is very low as far as air traffic is concerned. Can you imagine a traffic jam in the skies? What if all airports in the world were closed down?

Those questions help us understand the importance of take off and landings. And also listening to the control towers and obeying instructions. Relying on technology like the autopilot, making use of PAPI lights while landing at night, are all part of the process. A good beginning is not enough; it is far more important to finish strong and finish well in whatever we attempt to do.

Another thought that airplanes bring to mind is the importance of time. There are people who have missed flights because they were delayed on the road by traffic blocks. Always the emphasis is on reaching airports early to avoid the final hour rush. Punctuality and discipline; if it is part of one’s lifestyle, will help you avoid tension and anxiety during plane travels.

One last thought about delays, long waits for connecting flights, last minute cancellations, and so on. It is not surprising at all. Life is like that. Journeys and travels will end one day. Blessed are you if you have thought about and prepared for life’s final journey. It will come even when life goes on as usual at airports you are familiar with.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Skitterphoto: Pexels.com | People Inside Airport
You can read Life at the Airports on LinkedIn

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023

Cars—A Reflection of Life!

Cars have revolutionized the way people live. It once was a luxury; but now it is a common vehicle. Cars offer style, comfort, ease of travel, and togetherness of family. It also reflects life in many ways.

Cars are chosen with respect to their looks, brand, fuel efficiency, leg space, boot space, interiors, power, and even the ability to park easily in busy city spaces. Owning a car, especially a car of one’s choice, is a dream come true for many. In the Indian context, often the gift of a car is common as a wedding present.

Cars are maintained well by many. It is a reflection of the owner’s personality. At the same time certain cars do make a style statement. It can easily reflect the financial or social status of those who drive expensive cars.

Cars reflect life in many ways. A brand new car signifies beginnings. And like in life, cars do get dents in busy traffic while vehicles brush against each other. A neglected car or poorly taken of car is easy to spot. So maintaining a car well takes effort. Likewise maintaining a healthy life demands good habits.

Cars also remind us of the journey of life. However good a car is; it wears down in the long run. Finally it ends up in the scrap heap. So cars remind us of a final destination. And how you should be prepared for a journey for a life beyond the end point.

So next time, you see a car; have a closer look. You might not just find your reflection but also it will set you thinking. Yes, cars do reflect life.

Read this article Cars—A Reflection of Life on LinkedIn
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Pixabay | Pexels.com | Red Alfa Romeo 4C on Road Near Trees

September 29, 2023October 27, 2023

A Champion’s Mindset: Raise Your Game to Highest Performance

Champions have a different mindset. One thing that makes them different from others is their ability to raise their game to highest performance when situations demand it from them. Let us look at some the highlights of a champion’s mindset.

First of all, champions don’t think defeat.

They are realistic with who their competition is. But they don’t allow that to intimidate them. Often the best opponent and the toughest teams bring out the best in them and help them bring out their best performance.

Secondly, champions enjoy their game.

They workout, toil, and spend long hours in practice. All these are tolling on the mind and body. But they persevere because they enjoy what they do. Even when they sleep they dream of enjoying their game. This undoubtedly makes them raise their game to highest performance while on the field.

Thirdly, champions don’t give up till the very last.

They have the ability to bounce back from early setbacks if it happens. They keep cool under pressure. They anticipate in hope till they catch the opponent relaxing for perhaps a split second and turn the tables around. Often champions show their true colors by unbelievable comebacks especially during final moments of a game. This is performance at its very best.

Fourthly, champions treat victories differently.

They are happy; but they are dissatisfied with even their best performance. Always, they strive to find what they could do better next time. No champion relaxes on reaching a summit. They treat it as history and focus sharply on the next game coming up. Looking forward is one way champions raise the level of their game to highest performance.

Finally, champions sense it when their fans, the situation, and the watching world is expecting them to perform.

They adapt to even hostile situations and deliver under pressure. Perhaps this one distinguishes a champion from others. They raise the level of their game to highest performance when all is against them.

To conclude, you too can be a champion if you strive to win, have that killer instinct, and a never give up hope-filled attitude until you win.

You cn read A Champion’s Mindset on LinkedIn
Run! Life Is a Race!

Featured image: Photo by Jim De Ramos: Pexels.com

September 18, 2023January 31, 2024

Your Look Matters

Your look matters. What you see is what makes you think. Looking up at the twinkling stars is what made the poet ask, “How I wonder what you are?” Likewise looking at the beautiful can trigger your imagination to see diamonds in every twinkle in the sky.

