“Am I good enough?” The truth is you are not. If you wait till you get over this feel to speak, you will wait for ever. So find comfort in the thought you are good enough with all your faults, shortcomings, and imperfections.
One speaker expressed it like this. “In gully cricket sometimes an opening batsman gets out for a duck the very first ball. Then the opposing team allows him a second chance by starting the game afresh once more. This is similar to God’s grace.”
Often I have heard speakers say that God is a God of the second chance. Is that true? What if he stopped with that second chance given? I believe that God has given us multiple second chances.
The point is simple. It will take a bit longer than your life on earth to get all your problems solved. Therefore learn to speak in spite of all your difficulties, all your “I am not good enough” feel.
You can keep on waiting. Or you can take a bold step and start speaking. The choice is entirely yours. Positive Thinking
The fisherman prepares his nets and fishing rods. A cricket batsman prepares in the nets. The motto of the Scouts says “Be prepared.” Are you prepared?
What is the other extreme? You are invited to speak, told about a coming game or informed of an upcoming exam. What happens then. You start to postpone preparation. You meet with inertia according to Newton’s first law of motion, which states “an object either remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity, unless it is acted upon by an external force.”
Why do you yield to inertia? Simply because you hope that motivation will fall on you from the sky like the legendary apple that fell on Newton’s head. But you only experience gravity pulling you down.
So what can you do to overcome this?
First of all realize that there is nothing pleasant or romantic about preparation. It is simply honest hard work. You might have to do it alone. No one might see you do all the toil. No one will applaud you.
Secondly,look at people who perform well. They make it feel that it all happens easily. Realize that it is so only because of the long hours and perhaps months and years of preparation. There is no substitute for it.
Thirdly, the secret is to simply start. Inspiration will follow. Do not wait eternally for inspiration. Often it comes as a result of hard work and not by waiting for it. For example, if you have decided on a topic to speak just take a sheet of paper and write the topic. Note down one or two thoughts that comes. It need not be perfect and it need not be the best. That doesn’t matter. What matters is you got started.
Fourthly, try to cover as much ground during preparation. For example, you are to prepare for a speech. You might be using only forty to fifty percent of all that you prepared for the actual speech. But then what is the importance of extensive preparation?
It helps you to improvise while you perform: As a speaker a new idea will come suddenly while you speak and you can go for it like Martin Luther King did. His “I have a dream segment” was not in the original written script but was the inspiration of that historic moment.
Similarly, you might have seen a batsman in cricket execute improvised shots with great effectiveness. This is the power to improvise you get out of preparation.
The fifth secret about preparation is anticipation. You need to think about all situations that can go wrong and be prepared for it. Let me give you real life examples. I have forgotten to take the notes I prepared for an important speech. I have faced power failure at night during speeches. During your preparation you should be able to foresee situations.
The sixth secret is rehearsal. The more the better. The moment should come when you feel you have had enough of it and you feel absolutely weak and nervous and almost unable to perform. Until that point rehearse and rehearse till you are dead tired and fed up with the whole exercise.
Finally,get some good sleep the day before your performance. Today’s preparation will help you in some future crisis. The result will be a performance with confidence. Then you will be thankful that you did all that hard work when you had the chance.
First of all let me thank all of your for placing your confidence in me and electing me as the Social Service Leader of our school.
I consider this a privilege as well as a great responsibility. At the very outset let me seek your cooperation in dreaming big as well as achieving something noble for the good of the less privileged of the society. I cannot do anything alone, but together we can.
All that we need is a real honest desire to help others. Together with God’s blessings and the help and encouragement of our school management and teachers we can certainly plan and implement a few projects that will help the needy in society.
If I have a message for you this day, it is this that every single rupee counts. The help we give is far more than charity. Know that our efforts are going to help the the downtrodden, the marginalized, the orphans and the poor widows to live with dignity.
Each one of your efforts counts significantly towards the achieving of this goal. A kind attitude, a helping hand, a giving heart, and a we-can-do-it team spirit will go miles to get things done. Let me repeat again, alone I cannot; but together we can. Thank you one and all.
A photograph speaks about passion. Only a person who is interested in others, or in nature, or events, or sports or wildlife tend to take photographs. Others take selfies.
A photograph can rise to the level of art and the classic.
and not to forget NASA’s Pale Blue Dot taken by Voyager from outer space are all examples.
A collection of photographs can communicate a world of emotions and thoughts especially when tribute to a life is made through them. Through these photographs life of the person remembered is made still for those of coming generations to see.
Almost all writers and authors face writer’s block from time to time. Here are a few simple steps to get your ideas flowing:
Start with something you know. It can be as simple as your home, exciting as a game you like or maybe serious like computers.
Just freely write whatever comes to mind. Think about what might interest your readers.
Try to get to the heart of the matter as quickly as possible. Too much introduction will destroy interest.
Catch the attention of the reader at the beginning itself. It can be done using a surprise element, a catchy phrase or even a story in a few sentences.
Most likely, what you write the first time will have ideas all mixed up. That’s quite normal. Leave that matter aside for a few days. Then return to it. You’ll be able to edit it and make it into a very useful article.
Now organize what you have written into paragraphs with suitable headings. Then it will be easy for others to remember what you have written.
The length of what you write can vary. It depends much on the subject matter. Yet it is wise to keep things simple and short.
Like how the clothes you wear can express you in a very unique way; writing is an expression of your inner self. The key is to discipline yourself to write.
Do not wait for inspiration always. Instead simply start writing.
Imagine!
With that one word the inspiration to make new discoveries begins, the spark that ignites ideas to solve problems catches fire, and dreams of success are brought to reality.
Imagine!
With that one word you can create a world of loveliness that is pure or with that one word you paint what is ugly that colours your mind with dark pleasure.
Imagine!
With that one word you can believe good about others or else you cook up the worst possible about them.
Imagine!
Yes, imagine the world of happiness created by Disneyland across the globe. What if they forget to imagine? The world of entertainment for people of all ages, and not just children, will then become a ghostland instead of a happy land or the happiest place on earth; won’t it?
Let me conclude saying imagination is a God-given gift. Use it wisely. Keep it pure like a crystal clear water flowing over a rocky stream bed. Imagine that!
