Education Learning Teaching – Page 4 – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

December 28, 2018August 9, 2024

How to Prepare a Short Simple Speech for School Assembly on The Importance of Reading

Speaking is a matter of joy. So keep aside your fears. Seek God’s help, read much on your topic, get guidance from parents and teachers, and you are ready to go.

First of all think about a good beginning. It should get the attention of the audience. It can be a quote, a very short story or even an experience from your life said quickly.

Something like,

Now you can tell them the topic of the day. If you can use some creative ways to phrase your topic, it will be great. For example, “Is the Habit of Reading a Lost Art? Even plainly stating the topic, “The Importance of Reading,” is fine.

Follow it up with a quick statement of what all things your audience can expect from your speech. For example if you are speaking on The Importance of Reading, you can say something like, “Today I will be helping you to understand how reading informs, entertains, and inspires you.”

Now the audience knows that your speech will cover three main points. The expectation is clearly established. And they know what they will get to carry home with them from your speech.

Next try to find logical ideas and examples to support each main point you are dealing with.

For example, you can say that the reading of a book on Questions and Answers had given you basic knowledge about the human body, deep sea fishes, artificial intelligence, inventions and discoveries, computers etc; the reading of C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia had entertained you, and the reading of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam‘s autobiography The Wings of Fire had inspired you.

Now you can tell your audience about how to make reading a habit. If you have a habit of reading the Bible the first thing in the morning, you can tell them it is a good way to begin the day by seeking God and his wisdom.*

You can then tell them how to bring variety in your reading by mixing story books, travelogues, science fiction, comics, poetry, drama, novels and so on.

Perhaps, you can also tell them how to write notes about what they read so that they will be able to recall and put to good use what they have read.

Now it is time to conclude. Before you do so you can try to cement the importance of reading by using a well known quote from Bacon, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested,” or from Milton, “A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.”

After saying that, you can tell them what you told them till then. Something like “the headlines once again” as you hear in the reading of the NEWS on television. “Today, I have tried to show you how reading informs, entertains, and inspires you.”

Now you can try a flow chart to touch down.

If you want to remind them of the importance of reading say something like, “I hope that the habit of reading will grow along with you like an ever-widening and deepening stream.”

Or if you want to persuade them to take action, end by asking, “The libraries of the world have many books. You can’t read all of them . But still there are some you cannot afford to miss. So start reading today.”

Yet again you want an inspirational ending, go for this: “If my short speech has ignited your imagination and inspired you to open the windows of your mind a little wider through reading, I am sure you will build a life on solid rock, chiselled by discipline, and trusted for its character.

Well, there is bound to be a good round of applause however you end–be it informing, persuading or inspiring. Smile at the audience as you did at the beginning of the speech and make a gracious exit. You have won the hearts of teachers and the respect of friends!

Link to post Short speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks! — Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!

October 3, 2018October 24, 2023

A Short Speech on the 7 Best Things to Teach Your Child

The first thing to teach your child is to look up at a clear night sky. And not bent down his/her head on to mobile screens. Ask him/her to wonder about the star-studded sky. Let him/her think, how did it all come there? Who is behind it all? What holds it together?

The second thing is to teach your child to speak the truth always. Tell him/her mistakes happen to all good men and women. Ask him/her to take responsibility for them. Teach him/her that it takes courage to speak the truth.

The third thing to teach your child is to keep trying. It is up to us parents to motivate a child to keep on attempting to do things. There is lot of truth in the saying, “Try again and again until you succeed.”

The fourth thing to teach your child is the value of patience. A child thinks that good things are his/hers automatically for the asking. Teach him/her that he/she needs to learn to wait and be patient for good things to come his/her way.

The fifth thing to teach your child is how to fail. Tell him/her not to consider himself/herself as a failure even if others label him/her so. Teach him/her that more learning happens through failures than successes. Let him/her know that there is nothing to be ashamed about failure if he/she has given his/her best effort.

The sixth thing to teach your child is never to lose hope. Teach a child to say NO to despair. Tell him/her not to worry for he/she has a heavenly Father watching over him/her. Let him/her learn that even after the darkest night the sun will rise.

The seventh thing to teach your child is to strive for excellence in thought, speech, and action. Tell him/her to persevere in the good and noble pursuits of life, career, hobbies, and relationships. Let him/her learn to never lower his/her standards.

Finally, I cannot say, there is nothing more to teach a child. For there are lots more like habits, respect, character etc. But if you ask me to add one more; it will be the importance of discipline in life. Teach him/her to discipline himself/herself to have a worthy purpose in life. Let him/her know that it is not the beginning that counts but how one finishes well in life. Let him/her discipline himself/herself with the thought of touching the finishing tape on a note of triumph.