That kind of look of wonder and imagination was in the past. Today people are hooked to what they see on the screen or in the streets. When you engage with what you see; you imagine, you think, and you act on your thoughts. So it is important to know that your look matters.

What you look at constantly can feed your mind. It can create a web which links to emotions. So it is up to you to choose what links you like to create. Remember it all starts with what you choose to see. Unlinking the hooks you have created is not easy like how you unlink when you write a piece of code. So be careful for your look matters.

There are a lot of things you cannot avoid seeing. Life is busy and your eyes and sight collide with too much visual information, entertainment, and enticement through the media too. Like there are censoring boards and editors in the movie world, you should consciously have filters in place which will weed out unwanted images and thoughts.

Otherwise, distractions can easily make you slip and fall. And it all starts with what you look at. The choice is yours. Make a wise decision not to look at what is wrong, what is tempting, and what can lead you down to a slippery path to destruction. Please God and you will have the courage to say no to the glittering things of life that appeal to your eyes. So watch what you look at; for your look matters.
Read Your Look Matters on LinkedIn

Featured image courtesy:Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023

Hard Work Leads to Success

Hard work leads to success. There is no doubt about it. So many people have proven that through their life and experience. So what makes hard work work for you? Let us consider what it does.

Hard work often begins from a burning desire to get things done. It begins from a passion to fulfill some ambition or dream. It begins from a drive to achieve some goal.

Hard work without planning and organizing or scheduling your work doesn’t go a long way to get things done. You need to create a time table and learn to stick to it. Hard work therefore involves time management and effective use of resources available.

Hard work definitely involves working more than normal or usual. It involves saying NO to legitimate entertainment or other distractions to focus on your work. Disciplining yourself to spend extra hours at working hard is essential to success.

Then there are 3 enemies to hard work you should be aware of:

One is talk. There are many who talk big and deliver nothing. The Wise King Solomon wrote: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”¹ Therefore talk less and focus on getting things done.

The second enemy of hard work is laziness. Let us look again at what King Solomon had to say. “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And a lazy person will suffer hunger.” ² So many people know what is defeating them. They know that they are their own enemy. And they are defeated not by anyone from outside but by their now laziness. The best way to get out of laziness is to act immediately. NOW is the key word.

The third enemy of hard work is procrastination. That is putting off doing something for a later time. Let me quote King Solomon again: “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” ³ Postponing things by looking at unfavorable circumstances is like never getting on the boat because you wait for the waves to stop.

So what is the conclusion of the matter. Stop talking. Stop being lazy. And stop postponing. Instead start doing now. Yes hard work with God’s blessings leads to success.

¹Proverbs 14:23 Bible NIV
²Proverbs 19:15 Bible NASB
³Ecclesiastes 11:4 Bible NLT

June 21, 2023October 27, 2023

Have a Healthy Mind

Having a healthy mind is critical to your success in life. And surprisingly it is quite easy to have a healthy mind. Let me give you some simple tips to achieve good mental health.

First of all, to have a healthy mind, begin the day with a smile, a prayer, and a thankful heart. When you get up from bed; just smile because you have got the gift of a new day. Pray to God to give you wisdom for the day. And be thankful for all the blessings you have in life. In that way a positive environment can be created for having a healthy mind.

Secondly, to have a healthy mind, have good friends in your life. Friends will share your joys and sorrows. They will motivate you to do better in your studies, hobbies, and career too. They will play with you and talk. And they will team up with you for projects and activities. All these are good for your mind to stay healthy.

Thirdly, to have a healthy mind, try to help someone who is weaker than you. Encourage someone to push beyond what he or she has achieved in life. Most people suffer from low self esteem. Your motivational words can shine a light in their darkness. When you do so it not only encourages them; but will also make your mind radiate with joy. Isn’t that a great way to stay mentally healthy?

Finally, to have a healthy mind, deliberately say no to gadgets: your laptop; mobile; TV, gaming station etc. They have their value. But too much of entertainment without interaction with people; especially your loved ones is going to destroy your mental health. Addiction is more addictive than you think. The more you can stay away from gadgets; the better your mental health.

Let me conclude by saying that mental health is of great importance in today’s world. So make a deliberate effort to stay mentally healthy by being thankful, having good friends, helping others and saying no to gadgets. Keep up hope.

You can read this article 4 Simple Steps to Have Mental Health on LinkedIn

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022

Curse Words Children Use Rob Their Innocence

Curse words and dirty swear words have become fashionable. Movies, music, and friends make them common. But do they rob children of their innocence? Yes.