A child who grows up listening to bedtime stories is prepared for success in later life.
Great stories of the world not only can help a child get to know the cultures of the world, it can also help the child with developing good language and communication skills too.
Perhaps what stories do the most is to help a child know that happiness and sadness are episodes that recur in life.
Stories prepare children to enjoy the good things in life and hold on during tough times. In that sense stories are the best training a child can have.
Stories teach us about lasting values like love and friendship, about the joy of being lost and then found, about the thrill of coming back home and finding acceptance as in the classic story of the prodigal son that Jesus told.
Above all stories give us hope. They paint for us life experiences and enable us to look at it from outside.
Each good ending helps us to hope and believe that it will turn out well for us at the end in spite of all twists and turns that happen before that.
Let me conclude by saying that life without stories is tasteless like the white of an egg. And a story a day brings happiness again!
Respected Dignitaries, Distinguished Guests, Youthful audience, and a wide spectrum of viewers watching on Television,
It is indeed a moment of great joy this evening. I stand here with an immense sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This musical reality show that stole the hearts of millions of people worldwide is coming to its grand finale tonight.
The entire last year; viewers especially Malayali communities across the globe had tuned in every night to not only watch this vibrant program but also support and encourage the child prodigies who had delighted us with their wonderful singing and dancing and interactions with judges and audiences.
Let me first of all welcome all the dignitaries from the TV Channel management, and the Senior Executives from the Companies who have generously sponsored the cash award and prizes. As the Chief Organizer of this event, let me welcome each one of you and request you to kindly occupy the seats allocated for you in the front row.
We have here with us a well-known and eminent panel of judges. They are names that are synonymous with the music world and the film industry. Their rich experience and their connect with audiences is without parallel. Welcome you all to this grand finale.
Of course, here on my right stand the ten finalists. They are all familiar faces to all of you. What a thrilling musical journey they had had. The tremendous improvement they have shown over the last one year is phenomenal. They have mesmerized us on many nights with their unbelievable singing.
To my left are seated the orchestra team. What a wonderful team they have been. Without their enthusiastic support and extraordinary skill with their respective instruments, this musical show could not have come this far. Welcome you all to this finale.
And finally the privileged members of the audience watching this show live and millions of viewers watching on television, welcome.
Look ahead to a memorable night that shall long remain in your minds for its fantabulous display of musical talent, the fierceness of the competition, the agony and tears of elimination, the joy and ecstasy of success. Yes, ladies and gentlemen tonight you are about to witness a musical drama that will set your hearts racing. Welcome you all once again.
As a school student, the first step you can take is to stop giving excuses to your teachers on not completing your homework and not submitting your assignments on time.
The second step to stop telling excuses is to take responsibility for your actions. It is easy to put the blame on your teammates for the mistakes made. That is cowardice.
The third step to stop telling excuses is to find out what causes you to fail. Is it your laziness? Is it procrastination? Or is it poor listening that makes you miss out on vital information. For example, you did not listen carefully and therefore did not hear the teacher say, “Submit your notebooks on Monday.”
Finally seek the help of your friend to remind you whenever you tell an excuse. This will help you realise telling an excuse each time you do it. Becoming aware of it like that will alert you next time you attempt to tell an excuse.
Let me end by reminding you that the best place to start to stop telling excuses is your home itself. The basic excuse you give there is “I forgot”; isn’t it? Remember that forgetting happens because in your mind you have given priority to someone else or something else.
Yes you can. There is no reason why you can’t? Simply believe. Go deliver your speech with enthusiasm.
Step #2 Smile
Never forget this basic human relationship principle. Remember to smile at the beginning of your speech and maintain a pleasant attitude throughout your speech.
Step #3 Salutation
Address people on the dais with appropriate titles and respect. Do not use wild gestures and broad sweep of the arms. Gently tilt your face and look at each person addressed when you say their names.
Step #4 Introduction
A catchy introduction makes people give you attention. A quote, a story, a question, or even an interesting object or picture shown can make the audience curious and compelled to listen to you.
Step #5 Mention the Topic
Tell the audience what is the topic of your speech and the broad elements you will be covering in the speech. For example if you are going to speak on the Importance of Reading, you can also tell them that you will be covering how reading can inspire, inform, and entertain. That will help the audience look forward to those sections of your speech.
Step #6 Create a Framework
It is the skeleton that gives shape to the human body. Likewise a framework can give your speech an intelligent structure which will help not only you remember the main points of your speech but also enable your audience to follow your speech.
Add details to each point you want to say. For example if you are speaking on Covid-19 you can mention its global spread, statistics of people affected, mortality rate, post Covid medical care needed, vaccines, stories of survivors, the role of medical personnel, politicians, administrative officers, police, and volunteers who made sacrificial contributions in fighting Covid-19
Step #8 Summing Up
You can summarize your main thoughts at the end of your speech. It will help people recall the main points you covered in your speech.
There is always something more you can add to the answer you say that will make your interviews meaningful and memorable. It is an art you can easily master with a little bit of creativity and presence of mind. Here are some sample questions that have been answered for you. Always remember to stamp each answer with your individuality so that the listener or audience will feel your character and personality reflected in it.
Question:
What is your greatest fear? Answer:
If I tell you my greatest fear it also will mean that I have many fears. But if you still ask me, my answer would be to leave unfinished the work I was called to do.
Question: How do you measure love? Answer:
Love is measured immeasurably. Within the scope of that definition there are certain yardsticks that can be applied one of which is forgetfulness. It means the ability to forget wrongs especially the ones causes irritation and friction in daily life in the family.
Question: Who is your role model? Answer:
That question belongs to the past when you looked up to a few in your immediate neighborhood or in your understanding of history. But today genuine heroes and heroines are celebrated instantly through social media. One can learn some lessons from all of them.
Question:
What is your greatest entertainment? Answer:
The ability to shut down my laptop and switch off the mobile and look up into the clear night sky and gaze at the stars.
Question:
Will the Covid–19 Pandemic end? Answer:
Why not? It will end. But what will not end are the viruses in the human heart that cries out, “me, mine, mine alone, and more for me!” You can call that selfishness.