These are not all; but even if these are all, it will yield sweet fruit for all the toil and labour and hard work that your child will have put in to succeed in life. A thankful heart, without doubt, will make it taste all the more sweet.

A Child’s Dream About the Future

August 28, 2018July 19, 2022

1 Minute Speech for Children on Wisdom

There are more than one lakh planes flying every day world wide. Can you imagine them take off and land without pilots listening to instructions from the control tower?

Similarly life and its safe flying depends much on listening to the control tower called wisdom. The Bible says, “The fear of the LORD–that is wisdom, to shun evil is understanding.”*

The fear of the Lord means to acknowledge that God is holy and he is to be worshipped with reverence and awe. It means to accept that God is the source of all true wisdom. Once you do so, you have a solid foundation to build your life upon.

The practical part of wisdom is avoiding evil. You cannot fear God on one side and allow yourself not to listen to his life-giving instructions on the other. Today, evil comes in innocent-looking attractive packages. It gnaws away at your life without you even being aware of it.

To avoid being trapped by them, ask yourself three questions:

Question number one,
“How much time are gadgets stealing away from my time to study?”
Question number two,
“Does what I am doing a clear disobedience of instructions given by my parents and teachers?”
Question number three,
“Are my relationships and friendships influencing me for good or bad?”

Time, obedience, relationships. If you can keep tabs on these three watchwords, you can walk in the ways of wisdom.

It will crown you with health, wealth and honour. Wisdom will give you a long and fruitful life as well.*

Therefore choose wisdom; embrace life! Thank you.

*Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:16, 4:22
Two related thoughts from the wise king, Solomon: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7).” and “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).”
and one from Psalms:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

August 19, 2018October 11, 2023

1 Minute Speech on Who Is My Role Model?

Hi friends,

A role model is a person whom I can look up to; learn from, and imitate. I can also be inspired to succeed the way he or she has done in his or her life.

A role model can be my father or mother; it can be my teacher, my best friend, a sports personality or a leader in my neighbourhood or community. What makes a role model impact my life is not the position he or she holds; but the positive influence and the way he or she sets an example by his or her behaviour, speech and courageous action.

Now we need to note that we either consciously choose role models or sometimes we are influenced by them without our even knowing it.

So just ask yourself this question, “Who am I looking up to as a standard of behaviour, and reference point to emulate or follow?” The next question to ask yourself is “What makes his or her life a success?” Once you have identified those elements like honesty, discipline or courage; the third question to ask is, “What character traits of that person can I copy, implement, and reproduce in my life so that I too can shine a light for others?”

Again, a role model is one who brings about a positive change in me. He or she is someone whom I can relate to in my struggles as well as my dreams.

Personally, I have had not one; but many role models in my life. At each stage of life’s journey I have looked up to someone for motivation to live life better.

If I look at them close; they may not be perfect but there is something good about them which makes me respect and admire them and also push myself to excel in life.

Surprisingly, many role models that I have had are not public figures, but unsung heroes and heroines whose lives shone a bright light for me!

Speech for Students on Corruption

August 16, 2018July 19, 2022

So You’re Graduating!

Respected Principal, dignitaries on the dais, and dear graduating students,

I am very happy and privileged to be part of your graduating ceremony. It brings back nostalgic memories to my heart as I think of that proud day when I stood where you are right now. Let me wish you all the best and thank the College Management who extended me the invitation to be here today.

Now let me share with you some thoughts on graduation day that I hope will help you in your career ahead.

There are milestones in life that we all cherish and draw inspiration from. Today is such a significant day in your life’s journey. You are about to step out into a future with many unknowns but holding unlimited possibilities and potential.

First and foremost have a thankful heart towards God who brought you this far in life. Be thankful for so many people–your parents, teachers, friends and many others whose positive influence, knowledge and encouragement made this day happen for you.

From now on it is a gifting back to society; a time to shine the light for those who follow; for those who need a word of encouragement; and for those who want to know that what they dream of can be done.

Now let me leave you with three thoughts that can shape your life, career and destiny ahead.

First of all, think about excellence.

I would like to bring to your attention what Vince Lombardi the legendary coach in American football said: “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour.”

Excellence does not come easily to anyone.
It comes through pushing yourself beyond your limits every time you perform.
It comes through persevering in the pursuit of your goals.
It comes from getting up from where you lie wounded to fight one more round.

So commit yourself to excellence. It is a decision that can change your life and career dramatically. When you are thus committed and excellence becomes a habit in all that you do; those who come to contact with you will respect you.

Secondly, think about professionalism.

What is it all about? It is a mix of many things. It is about unending enthusiasm for work. It is about attention to small details. Again professionalism is having integrity and honesty in your life and work. It is the ability to step beyond doing your duty just for the sake of pay cheque.