Children use curse words often without thinking. They imitate either their parents, friends or what they see in movies. This then becomes a bad habit.

Who is to blame? Society today is going from permissiveness to permissiveness. Children are exposed to swear words and curse words everywhere. And it is quite possible that they pick up a few of them.

But where lies the real trouble? It is in the negative impact it creates on other children. It hurts their esteem, dignity, and emotional well-being.

Is there any way this trend can be controlled? Probably, teachers can play a role for at school children use curse words profusely.

Teachers can tell students that words do hurt badly. They can advise that words, especially the swear words and curse words, once spoken are like pouring hot burning oil into the mind of others. It burns the sensitive minds of those listening.

Children need to be reminded that their innocent minds are being corrupted by ugly caricatures of what is lovely and pure when they use explicit swear words. What is happening now is a loss of innocence; a loss of childhood which should be healthy fun and laughter.

The use of bad words in public by little children should be a matter of concern. It shows how children grow up without proper care, attention, or discipline. If only children understood that use of curse words is not a sign of bravado but instead it is a sign of weakness and lack of moral strength and character!

November 9, 2022October 11, 2023

A Simple Speech on Helping Others

Respected elders and my dear friends,

Mother Theresa once said: “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”

Sometimes our home is the first place where charity and helping others should begin. Let us learn to treat our loved ones with courtesy and respect. Let us gift them a smile and a kind word.

Once our family thus becomes a place of love, peace and joy we can turn our attention to helping others. Helping others is a reflection of our love for God.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen,” so wrote Apostle John. So without helping people whom we see we cannot claim to love God whom we do not see.

Now let us look at three different ways in which we can help people.

The first help you can do is to listen to people. In today’s busy world parents do not have time for their children and husbands do not have time to listen to their wives and so on. People are looking for someone to listen to them. Not only children but people who are in old age especially. If you can spend some time with them their sunset years will be filled with joy.

The second help you can do to people is to spend money for their needs. Their are many people who suffer from diseases like cancer. They require lots of money for their treatment. Then there are poor people who need money for their children’s food and education. Some people need a house to live in. The needs are several. If you can help them with such physical needs it will be a blessing.

The third kind of help you can do to people is to help them find a living. It is said, “Give a man a fish you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish you feed him for lifetime.” A job gives a man not only money but also self esteem and dignity and respect in society. He can take care of his family as well as help others. By teaching a man to make a living you are helping him to dream and achieve.

Let me now conclude by once again saying about the importance of helping others. Jesus Christ once told a parable in which he warned people “Truly I say to you, ‘Whatever you did not do for one the least of these, you did not do for me.’ ” The three kinds of help you can do to people is 1. Listen to them 2. Gift them with money for their medical, educational and social needs. and 3. Teach people to earn a living.

I hope you will be inspired to touch a few lives with your love and care in the days to come.

November 8, 2022October 11, 2023

School Assembly Say No to Drugs Speech

Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers, Dear Parents, and my fellow students,

Introduction

I stand here at this school assembly looking at the faces of young students who are the future of our country, India. There is much potential, talent, and energy in all of you. With discipline and creativity, imagination and enthusiasm, dream and drive; there is no limit to what each one of you can achieve. But sadly, today, there is a cloud that seems to darken this brightness; it is the menace of drug addiction. So let me start off this campaign by having all of you say no to drugs.

The other part of that slogan should be, “Say Yes to Life.” When saying yes to life, let me share a word of wisdom to all the stakeholders here.:To teachers, parents, as well as students.

Teachers

First of all, let me talk to our teachers. You constantly shine a light on our paths. You encourage us. We are grateful to you for that. But beyond this let me ask one more thing from you. Do not compare us with others. Do not compare our marks or our appearance.

What we expect from you is a word of appreciation. A good word of encouragement can go a long way in building our self-esteem. Give us a word of hope that in spite of our failures and mistakes we are going to make it. Perhaps the confidence you can give us, the trust you show us can in the long run help us say no to drugs than anything else.

Parents

Now let me to talk to our parents. You have made life possible for us. You have given us love and care and affection. You have given us great learning opportunities. We are here today only because of you. But there is one mistake that many parents make. You give the best toys and gadgets for your kids. You give money for their needs.

But how much of your time do you give them? Do you know the best gift you can give them is your unhurried time; your willingness to listen to them; and maybe play with them when you get a chance. Young children grow fast. And when you realize that time has flown; they will be already adults like you. Then it will be too late.

Many children turn to drugs because they seek love and acceptance they did not get at home. So they find it difficult to avoid the peer pressure and fail to say no to drugs.