Question:
Are Online classes and work from home going to be the normal? Answer:
How could it be otherwise? The invasion of technology has made normal study and work look odd, out of place, and from a distant era. Future will mix traditional modes of study and work with the new reality. In other words, teachers and classrooms will co-exist with the online platforms for learning with no one method making an absolute claim over the other. The True Story of How I Lost an Interview Due to the Interviewer’s Blindspot
Christmas is the story of God’s great love for all people. No one is excluded. Christmas is the true story of God becoming man and being one among us. He was born a child whom people could see and touch. He came to shed his blood on the cross and die for the sins of all. One who looks to Jesus in faith will have his sins forgiven, become a child of God, and also inherit eternal life. This is the great hope to all which the event of Christmas brought to this world.
These nativity scenes featuring Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter help us to reflect on how God brought it all come to pass.
Songs by Daniela and Stefan
One Way Jesus
Risen
Our God Is an Awesome God
God with Us
10000 Reasons (Bless the Lord O My Soul)
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
I’ve Got the Joy Joy Joy
Baby Jesus We Love You
Deep Deep Deep
God Said to Noah – The Arky Arky Song (Rise and Shine)
Every Move I Make
Father Abraham Had Many Sons
Oru Divasam Noor Addukkale (Malayalam Action Song)
I love you!
These are the words that has made many buds bloom, made many birds chirp and flap their wings in delight, and has painted mesmerizing loveliness in soft pastels.
I love you!
These are the words that has brought a look of starry wonder, a twinkling delight, and tears of joy to one’s eyes. It has been music to many ears and resonated back a deep sense of thankfulness at being accepted, loved, and cherished.
I love you!
These are the words that had begun a lifetime of companionship, abiding friendship, and long walks through beaches holding hands until the glowing sunset brought in the dark.
I love you!
These are the words that a mother with her first kiss on her newborn’s brow softly proclaims, a father reaffirms when he stands with you in your troubles, and a brother, sister or friend reminds by his or her prayers for you.
I love you!
These are the words that give courage when you have to climb a rocky mountain, and walk through dark valleys in starless nights, or brave the onslaught of tidal waves coming in.
I love you!
These are the words that in spite of the promise made have been broken numerous times, shattered hopes, pushed people to the edge, tore apart families, and has left behind dry and barren deserts that sigh and groan like when thorns wrench the rib cage apart.
I love you!
These are the words which many thoughtlessly proclaim when life is young and is a splash of colours; when love is just like a pleasant breeze that is scented sweet by the fragrance of roses red.
I love you!
These are words that have made countless songs, melodies and symphonies, been the theme of many epic and panoramic movies, and have initiated jealousies and wars in the hearts of men and women.
I love you!
These are words that will continue to be spoken, continue to be cherished, continue to inspire, and continue to ignite, as long as hearts are wedded in love until the skies and the earth shall be no more.
On a high window sill stood two flower pots. One had a wild red rose full of thorns in it. It was in bloom. The other was a small garden plant. It had a single bud in it. Shades of golden yellow could be faintly seen. But it refused to bloom even when its time had come.
The Wisethorn, for that was the wild rose’s name, asked: “Hey, Bloomy, why don’t you bloom?”
In reply, she said: “I can’t. I’m not so beautiful like roses. I’m afraid whether my petals would come out well. What if the ugly worms put black spots in it? And then what will roses think of a poor little flower like mine?”
The Wisethorn understood. But it did not agree; for it knew better. The Wisethorn had seen even deserts burst into bloom. So it gently whispered a secret in Bloomy’s ears.
She listened. Then she thought, “Well, it sounds too good to be true.” A gentle wind seemed to soothe her mind for a flash of a second. Then it was cloudy again.
She drooped once more.
The Wisethorn was patient. It asked again: “What’s it this time?”
This time Bloomy said, “The wind is too strong and the sun is so hot ….”
The Wisethorn did not shed any tears for her. But it was all ablaze in flaming fury. It thundered the secret once again in Bloomy’s ears. Time stood still.
There was a pause.
Then time began to tick again. The struggle had begun. Other voices shouted in her mind’s ears: “It can’t be done.”
She looked to the Wisethorn again. It seemed to know what it had said. There was an authority in its look.
As eye met eye, she felt a surge of confidence. She said quietly but firmly: “Yes, the bud will bloom! It will! It will!”
It was the death-knell of the other voices. Yeah, Wisethorn’s words had triumphed!
Bloomy knew that her time had come. It was now or never. She had to choose. She had to be what she had to be or else it would be as if it had never been.
The clouds were gathering. The first streaks of lightning lit up the dark sky. Thunder rumbled in the distance.
But a greater fire was burning within her. She longed to be what she was created to be. Bloomy drew a deep breath and raised her head. She knew for sure that her bud would have a sunshine bloom!
That was yesterday. The rains had come and gone. The sun shone.
Now Bloomy was in bloom!
When the first joy of breaking free from the negative thoughts that had bound her was over she turned and greeted Wisethorn. The exhilaration of life’s first triumph was written all across her jubilant face.
Was it a smile? Were it tears? Was it joy or a twinkle in the eye? No one knows; but then it all seemed to say with one heart and one voice, “Thank you, thank you so much!”
All those who saw Bloomy were happy for her. They all said, “You’ve changed, Bloomy!”
But then none knew the word of wisdom Wisethorn had thundered in her ear!
Chocolates are not lollipops. Of course they are not; but both can be enjoyed in a traffic jam in the skies. If you are wondering what they mean; it is all about creativity and imagination.
Chocolates are not lollipops can be the way you look at things. Chocolates can tempt but lollipops can entice; but they mean the same. You end up eating sugar and paying for it.
Chocolates are not lollipops might be about how memorable you can be with words. As we get lost in a flood of chats, some pictures can stay in mind if you can but paint it in flashy strokes.
Chocolates are not lollipops is a reminder that life is sweet the way you see it. If life gets hell-busy then you forget to take time to slow down and relish the warmth of joy of spending quality time with family and friends.
Chocolates are not lollipops bring to our minds the nostalgia of childhood where life looked promising, fresh, colourful, and evergreen. Some of those dreams might be yet inside wrappers; but chocolates and lollipops don’t come without them.
Chocolates are not lollipops in spite of the fact that they hide sweetness within: Chocolates are gifted and it is always elite; while lollipops remain the delight of children who roam in cartoons, comics and legends.