Professionalism is again about teamwork. You may not find everyone you work with pleasant or having the same likes and dislikes you have. It is your ability to get along with them and work in harmony that is going to make even dull routines come to life. So learn to cultivate the ability to get along with people.

And never forget to smile. Make happiness go around. Be at your best every day. Manage your personal struggles and domestic difficulties so that it never affects your work. To wrap it up, professionalism is your ability to inspire confidence in others by the way you think, communicate, work and behave.

Thirdly, think about work-life balance

So far I have been talking about your career alone. Let me now say something about how to live a beautiful life before I conclude. Today so much is being spoken about achieving work-life balance. And it is indeed an important subject indeed.

You should never forget your families as you build your career. Hold on to the right priorities. As Jesus Christ pointed out in the Sermon on the Mount, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all the material things you need in life shall be given to you as well.*

So the simple starting point is “God first.”
The second in the list is “Family.”
And “Work” is the third component.

If these three come in the right order, it is not difficult to achieve work-life balance. Remember if the canvas is not there; the painting ceases to be!

Conclusion
Now it is time to conclude. My dear students today you are graduating College. It means that you are about to give wings to your dreams. It means that you are ready to face the challenges ahead.

Each day would bring us new challenges. You need to remember that all your training here was to equip you to face the challenges of your work bravely. To your surprise you will find that many of life’s situations are those your text books taught to you nothing about. But that is the way it is; and this where you seek wisdom from God to run life without derailing.

So do not run away from duty, but take up your responsibilities with courage. And if you ask me what courage is, it is not the absence of fear. But it is the ability to do right in spite of whatever is terrifying you.

So my dear graduating students, you now stand on the shore ready to go on a journey into the unknown. Congratulations graduating class and may you find your hands steady at the wheel even when the ship pitches and rolls.

And never forget the three things I shared today with you:
Strive after excellence;
demonstrate professionalism;
and balance work and life well. Thank you.

February 11, 2018August 16, 2023

2 Minute Speech on Success–Aim High Is What I Want to Tell You!

What helps you succeed? So many elements that contribute to success might have crossed your mind in the twinkling of an eye; haven’t they? Let me just pick one among them all. It happens to be one of my favourites. It is the ability to aim high.

But we find many people content to fly low in life. They sadly miss the chance to live life to the fullest. Therefore the question is, what prevents people from aiming high? Let me just quickly sketch a few points.

First of all, people do not aim high because they are afraid of their own success.

It might be a startling statement. But it is true. I have met many who thought that to succeed is a crime. To them, success meant that they are somehow stealing someone else’s opportunity.

But that is not true. This world is a big place and God has created a space for you and for me. It is only when you do not use your full potential and do not try to understand the purpose for which you have been created; it is then that you betray your calling in life.

So aim high and be the best you can be.

Secondly, people do not aim high because they are afraid to fail.

See, the problem lies in how you look at failure. If you see it as the worst that can happen; then you are finished. You lose even before you start to fight. That is a defeatist attitude and most negative.

Dear friend, stop worrying about what others will think when you fail. That is their problem; not yours. Unless you try, how can you exercise your God-gifted potential? If you look at yourself honestly; you are carrying a gold mine within you and living like a beggar. Who is to blame? I hope you got the answer.

So aim high and be the best you can be.

Finally, people do not aim high because they think that they are not significant.

Oh, how it disheartens me to see so many choose to stay behind the curtains and on the side benches without taking an active part in the drama and game of life! Dear friend, never fall into the comparison trap. The world will always try to make you feel inferior. Do not buy into that lie even for a moment.

For God has created you unique. There is nobody on planet Earth like you. With all your shortcomings you can still contribute much to the lives of others. Stop thinking about yourself alone. You can be the lifeline to many others who are in despair and in darkness.

So aim high and be the best you can be.

Let me conclude. Never fly low. I repeat it again; never fly low.

Like the law of gravity; negatives will always be around you trying to pull you down. But there is a higher law of flight and freedom that leads to joyous achievement.

I cannot but quote those famous words from Prophet Isaiah who said:

This is your true destiny. To rise from your bed of despair and hopelessness and aim high. Look at the vast blue expanse of the skies. Isn’t there a stirring in your heart; a longing to soar high?

So aim high and be the best you can be.

You can read 3 Invaluable Tips on Aim High to Succeed on LinkedIn

You Can Find Success God’s Way

*Isaiah 40:31

January 23, 2018July 18, 2022

2 Minute Graduation Speech

Respected Principal, dear colleagues, graduating students and others gathered over here, a warm good morning to one and all.

This is a defining moment in the life of each one graduating from our reputed College of Nursing. You added colour and variety to this institution and I can tell from experience that as a batch you have been really unique.

Not only were you good at academics you proved your mettle in all the co-curricular activities as well. In one word let me tell you, “Well done!”