Students

Now at last, let me to talk to you my friends. There is only one life. When you are young it is the springtime of life when everything is in bloom. But there are predators everywhere. They are those who seek to drain away the nectar of your life by luring you with the temptation of entertainment, pleasure, easy money and the like.

Always know that drugs come into your life to steal, kill, and destroy. It will hook you, addict you to a path of misery, and make a wreck of your mind, body, and soul.

Those who peddle drugs will make it look attractive and even innocent. But hidden behind could be the arm of mafias and terrorist outfits who have no respect for life. Know that their only aim is money by making you compromise your bright future by trading it off for illegal enjoyment the present moment.

Therefore think long-term. Think of the people who love you. Do not bring them to tears. Say no to drugs.

Conclusion

Let me end now. Even when you’ve made a mistake by chance or choice or by being forced, there is always a U-turn possible. Keep up hope. It takes courage to return and you can. It is like the prodigal son returning home to his father’s love after having wasted all his possessions in wild living.

Therefore, let me urge you once again, if there is anyone who has taken the wrong step already; it is not too late. Say no to drugs and return to life and there will certainly be a future for you.

2 Minute Speech on That One Word Every Young Girl Should Be Bold to Speak!

August 12, 2022August 12, 2022

Short Speech: What Is True Independence?

Independence is a popular word. But what is true independence? Let us look at some examples.

First of all, let us look at a child flying a kite. The kite flies with great freedom as it rises up high. We get joy watching it. But its flight is not independent. It is controlled and guided by the hand of the child with the string attatched to the kite. What if the kite snaps the thread and breaks free? Its independence ends in misery.

Secondly, let us look at games like football, basketball, cricket, tennis, hockey, and the like. All these games have boundaries, rules, and umpires or referees. The game goes on because it is played within boundaries and according to predefined rules. When played according to them, there is freedom for all players. If violated, then for example, a red or yellow card will be shown in the case of a football match. So freedom is experienced within boundaries and rules.

Thirdly, let us look at children disobeying parents, teachers, and sometimes the law of the land. This is not independence. This is rebellion. And it does not give freedom but puts children into bondage to bad habits and attitudes. Therefore freedom and independence comes through love, respect, and obedience.

Let me end my reminding the words from Rabindranath Tagore’s words:

“The fire restrained in the tree
Fashions flowers;
Released from bonds it dies in ashes.”

#Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, #75th Indian Independence Day, #15th August 2022.
Short Compere Speech Online on Indian Independence Day Celebrations
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“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — Jesus Christ

John 8:32 and 36 Bible NIV 1984.

August 3, 2022October 11, 2023

A Short Speech on Greed

Hi friends,

We all know the story of the greedy fox. Therefore, today, let me tell you something about greed. [Click this link to listen to the BPPS Podcast of this speech on YouTube.]

First of all, greed makes you blind to true love. When greed takes over; people become willing to tear apart blood relationships. Remember this is just for some material gain, wealth, money or inherited property. What a sad situation it is!

Secondly, greed makes us worship money and wealth. Dear friends, only God alone is worthy of our adoration, praise, and worship. But greed makes us forget that. And we start to bow down in front of greed.

Thirdly, greed can make you grab all you want; but at the end of the day you’ll be left with nothing. Remember, how Alexander the Great had the wisdom to ask his friends to put two holes in his coffin through which his empty hands could be put outside of it for all to see and think. He had conquered a large part of the world. But he was taking absolutely nothing with him when he died.

Finally, greed can make you a monster. Many angels at heart have become ruthless when they had allowed greed to take control of their lives. Values like love, compassion, mercy, and kindess disappear from the lives of those who are greedy.

Therefore my friends, stay away from greed. Let the story of the greedy fox remind you to stay away from greed. Let me conclude with the words of Jesus Christ: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”¹

Thank you.

¹Luke 12:15 Bible NIV 1984.
Featured image courtesy: Amanda Frank (Unsplash)

August 2, 2022August 2, 2022

Poetry Recitation for School Competitions

See the YouTube videos of:

If by Rudyard Kipling | Stefan B. Peter

If by Rudyard Kipling was voted the United Kingdom’s favourite poem in a 1995 BBC Opinion Poll.

I Am the People, the Mob, by Carl Sandburg | Daniela B. Peter

Carl Sandburg was an American Poet who won the Pulitzer Prize.