Chocolates are not lollipops tell us that if love is an emotion, then life becomes a rollercoaster ride. But when love is a commitment to believe the best and attempts not to keep a record of wrongs; both forgiveness and forgetting become possible even at the fall of autumn leaves!
I would like to share a story that happened at Christ Nagar School1 where I had done my schooling in VIII C Class during the third term. The year was 1986, the year remembered for Argentina’s FIFA World Cup win under Diego Maradonna’s mesmerizing captaincy.
At the end of first term our English Teacher left because he got a job elsewhere. At the end of the second term the same thing happened with our next English Teacher too. Then our beloved Principal, Rev. Fr. Gerard Thevalasseril, a genius as well as a strict disciplinarian, himself came to teach us English even though he was known to teach history.
One day (I distinctly remember I was seated on the second bench, middle row), he asked me to read a portion of the English lesson that was being taught. I read. Before I sat down he lifted up his hand in a gesture of blessing and said, “Good reading, you are going to become an orator.”
I did not understand the word “orator.” And I did not have the courage to ask him then. We were all really afraid of him. He commanded that kind of respect from all of us.
So I went home and looked up the word in the Oxford pocket dictionary. The meaning was given as “good public speaker.” I laughed to myself and thought the Principal had gone crazy as I had never given a public speech before. But encouraged by his words I joined for a competition in school a couple of weeks later.
The topic was discipline. I started off with the Principal’s own words which he made it a point to repeat and emphasize on every Monday and Thursday morning school assembly: “Discipline is one’s ability to adjust oneself to the given situation.” Then I said some more of his famous words: “Where there is discipline there is order, where there is order, there is harmony, where there is harmony there is beauty . . .” That was all I could say. And nothing more.
I left the classroom where the competition was held, thinking, “Public speaking is not going to be my cup of tea!” And that was practically my first and last public speaking attempt at school.
But what I thought was not what God had planned as later events proved:
After passing out of school (SSLC) I got chances in elocution competitions in my church where too I made blunderous beginnings. The very first competition I participated in was conducted in Malayalam. Having sought the permission of the judges I spoke in English. I found myself staring at the ground after the first two minutes having run short of ideas amidst audible jeers from a youthful crowd.
And it was only towards the end of the third year at college that I found courage to participate in a debate. The next year as I finished speaking for an elocution competition in the college auditorium, one of my former classmates who chanced to witness it came rushing to me to say, “Bejoy, you wasted four years of college life!”
At that time, I wrote a registered letter to our former School Principal telling him this story I am telling you now. I wrote to him that his words were prophetic: Not only did I become a public speaker but also had begun to train students in public speaking. I was so happy to receive the acknowledgement due slip to the letter (even though his once classy signature had shrunk to a small one due to his prevailing ill health then).
The point of my story is that I had never dreamt of becoming a public speaker or a trainer. But my Principal’s words proved prophetic in my life.
It became even more significant as two of my schoolmates attended my first batch of public speaking as well.
is what makes you desire the best for others, what gives you motivation to sacrifice, what gives meaning to life. A mother’s love is what a child experiences first, but what is open to all to experience is God’s love.
“Where do you see yourself five years from now?” is a typical question in a job interview. It is a tricky question and is used to assess the candidate’s commitment to the job and to find out his or her career goals. [Find multiple resources on this question at the end of article.]
What if the same question is changed into “Where do you see yourself at the end of life’s journey?” Then it becomes a question that pales everything else to insignificance.
But in case, you want to consider the possibility, think about a question Jesus asked: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”1
That means the entire possessions of the world, its pride and glory, riches and kingdoms, wealth and pleasures, selfies and social media, are nothing compared to finding life beyond the grave.
Therefore life on earth is just a preparation; an interview where you are given a chance not to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” but instead “Where do you see yourself spending eternity?”
The choices are clear: heaven or hell, God or judgement. The decision is made now and here. Like there is a final bell for every exam, there will be one in your life as well.
Let me end with the poetic words of John Donne:
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
Yes, there will be one last and final call. But then it will be too late to decide. Vote for God today; and that election will stand the test of time and all eternity!
One of the questions commonly asked in my training sessions is this: “What will others think about me?” Whether it be professionals or students they share this same concern.
Often I’ve seen many talented speakers in my training sessions make wrong judgements of their own speech. They sport a sad face after they speak. If asked why they look so defeated, the reply usually is, “I did not do well.”
This reaction is usually triggered by a few inattentive participants in the group. The speaker therefore concludes that his or her speech was not worth listening to. The truth is that you cannot judge the quality of your speech by audience reaction alone.
Look at these three incidents and come to your own conclusion regarding, “What will others think about me?”
The first one happened at a recording in All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram studio. I had sent one of my students to do the recording of a story for Yuvavani a youth programme. She was reading her script in the recording room. From there she could see the computer room through a glass partition.
A few people who were involved in the recording process were talking with each other and laughing in that room. Their jovial chatter posed no threat to my student who was reading her script well because it was a sound-proof room. Yet at one point in time the graph on the computer screen stopped showing the voice-recording. My student had stopped reading!
Surprised by this (because my student was reading well), one of the programme executives came over to her side from the other room. She was asked why she had stopped reading. The reply took the programme executive by surprise.
My student told the programme executive that she had suddenly panicked thinking that all of the programme executives were laughing and joking at her poor reading. How far from the truth it was! The programme executives were sharing some funny stories. It had nothing to do with my student reading her script (this was her first recording experience too).
The second incident happened many years ago at the College Annual Day. It was March 17, 1995. I had the privilege of doing the Reply to the Toast Speech. It was a speech that I had dreamed of doing the last year of my college and I had prepared well to the best of my ability.
After having studied in Mar Ivanios College, University of Kerala, for seven years, I knew a large majority of students seated in the auditorium personally. Yet a couple of minutes after I started to speak there were howls and boos from the jam-packed audience. It took me by surprise because I was delivering a very carefully prepared speech.
I was shaken a little bit because that was the first time I faced such a reaction from the crowd in the college auditorium. That being my last speech (a swan song, so to say) at the auditorium as a student of the college, I felt sad too. But somehow I kept my composure and finished the speech.
After the programme was over, my teachers congratulated me for the wonderful speech I had delivered. Now it really baffled me why then had the crowd created trouble for me while I spoke?
As I thought on this contradiction, the truth dawned on me. There were several speeches that had preceded my speech. The student community were gathered together that day not to listen to speeches but to listen to the songs and enjoy the dance programmes that would follow in the variety entertainment segment.
The students had howled to send across the message that they wanted the cultural programmes to begin quickly. Their howls had nothing to do with the quality of my speech.
So let me come back to that original question, “What will others think about me?” The truth is that they might not be thinking anything negative about you at all. Their reactions might have to do with something else. While you speak, do not try too much to read negative meanings into reactions in the audience.
Let me now move on to the third incident. At National Institute of Personnel Management (Trivandrum Chapter), I asked all my students to read aloud what I had written on the board. After all the twenty-three students had read those lines, I asked one student to stand up and read those lines again. Her reaction took me by surprise.
Almost in tears, she asked me, “Why Sir, why do you want me to read again?” She thought that I had found fault with her reading. The truth was, her reading was so excellent that I wanted the other students to listen to her once again! How wrong an interpretation and negative colouring she had given to the request!
Isn’t it true that we often jump into wrong conclusions from how others react? Therefore, kindly stop thinking too much about what others think about you.
Science has gone to extraordinary lengths to come up with interesting explanations like Big Bang about origins.
The Bible says all beginnings originated with God. Time, Space, Eternity; all begin and end with God.
In the beginning. God created.
He called to existence things that can be seen from what is not visible. But he made man from the dust of the earth. There was his personal touch and breath of life in man. Man was made in God’s likeness and image with freedom of choice. Therefore man has the capacity to rebel against God.
It is this rebellion in the heart of man that makes him come up with fanciful theories all dated billions of years away and without any cause or beginning. All that is an attempt to dethrone God and substitute him with anything else if God can be kept away. God enthroned in heaven laughs at these attempts.
In the beginning. God created. The heavens and the earth.
Singularity and black holes have brought to light that laws of science that we know here do not hold together there. But are black holes created when stars die? The Bible declares that God created the stars; he calls them each by name and because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Perhaps we are trying to work backwards to understand what is too complex and mysterious instead of simply looking to God and worshipping him with adoration and praise for his infinite wisdom and incomparable power.
In the beginning. God created man, male and female. Yes, God created man a little lower than angels. And crowned him with glory and honour.
If, as Charles Darwin proposed, man evolved and made that final leap from monkeys what is the logic in man wearing dress to cover his shame? No other animal species has this habit; do they? The Bible says man’s sense of shame began when he sinned against God and hid from him when he realised that he was naked.
Then again the evidence of the microscopic as well as the telescopic world proclaim the wisdom of our Creator. Yet we deliberately choose to ignore God.
Still again, why are there so many languages in the world? Research has pointed towards families of languages with common origins. The Bible however points to a historic moment at a place called Babel where man tried to defy God and rebel against his authority by building a tower that reaches up to the heavens. And God confused the languages at that place. Interesting; isn’t it?
The proud will never find God because his head is full with his own ideas and in his heart there is no room for God. But God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
My friends, God is not against science. Not at all. Mankind has benefited greatly from technology; but is reaping the misuse of science in the hands of those who put profit over people and those who use unethical methods for selfish ends.
Let me end by saying that each discovery that man makes is a proclamation of how small he really is and how ignorant he is of the laws of God that govern the Universe.
My best friend and I were standing outside our church premises talking. This was early 1990’s.
Sunday morning it was. Time around 11:30am. From the footpath where we stood, suddenly we saw a man walking barefoot on the tarred road.
He was lean and thin. His eyes looked fierce and piercing. He had a slight beard, face weather-beaten, and hair raven-black. He was wearing a white shirt and dhoti.
He looked like a fiery prophet of old leaping straight out of the pages of the Bible to life.
He was looking at no one and speaking to no one; but simply walking ahead on the royal highway of the Trivandrum city just in front of Museum gate near LMS Compound.
Hanging from his neck were two cardboard placards on the front and back, one in English, the other in Malayalam.
It was written in bold black thick letters:
Prepare
to meet
your God
–Amos 4:12.
It was a silent fearless proclamation of a great truth. That man is destined to die once, and after that face judgement.1
Neither the intense heat of the day nor the traffic distracted the stranger. He kept walking on and on.
Pandemic Covid-19 the likes of which the world has never seen before triggered in my mind the memory of that lone stranger walking.
I wonder how long it will be before his message becomes real; frighteningly real?
1Hebrews 9:27
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts– Malachi 4:1
Isn’t it amazing that only men and women gather together to talk? And perhaps listen. Other creatures of instinct lack this ability. But how productive are our meetings? Whether it is informal or formal, personal or official? It is good to reflect on this.
First of all, consider others’ time:
Time rolls on. It does not stop for anyone. If you are wise you will use time wisely. Idling away time in gossip and slander is foolish and harmful. As Eleanor Roosevelt observed, “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
So, if you value your time and others’ time, stop spending your time on discussing other people and events. Spend much time discussing ideas. And while you do so do not spend time with those who see only the clouds. But spend some time with those who see the silver lining. And can share your enthusiasm and encourage you on to achieve the ideas you’re working on.
Secondly, consider the value of bouncing ideas:
Ideas are never born mature. It takes time as well as fertilizing to make it grow and take shape. Ideas, like a tennis ball, need to be bounced on solid surfaces. That is why we take our doubts to our
teachers, parents or other seniors who have the maturity to see the value of the ideas we have. And this too happens in a meeting.
When ideas are bounced it helps bring clarity to your mind. The one listening to you can point out to you some important points that might have escaped your attention. He or she also will have the advantage of seeing the bigger picture while you might be struggling with a smaller aspect of the problem. So invite healthy criticism of your ideas. It will help clarify your thoughts.
Finally, tune in to feedback:
Most meetings lose value because many talk but do not listen to what others have to say. They just proclaim and pass on. This creates resentment in the long run. Whether you are the boss or a parent or a husband or a friend; if you fail to tune in to feedback you can lose the warmth of your relationship.