Speeches for School Children by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter
Nativity Scenes and Songs by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter

July 31, 2022October 11, 2023

Try Again and Again Until You Succeed

There is no success, no movement forward, no progress, no growth, and no development if you don’t try. So it is popularly said, “Try again and again until you succeed.” But the question is how should you try. Here are a few ways in which you can and should try.

First of all, you should try again and again with enthusiasm. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Don’t let anything discourage you. Interestingly, the word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek words “en” and “theos”; and it means “in God.” So when you are full of enthusiasm it will be like you are energized with the joy of God.

Secondly, you should try again and again with persistence. It simply means to keep on doing and keep on moving. Many give up after they try a few times. A last final try is built upon many earlier attempts; and all of them go into the making of success. As Former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.” He added that talent nor genius nor education can take the place of persistence. So persist.

Finally, you should try again and again with hope. There is much in this world that can cause despair. But as R. L. Stevenson said, “To travel hopefully is better thing than to arrive.” You should never give up hope. You should hope for a better tomorrow, always. You should hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. You should hope that love and truth will win over hate and lies. You should hope that your attempts will end in success. So journey in hope.

To conclude, think of what the motivational speaker Nick Vujicic said:

“I am gonna try again and again, because the moment I give up, is the moment I fail.”

Therefore try again and again with enthusiasm, persistence, and hope. Victory is near!

Read Try Again and Again Until You Succeed on LinkedIn

July 26, 2022July 27, 2022

Build Healthy Relationships Says School Leader in an Inspiring Speech

Hi friends,

It is time once again for the flowers to bloom and the song of the birds to make music in our ears. Our hearts are again in spring time and we look forward to yet another year of friendship and laughter and healthy fun. As leader of the school, I wish to present before you a few thoughts on how to build healthy relationships.

At a time when relationships are crumbling everywhere; when relationships are characterized by what one can get and grab; when relationships are based more on money power and social status than on values like honesty, integrity and faithfulness; there is much to be said about building healthy relationships especially in our schools where boys and girls study together.

First and foremost, all healthy relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. Trust does not happen overnight. It is a sacred responsibility that is an outflow of good character. Trust once lost; it almost impossible to regain it. Therefore, guard it carefully. Respect each other and give each other the private space needed; not only physically but also emotionally too. Trust never crosses boundaries and does not trespass on the other’s personal space.

Secondly, all healthy relationships are built on encouragement and mutual support. When you encourage your friend to be his or her best; when you give a listening ear when your friend would like to share life’s burdens with you; when you rejoice at the academic and co-curricular achievements of your friend; and when you correct with honest intent so that your friend does not end up a loser by taking the wrong path; you are building a healthy relationship.

Finally, all healthy relationships have to be maintained. At a time when mobile phones and social media are relied upon to maintain relationships; do not mistake them for the reality of keeping in touch in flesh and blood. Lending a helping hand when needed; encouraging to hold on and not give in to life’s troubles; connecting and networking with others and speaking a good and timely word for your friend; all will go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships.

Let me conclude reminding the words of Jesus who said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”¹ As far as healthy relationships are concerned, we need to watch out against people and evil forces who want to destroy good and healthy relationships. They spell death but we need to choose life deliberately, time and again, and strive to build healthy relationships.

We do not live in isolation. And none of us can afford to be lonely. We have families; but we also need healthy relationships with our friends; with both boys and girls. When greed and selfishness and cut-throat competition have become the dominant and aggressive mindset of the 21st century; let us strive to be unselfish and pray for the best for our friends. In that way we can truly be the salt of the earth by building relationships that abound with life and joy.

¹John 10:10a Bible.
Featured image courtesy:Prawny (Pixabay)
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Growing Up! A Motivational Speech for School Students!

July 23, 2022July 24, 2022

Do You Thirst for More?

Thirst! That one thing on which a huge industry of bottled drinks from purified water to carbonated soft drinks thrive globally. Billions of dollars roll hands on thirst alone. But thirst also is one word which stands for an ocean of desires.

Let me suggest four types of thirst that motivates people:

One, thirst for personal glory. Right from getting the first rank in school to winning an olympic gold; from making money to wielding power; from being appreciated by friends to having many likes, fans, and followers on social media; most lives are characterized by thirst for personal glory.

Two, thirst for personal vengeance. Without doubt, many of us harbour resentments, hurts, jealousy, and the desire to see those who created trouble for us go down. We might not kill but we might make fun, slander, criticize, and gossip. Honestly, it is good to audit our hearts and open it up for a search to find what it contains.

Three, thirst for God. At some point in time, most people wonder about the meaning of life. When they find themselves in situations like in a desert experience, forsaken by others, they cry out to God. Jesus responded to this thirst by declaring: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”¹

Fourthly, and finally, thirst for pleasure and entertainment. It can be mass entertainment, it can be solo in secret, it can be cruel, it can be fun, it can be hobbies or sports; life for many is defined and dominated by thirst for pleasure.

I have just mentioned four motivations of thirst in our human lives. But there are many more. Thirst continues in every human life. Yet no complete satisfaction comes in any human life until God is welcomed to meet your ocean of thirst with living water he alone can gift you with!

—
Featured image: Johnny McClung (Unsplash)
¹John 7:37

July 19, 2022July 27, 2022

Fun, Fight, and Flight, When Getting Children Ready for School!

“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players”; so wrote Shakespeare. And he further added about the school boy thus: “And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school.” Let me start right with school boys and girls; that stage where the drama of life enacts itself through the humourous fun, fight, and flight that happens when getting children ready for school.

Even when there is great fun at school and life is cool with friends, children don’t like to get up in the morning. They love to tuck themselves in the bed and say, “2 minutes,” “1 more minute,” “Please Mummy,” and so on. If that doesn’t work then there are fireworks. The only exception is when there is a picnic and they are ready even before parents are up!

As you look at what happens every morning, you simply say life is beautiful. Why? I don’t know. But memories of this fun and fight every morning are precious. No doubt the fights look terrible at times and can turn into screaming and physical fighting; there is a great relief when you catch the bus after a last minute olympic sprint defying and records-breaking run to the bus stop.

Children grow up in the twinkle of an eye and the opportunity you get to teach them vital lessons in life is but a brief window in time. While every parent has tons of complaints about children’s reluctance in getting ready for school, at the end of the day it is love that prevails. I think both parents and kids make a lot of mistakes in these battles that happen every morning.

Children don’t understand why they are being pushed to go to school. And parents are mostly criticizing their kids for their lack of discipline, punctuality, and lack of understanding of the importance of education.

I wonder if there is any home that is free of this fun, fight, and flight I was talking about. It is only when parents talk freely with other parents that they discover this struggle is a common experience and it happens in every home in some way or the other.

Maybe that is when they realise something about the opening lines of Leo Tolstoy’s 1877 novel Anna Karenina, which begins: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,” whatever that means!

It is also said that a family that prays together stays together. But I would also like to add that families that experience the fun, fight, and flight of sending children to school also bond in ways that defy logic. It is the heart that wins at the end. And sometimes chocolates too which are offered or demanded as means of compromise. Life is beautiful in the fun, fight, and fight mode; without doubt.

July 15, 2022February 16, 2024

What the Stars Tell

James Webb Space Telescope Image SMACS0723

The James Webb Space Telescope, no doubt an engineering marvel in itself, opened our eyes to the exciting world of stars and galaxies billions of light years away. So let me speak on what the stars tell.

First of all, the stars tell us that how wise and creative and Almighty God is! He simply created it all with his word.¹ Moreover the Bible says he calls each of them by name ² and because of his great power and mighty strength not one of them is missing.³

Secondly, stars tell us how small we are in the vast expanse of space. It also reminds us of our ignorance rather than our knowledge. Each new discovery is claimed to be giant leap. Yes, it surely is. But it also shows how small we truly are.

Thirdly, stars tell us that they obey the laws of heaven.⁴ They are under authority. Imagine if the gravitational forces started rebelling. What chaos would result! So each one of us should stand in awe at the majesty of God. The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”⁵

Finally, what is the meaning of shining like stars. Does not life offer us numerous examples of people using adversity to scale heights in life? Taking responsibility for your decisions and mistakes and failures in life requires moral courage and that will bring star-studded success in your life.

Read Discover What the Stars Tell About God and You on LinkedIn

Jesus Is Risen!
What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?
Chicken or Egg First When It Comes to God?

***
Feature Image Credits: The first full-colour image from Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope shows galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 in a composite made from images at different wavelengths. Photograph: Nasa/Reuters | NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
¹Genesis 1:14–19, John 1:1–3, Colossians 1:15–17.
² Psalm 147:4
³ Isaiah 40:26
⁴Jeremiah 33:25, Job 38:33
⁵Psalm 19:1

July 13, 2022August 2, 2022

Speeches for School Children by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter

This post features the YouTube videos of short speeches delivered on different occasions by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter. Currently available videos in this post are:
Speech on Discipline
Speech on Leadership
Speech on the Importance of Time
Speech [Podcast] on Environment Day
A Christmas Message [Kindergarten]

Speech on Discipline

Speech on Leadership

Speech on the Importance of Time

Speech [Podcast] on Environment Day

A Christmas Message [Kindergarten]

The Rainbow

Related video:
Speech on The Importance of Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts

Poetry Recitation for School Competitions

July 13, 2022July 14, 2022

Do You Need To Be a Millionaire to Make People Happy?