When you listen to feedback, it gives you valuable clues to as to what the other person or party thinks on the issue under discussion. Feedback can be positive. It can at times fail to be enthusiastic. Then you have to seek the cause. It might take some asking but if your relationship is good with the person concerned, he or she will tell you what is hurting them and why. Then you can make adjustments to
your original proposal so as to accommodate their views and ideas and your relationship will be strengthened. And meetings be made more productive.
Tailpiece:
Of course, if the meeting is official the value of having a clear agenda, an efficient moderator or chairman to run the meeting and the ability of the group to stick to the purpose of the meeting; will make a huge difference in its outcome.
It is with great happiness that I stand here to welcome all of you.
As the Chairman of this Film festival I can say that it was a great run-up to this exciting moment.
I know that you are looking ahead with eager faces to see the movie scheduled as the curtain raiser to the current edition of this International Film Festival.
This time for a change we have kept the name of the movie a surprise.
You might wonder why it is so. It is because the movie itself explores the element of curiosity and how it shapes human expectations, handles disappointments and finds success in the pursuit of discovery.
Without keeping you all waiting much more, I welcome the guests of honour, dignitaries, delegates and the media to this function.
We have eminent Directors, reputed and legendary names in the world of Cinema whose very lives revolve around the silver screen here with us tonight. There presence here with us in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of God’s own country, Kerala, is in itself a grand showcase of the way this International Film Festival has grown and made a mark in the festive maps of the celluloid world. I welcome you with great pleasure to this inaugural function.
We are greatly honoured to have with us the doyen of Indian cinema, Mr. Amitabh Bachan, the the Big B of Bollywood as our celebrity guest this evening. He, once was the angry young man of Indian cinema. But today he is an iconic figure having inspired millions of viewers with the legacy of larger than life characters he has left behind. His signature voice is recognized everywhere. With loving hearts we welcome you to this film festival.
A special word of welcome to all our friends and passionate movie lovers who have come from different parts of the globe. It has made this gathering here this evening a mix of cultures, perspectives, and blend of voices from the Indian sub-continent, South-east Asia, the Middle East, South America, Africa and Europe.
Yes friends, movies make us reflect and think and ponder. It makes us face questions of ultimate importance in life. The lens through which the story is told is not just about dialogues but about search for truth and meaning; it is not just about songs but soul-stirring music and the power of stillness; it is not just about dashed hopes and cruel injustice but also about stirrings of hope and fight back and survival in the midst of despair.
As we unite together to watch and view and air our own opinions; make judgements and become part of the story-telling traditions passed down to us through generations now enhanced and embellished with the aid of ever-captivating and improving technology; I wish all of you a wonderful fortnight of great cinema viewing on the larger than life screens.
Once again, I welcome all of you to this grand celebration of world-class films that will keep you yearning for more. Thank you.
Most jobs require good communication skills. If you would like to succeed in your career, it is important you develop good communication skills. Here are some tips to do so.
#1. You need to have a great desire to communicate.
That means you have a desire to share with others the knowledge you have gained. It also means that you greatly wish others to benefit from your skills. When you have such a desire, it becomes easy to speak well.
#2. Have something to say.
It means that you should have a thorough knowledge of your subject. To gain such knowledge you should listen to good speakers, read books, newspapers and good magazines. As you grow up, you will be able to talk about your life experiences as well.
#3. Organize your material.
Several speakers confuse their audience because they have not arranged their material well. But good speakers take time and effort to arrange the content of their speech into main points and sub points. This makes it not only easy for the speaker to communicate but for the audience to understand it as well.
#4. The opening should be interesting.
Whether it is a story, a quotation or question that is used to open your speech, it should be interesting to the audience. Only if they get interested in your speech at the beginning will they listen to your speech fully. Think about good novels or stories you have read. They all had good openings which got you interested; didn’t they?
#5. You should also end well.
Many speakers do not plan for a good ending. Therefore they say something like, “That’s all.” That is a very poor ending. A pilot is concerned about landing his plane safely. Likewise a speaker should plan for a good conclusion. It can be a summary of points already covered. It can be a very short story or quotation that will highlight the main thought of your speech. Or it can be an appeal to act on something you said. Some speakers make people think much when they end with a question.
#6. Use homely examples.
Look at Jesus. He told stories or parables about things which people found all around them. He spoke of the birds of the air, the lilies of the fields, shepherd and sheep, fishing, yeast and dough, treasure hidden in a field and so on. These made his speeches memorable and we think on them with delight even today. So make your speeches interesting with lively examples.
#7. Turn to the Bible often.
It is a treasure house of communication. First of all it is God’s communication to man. Secondly, if you follow an English Bible it will give you an excellent command over English. Along with it, you will learn several speaking styles like the style of Moses, the prophets, Jesus, Paul etc. This will help you speak to large audiences well.
To conclude, developing good communication skills is a must in the modern world if you would like to excel in your career. Communication skills will help you gain recognition and promotion in whatever field you are. Remember that good public speaking helps you make a giant leap to leadership. Therefore spend time and effort to develop this important skill.
Thank you dear teacher for your farewell wishes to our batch.
It was not only a bouquet of love but also words that set our hearts ablaze with hope to face life ahead with courage in such uncertain times.
Looking back, there are two magnificent things I like to highlight: One, our batch always was like family. Two, the blessing of having such wonderful teachers who not only taught us well but cared for us individually.
These two things made the four years of our life on campus memorable and a period in life that we all will cherish for an entire lifetime.
I stand here with a heart full of emotions. I have stood here to speak many times before; but never had thought that this moment would come so soon.
Life forward is going to be exciting, adventurous, and dreams come true. But saying goodbye is tough. It is not the buildings, not the events, and certainly not the journeyings that we will miss.
Yes, there is something more dear teachers and students-It’s the bond of love and friendship that we have built that will remain and pass the test of time.
But now, in a few hours time, we walk away from this Campus with a heart full of memories spiced with gratitude to God for the blessing of the opportunity of having been part of this Campus and Alma Mater.
I believe, that as our Principal had exhorted us the first day in our college, we have left this place a better place than when we came in.
I wish to place on record our heartfelt thanks to our Respected Principal, and beloved teachers for their guidance and blessings and for shining a light on our paths.
Thank you dear friends for your unique contribution in all activities that we enjoyed doing together.