You need not be a millionaire to make people happy. You can simply make a difference by saying a timely word.

Let your timely word come straight from the heart. In other words, let it be sincere. The words “Children are enjoying your class,” are simple and down to earth. But the happiness it can bring to a teacher’s heart is immense.

To say a timely word, you should learn to appreciate others. It is simply an expression of your genuine wish to see others do well and succeed. “You sounded very confident when you gave your speech today,” will boost the speaker’s confidence and esteem still further. Without doubt it will make him or her happy. And you need not be a millionaire to do so.

Finally, saying a timely word can be that ray of hope which can illumine the darkness in a person’s life. Often God uses people to say a few words that might give others much needed wisdom and guidance at that point in time. “Don’t get discouraged. Your failure today can turn out to a blessing in disguise,” is an example of your timely word becoming a blazing torch of hope to someone ready to give up.

Let me conclude. You can live a life of purpose by speaking a timely word. Speak straight from your heart, appreciate with sincere words, and be a tool in God’s hands to light up the hearts of others with happiness. And let me remind you once again that you need not be a millionaire to spread happiness all around, wherever you are!

JOY Is a Gift; Happiness an Attitude!
2 Minute Speech for School Children on the Pursuit of Happiness

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”

— Proverbs 15:23 Bible NIV 1984.

July 9, 2022July 9, 2022

Is Entertainment the Religion of the 21st century Masses?

Is entertainment the religion of the 21st century Masses? Oh, yes! Everywhere people line up to be entertained. Be it sports, films, music bands, reality shows, politics, gaming, or even religious meetings, people love to be entertained.

No wonder people are fans of those who not only perform but also entertain. Without realising it, there is a kind of worship of heroes and heroines in all genres of popular entertainment. Therefore entertainment is a religion in itself.

These icons or celebrities of entertainment help sell tickets, build brands, promote causes, and influence popular opinion. They are active on social media too.

In fact, life for the masses revolve around their admiration for heroes and heroines. What is reflected here is a search for meaning, for belonging, and for role models. Not to mention social acceptance and a sense of identity. The religion of entertainment promises all those and delivers too.

But does it fall short of expectations? What might be missing in this pursuit of happiness is life on a higher plane. Entertainment can never satisfy beyond its immediate gratification. What then follows is a vacuum, an emptiness, a sense of craving and addiction for more entertainment.

Therefore entertainment cannot be an end in itself. Rightly viewed, it is a kind of substitution of deep longings to find meaning in life. For riches, fame, power, and success have not given men or women lasting satisfaction, ever! Neither has entertainment of any sort even if it be the best the world can offer!

So, what can possibly quench the thirst for entertainment. Perhaps one should ask, can God? If your thirst is real, then he can meet it with rivers of living water that will ultimately satisfy! But will the lights and music and cheer groups and the glitz and the glamour of entertainment—the religion of the 21st century masses—stop you from seeking further?

July 8, 2022September 29, 2023

A Champion’s Delivery Secrets

I am reading Chris Gayle, the Six Machine’s, autobiography.¹ Something which I found compelling there, l wish to share:

“The strong mind is what allows you to score big runs and dismantle big attacks, not the perfect front elbow or the back-lift that points straight to second slip . . .

“The determination to deliver. Being ready to endure whatever it takes to get the job done. Using those barbs can spur you on. Then you will make it, no matter what they put in your way. Trus’ mi.” (Page 45).

Having played a lot of cricket in my school days, I understand the value of what this great player says. It is not just about doing things right; but it is more about the will to win, the will to endure, the will to go the extra mile, and never stopping until there is victory.

Having that burning desire to win is what differentiates a champion from an ordinary player and stamps his or her legacy with excellence. When the stage is big and the audience demanding and expecting the very best, champions raise the level of their game to extraordinary heights.

He also speaks about himself as a gladiator wearing a mask. And he also speaks many times about the truth that “You can’t live in the darkness. You must come into the light.”

That means there is no time for wallowing in the past failures and mistakes; there is no time to despair but only hope; and there is no looking back or feeling miserable over coming close to losing your wicket. There is no time for regrets. Only look forward to victory.