If you can live without breathing, you can live without prayer. Many people miss the joy of prayer because it is always made to be too sacred and religious.
Even a child can pray. Interestingly, toys and gifts will occupy a major portion of the wish list of any child. God welcomes that.
Why? He is not an alien in a remote planet. But he is your heavenly Father. He loves to listen to his child speak with him. If you are his son or daughter, just walk up to him and say, “I love you Abba Father!”
Yes, love is the language of prayer. But often we approach God thinking of him as a strict school master with a cane in hand. Of course, God judges wrong in his children and disciplines them as any loving and responsible parent would.
But more than that he wants you approach him with love and confidence and freedom as a child in the family. You are free to request him anything. You can be honest with God with your pain, your shame, your frustration and your worry. He listens to it all.
There is something more that happens in prayer than you can think of: With the passing of time prayer changes you. Your situations might not change; but in your heart there will be a rising courage, a gift of grace, a daring faith to believe, and a surplus of patience to see you through.
Along with it your heart will melt in tears seeing the holiness of an awesome God come near to you in love, compassion, and understanding like no human being can!
Yes, there is something more that happens in prayer than you can think of: With the passing of time your desires begin to take the shape of what pleases God. Your wish list then is signed, “Give me what you think is best.” You then like an obedient child trust your heavenly Father to provide what is best.
Finally, prayer achieves a beauty and loveliness when your heart and lips unite to thank and praise God for all that he is. It is then that you desire to be near God without asking anything. But being in his risen presence itself becomes prayer.
#1. Know Your Customer’s Needs Identify the market.
Know what will sell? Opening a fish shop near a school might not be a great idea; rather it might be great to go for a book shop which also sells stationery items. In the online world these don’t matter.
#2. Know Your Product There is no compromise here.
Be ready to answer questions, doubts, clarifications and objections that your customer might raise. Tell them about the product in a simple language even a child can understand (Avoid jargon.).
#3. Translate Features into Benefits
As a great salesperson, your work is to show your customer how a feature of your product is going to satisfy his need-basically how it is going to make him or her feel good, how it is going to make life or work easier for him or her.
#4. Know What Is Different and Unique About Your Product
It is quite natural for a customer to think why he or she should opt for your product from among the competition. If you as a great salesperson can show your customer what is that one thing (if not more) that makes your product worth the buy and better than your competition (In convincing your customer thus, do not bad mouth your competition; that is unfair.), you can sell!
#5. Find a Point of Agreement
There will be differences of opinion and disagreements to what you tell your customer. But your primary role as a great salesperson is to help your customer see that there is something important in what you said that he or she also fully agrees to. Then build on that point of agreement.
#6. Keep Options Open
Selling even when understood as a scientific step by step process is more of an art. A sense of timing plus being flexible to certain suggestions made by your customer can certainly win you a sale. Always offer choices; be creative in offering something free, surplus, bonus points, coupons etc. Bring in value addition to the customer.
#7. Never Get Bored of Telling About Your Product
Always keep in mind that your customer is always a new person listening to your sales talk. You should show freshness, creativity, enthusiasm, and confidence while you give a sales presentation. Never lose your excitement about your product simply because you are presenting the same stuff time and again.
In conclusion, remember to be sincere. Do not forget to ask the customer if something is needed for someone else–a child or an elder–in the family. There is no need to manipulate, trick or deceive.
Be open, honest and having the best intention regarding customer’s interest in mind even when you negotiate. It is your sincerity that will connect with your prospective buyer more than anything else.
Go sell! And remember to close the sale with a customary thank you, have a nice day, and a smile.
Perhaps you might not succeed in delivering a great speech this time also! So what? Understand that a speaker is not a once-for-all finished product. Instead the beauty of a speaker is that he or she is being moulded every day. Instead of trying to destroy the flaws; try to blend them into the design.
That means work on your strength as a speaker and being very good at it. Then slowly you’ll find that the shortcomings do not trouble the outcome of the speech. After all, all good speeches are based on lessons learned from plenty of bad speeches. When these lessons are stringed together; it shapes a speech that touches the heart, rouses the intellect, and inspires people.
Nothing Can Substitute You
Some find it painful at first to accept their shortcomings. Yet it is a joyful release of hope and celebration as one finds the truth that he or she is so unique and that nobody can replace him or her no matter what others think of them.
Yes friend, their might be so many things not perfect about you. Yet there is nobody else like you. So celebrate life as God’s gift to you. What better return can you give for that gift than being true to your own self.
So let us stop pretending. We are not actors on a world stage. Instead we are real people with ever so many shortcomings. Each one of us is having infinite value and worth in God’s eyes even though we appear to be of so little worth to others. That is the truth.
And there comes a moment when that truth dawns. This experience is liberating to say the least as far as a speaker is concerned. For the greatest asset a speaker brings on stage is he or she himself. No other visual aid can ever substitute you on stage.
You need not try to be extravagant in your dressing to make a statement. What comes across to the audience much more powerfully is the quiet confidence that you bring onto stage born out of the knowledge that you are making a statement as no one else can!
The Secret Is to Fall in Love
When a man and woman fall in love, the desire to communicate with each other dominates their thoughts. This is the key to being a great speaker.
When the desire to communicate is fuelled by a relevant message you are able to connect with your audience. At this point, your focus is not on fear about speaking; but on how to make yourself understood to the audience.
That brings us to falling in love once again. The moment that happens you want to express your love. It can take the form of gifts,flowers, cards or chocolates. All that means just one thing: “I love you.” That is the big idea, the key thought, and the overriding emotion.
But the fun is that you are thinking about yourself. All your thoughts are on your loved one. This is what should dominate a speaker’s mind–to make the audience understand what he has got to communicate. That is the desire to communicate. When that happens it is goodbye to stage fright and extraordinary delight in speaking!
Starting Trouble
“The human brain is a wonderful organ. It starts to work as soon as you are born and doesn’t stop until you get up to deliver a speech.” When the brain freezes, a beginner-speaker can panic at this point. However hard he tries, he might not get anything to speak on.
But what is the real problem that haunts a person when he tries to find a topic? Is it really that he does not have enough knowledge about something the problem? I don’t think so. The problem is something different. It is a nagging feel of the mind that tells the speaker that what he speaks about might be uninteresting to the audience.
This thought is simply untrue. Anything about you can be made interesting. Your biographical sketch can be interesting; provided it does not boast about “I did this,” and “I did that,” and provided that it does not go for a chronological listing of academic achievements. Instead if you briefly mention some aspect of your academic side that the audience can listen to with delight, then you would succeed.
Likewise, your favourite hobby, ambition, likes and dislikes, relationships, the game you love,movies that you like, are all subjects that can be made into interesting speeches. So next time someone invites you to speak, do not think of complex subjects and panic. Instead think on simple things and speak. For simplicity always appeals. It hides greatness within!
You need not try to take a detailed account of every mistake you make while you speak. Instead take some time to recollect some portion of your speech you had done well. And think of how to excel that performance.
For it is in pushing beyond your best past performances and rising above your limitations that true test of character is found. Such efforts involve most certainly the possibility of failure and more surely the ridicule of lesser mortals.
Your opportunity is now. It is yours when the wind is against you and strongest; and the night at its darkest. With trust in God and with commitment to finish strong, it is surely time to wake up from despair and make your speech and life count.
Organizing Content
If you organize your speech well, then it is easy for the audience to pick out the information you offer. You make listening easy by dividing your content into manageable packets. There are many popular methods to do so. Categorical and chronological arrangements are two such.
Many more ways of organizing content of your speech can be thought of. But the important thing to remember is that you need to cut the big cake to small pieces. And then offer them to your listeners so that they can have one piece at a time.
I Remember It Like Yesterday
The rule of thumb is to describe less but suggest more when you narrate your experiences. Then the audience will listen keenly to your speech and be more involved in it than otherwise. Memories do make speeches colourful.
Yet many of us forget to build a memory bank. Let not your hurts, nor your failures, nor your doubts, nor betrayals that you faced in life take away from you the zest for living. Yes, full participation in life; in its good, gives you great memories.
Then your speech will be spiced with them. And you’ll have an appreciative audience every time you speak.
There is no human heart that does not resonate with the hope that was so gloriously splashed out on the broad canvas as in Rev. Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream!”
# I Have a Dream
Those were words that were not in the original script; but towards the end of the speech, King realizing that the moment was now just let go the pent up emotions in that phrase “I have a dream” which has since then found a firm footing in the hearts and minds of millions who thirst for freedom worldwide.
The spontaneity with which King improvised setting aside the pre-written speech was inspired by the occasion where 2, 50, 000 people had gathered at Lincoln Memorial, Washington on 28th August 1963.
# Prophetic Voices as the Basis of the Dream
Towards the climatic end of the speech, Rev. Martin Luther King, a Minister (Pastor) of a Baptist church, took on a prophet’s role as he with great faith and belief quoted from Prophets Amos and Isaiah in the Bible saying that they will not be satisfied till justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream1:
“And I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”2
# The Hope of the Dream It was a dream that would not yield to the difficulties and frustrations of the present moment but look forward with hope to a better tomorrow.
It was a dream that trusted in the genuineness of the conduct of one’s character and refused to be side-lined because of the colour of one’s skin.
It was a dream of transformation when he hoped that a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers will arise.
It was dream of a symphony of togetherness; a faith that people will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that they will be free one day.
It was a dream that one day true freedom will ring out from all corners and every mountainside from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city; a day when all of God’s children will be able to join hands and sing with a new meaning in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
# The Legacy of the Dream
The dream of Martin Luther King lives on. Though the rise of evil threatens the peaceful co-existence of mankind; love, faith, truth and hope shall conquer one day.
It inspires us to be true to our convictions and to think and dream big. When we do so its impact will be for generations to come and blessings shall flow in ever-widening streams whose influence will touch more than we have ever dreamed of.
Comment: In the Penguin edtion of 20th century speeches,
the editor wrote about Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech
thus:
“Now, standing before the marchers, King rose to the drama of the occasion, and delivered one of the most memorable speeches of the century. No public figure of his generation could match the skill with which he made a mastery of the spoken word the servant of his cause.”
Negotiations begin early in life. Children negotiate with each other to gain possession of their favourite toys. Customers negotiate to get the best buy in sales showrooms and shopping malls. Often marriages are arranged after a series of negotiations. Life, it seems, involves more of negotiation than we have dreamed of. If that is true, then let us look at a few things that make a good negotiator:
A good negotiator plans and prepares for negotiations. He should process all available information. He should also learn to anticipate new elements and power plays that might come into play at a later stage in the negotiation process.
A good negotiator always keeps long-range goals in mind. He operates on the basis of mutual trust and respect. He recognizes genuine needs of the other party. So he tries his best to satisfy them even as he gets his point across.
A good negotiator is never afraid to ask. He is not deterred by “No” answers and closed doors. He knocks again, surfaces objections and clarifies doubts. He seeks to reopen bridges of communication. To re-establish dialogue is his highest priority when negotiations are deadlocked.
A good negotiator learns to have an intuitive sense for knowing the best deal. He has an ability to recognize when the other party is holding back or when he has offered the best deal possible. He knows when to concede and how to close without squeezing the other party too tight.
A good negotiator knows that negotiation is not an end in itself but a process. He is aware that both parties are answerable and accountable. Therefore he tries to make negotiations a winning process. It succeeds when both parties are able to carry back satisfactory answers without erosion of mutual trust and respect.
A good negotiator has to be flexible. He should be sure of what he can negotiate about and what he cannot (non-negotiables). When both parties want to have a positive outcome (especially true with relationships), things quickly fall in place. When long-range goals are kept in mind negotiations produce better results than predicted.
A good negotiator is never in a hurry to close a deal. He is a master of the waiting game. But like a cat playing with a mouse (Tom and Jerry), he knows when to go in for the kill. It is all a matter of knowing the right moment. By no means are these thoughts exhaustive. But still it is always good to remember fundamentals.
Above all, remember it is people you are dealing with. They too have dreams, ambitions, aspirations, fear of rejection and failure, and the fear of making mistakes and appearing stupid at the end of the day.
If you can be compassionate even when appearing to be unyielding and tough; you can be a good negotiator. And as a leader, you can not only strike deals, influence people and rally up a team with united purpose behind you but also keep relationships growing. Isn’t that awesome?