June 23, 2022June 23, 2022

Motivational Speech: The Simple Act of Getting Up!

Have you ever closely watched a baby learn to walk? Now you got it before I even said it. The baby gets up each time it falls down. This simple act of getting up is what life is all about.

There are a few things we need to remember about getting up:

The first thought is that falling down is natural if you wish to learn to walk. There is nothing to be ashamed about mistakes and failures that happen when you try to master something. What you need to do is get up every time you fall having learned the lesson it was meant to teach you.

The second thought is that what keeps you moving and able to get up time after time again and again is a burning desire to learn to walk. There is no time to despair over falling down, there is no time to spend on regrets, and there is no time at all to weep over lost opportunities. Just get up and start walking again.

The third one and the final thought is that God encourages us when we try to get up and walk. Often he sends people to us, very unexpectedly at times, to help us find strength in God. They come like angels, lift up our spirits, remind us that God has not given up on us and he will still bring his promises to fulfilment in our lives in his time.

So let me conclude reminding you that falling down is a natural thing that happens when you learn to walk. You need to have a burning desire to move forward and you can look forward to God encourage you to get up and walk.
—

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their laboUr: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:10, 11 Bible NIV

June 2, 2022September 4, 2024

Motivational Speech on Beginnings: The Right Way to Begin Anything!

Beginnings are part of our lives. Much prayer, planning, and preparation ideally should go into making a beginning a success. A good start will pump a lot of confidence, hope, and the enthusiasm to persevere till the end. Now let me spell out a few tips regarding beginnings—the right way to begin anything.

#1. Begin with God.

He knows what is best for you. He is willing to guide and help you. Above all, he can give you the needed wisdom. So begin with God. Let your studies begin with God; for the fear of the LORD is beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

#2. Begin with a Determination to Finish.

You might have left many projects undone. This happens because you did not keep the long term view or have the big picture in mind. You should be prepared in your mind to deal with distractions and setbacks and obstacles. if you begin without having a plan to deal with these; most likely you will abandon what you started.

#3. Begin with Hope and Maintain It.

Life can bring a lot of changes. Some of them can threaten to derail your plans. It is in those times that you need hope. So put your trust in God and hope in him. If you do so, you will not be disappointed. So success is not just about beginning well, but keeping up hope as you progress through clouds and rain, through sunshine and storm.

#4. Believe in Small Beginnings.

One small seed can grow into a tree which in turn can provide plenty of fruit for years to come. So do not be afraid to start small. Make big plans but be willing to start small. There will be come a day when you can look back and be amazed at how far you have come. And be thankful to God for that journey.

Now let me conclude. Beginnings are special and remembered by all. But making a beginning is not easy and should not be attempted without adequate prayer, planning and preparation. When done well, beginnings are lovely; aren’t they?

May 26, 2022October 4, 2023

Distractions Drug You to Lose in Life

Usain Bolt, one of the greatest sprinters the world has seen, wrote in his autobiography¹: “Distraction for one hundredth of a second might be enough to lose a race.” In this modern world of gadgets when most of us spend too much time on our mobiles, distractions, especially caused by time spent on social media can drug you to lose in life.

Why do I use the word drug? Because drugs cause addiction. And who will disagree that social media is so addictive that you simply cannot control the urge to check and recheck and scroll through the reels and trolls and status updates.

Now the impact of distractions can be felt in a few areas: Losing focus, losing a sense of priorities, and losing the sense of responsibility are some of those.

First of all let me talk about focus. Take the example of a student preparing for the upcoming exams. Think about the student having books on one side and chatting on the mobile at the same time. It is like trying to pilot a plane while also trying to drive a car.

Secondly, let me talk about losing a sense of priorities. Time is limited. So not one of us can accomplish anything worthwhile in life without establishing priorities. That tells us what is urgent, important, can wait, and not needed. But distractions often make us spend valuable time on minor things, things that don’t matter, and what is frivolous.

Thirdly, let me talk about losing the sense of responsibility. Take the example of a mother of school kids and also a professional. If the mother spends long hours with her mobile, she is not doing justice to her prime responsibility of caring for her children. And one cannot find fault if her kids too just snug her and watch all that she is watching.

Let me conclude. My dear friends, life is short. And today, distractions are stealing away much time from your life. You are losing focus, losing a sense of priorities and also the sense of responsibility. So say no to distractions and avoid being drugged to lose in life. The decision is yours. Take it now!
Clip on Distraction from Malayalam Sermon on the Blood of Jesus

¹Usain Bolt | Faster Than Lightning | My Story | Published by Harper Collins