The time has now come for you step out of this cosy nest and fly on your own. The training and discipline you got from this place will definitely carry you through. And when you feel overwhelmed by challenges know that God will carry you in his everlasting arms spread underneath you.

On behalf of the entire College community I wish you all the best for your career ahead.

At the same time, I would like to leave with you three words. Vision, Hope, and Courage. These three words are like three pillars of strength that will hold you strong throughout your life and career.

First of all, let me talk about vision.

We belong to the great tradition lighted by Florence Nightingale, the lady with the lamp. It was her vision that gave rise to modern nursing care. This was later given greater breadth and scope in India by people like Dr. Ida Scudder who paved the way for women empowerment and a great institution like CMC Hospital Vellore. You too are part of this vision—the vision of being called to serve.

Carry this vision forward and know that your work will be rewarded someday.

Secondly, let me talk about hope.
Each one of you is called to gift hope to people. There is no other group of professionals to whom others look with expectation more than the nursing community. This is because we are the people who bring cheer and hope when everything looks difficult and dark for the patients and their bystanders as well.

Therefore let us never forget to smile and do our work cheerfully even when we are hard pressed on every side.

My final word is courage.
Each day would bring us new challenges. You need to remember that all your training here was to equip you to face the challenges of your work bravely. So do not run away from duty, but take up your responsibilities with courage. And if you ask me what courage is, it is not the absence of fear. But it is the ability to do right in spite of whatever is terrifying you.

Therefore be bold even when you are meek, assertive even when you are humble, daring even when all others shrink back in fear.

So my dear graduating students, you now stand on the shore ready to go on a journey into the unknown.
Hold on to your vision, gift hope to others along the way and stand with courage in spite of all fear.

I wish you all success. And I hope the day will soon come when others will tell us about you—angels of encouragement, pure in heart and true in deeds—the shining ambassadors of our College community.
Yes, dear students, go as angels of encouragement and make this earth a better place for the entire human race. Thank you.

December 2, 2017October 11, 2023

Farewell Speech on the Retirement of Principal of an Institution

Respected Principal, dignitaries on the dais, distinguished guests, members of faculty, non-teaching staff and students,

In this beautiful season of Christmas, where all hearts are filled with hope and joy; I stand here with mixed emotions. On the one side there is a sense of sadness that our Principal is leaving us. On the other hand there is this awesome responsibility I face that of stepping into her shoes. Both the leaving and the taking make this a moment a difficult one indeed.

At this time I recall the poem by P. B. Shelley titled Ozymandias. It talks about a king who made monuments and statues of himself. But as years passed by they were all destroyed and buried in the vast endless desert sands.

Unlike this king some others leave their legacy in the hearts of people which is never destroyed. Such a person has been our Principal. She has scripted love and enduring respect in the hearts of all those who came in touch with her. Unlike buried monuments of stone what she has authored in our hearts will live on.

And as spoken in a famous movie*,

Yes, one of the greatest lessons you have shown us is that you cared for all of us. Therefore you earned the trust and respect of all who came into contact with you.

The respect you showed to each one of us, your willingness and eagerness to involve us in taking major decisions are things that will be remembered. You were dedicated to your task, sincere to the core, simple in life, able to remain calm under pressure, and never yielding to anger.

You were not only able to improve results in all courses but also created a stress-free learning environment for students. You tried your best to improve the quality of faculty and encouraged their development through education and research.

Your student-friendly approach and your understanding of the background of each student showing extra concern for those having problems—both academic and personal—will be lovingly remembered for a long time to come. Your systematic approach to things and your emphasis on punctuality made working with you a pleasant experience.

With all my heart and with the blessings of all present here I wish you a contented and joyous retired life. May you find useful ways to engage yourself in the service of God and men in the days to come. I also request you to kindly accept the gift that we are giving as a mark of gratitude for all that you’ve done for our Institution.

Now let me highlight the area of my focus as the baton is being handed over to me today. I take up this huge responsibility of being the Principal of this great Institution with humble trust in God and the prayer that he will keep me faithful in all that I have been entrusted to do.

My utmost priority and effort will be to create a Campus here which will be admired for its academic excellence, co-curricular pursuits and discipline that will be a model for many other Institutions of this kind.

I seek your cooperation in this regard. I thank all of you and the Management especially for your faith in me and entrusting me with this great responsibility.

As you have extended your kind support in the past, continue the same with greater eagerness and enthusiasm. Together we can build upon the great legacy our dear Principal is leaving behind. Thank you.

You can read this speech on retirement on LinkedIn too.

October 21, 2017October 11, 2023

2 Minute Speech on the Impact of Computer Games on Youth

Respected teachers and my dear friends,

Until some years ago, when children talked about games it meant team games like football, cricket, hockey, basketball, shuttle, tennis and the like. But today games are more or less dominated by computer games in the minds of youngsters.

Again, until some time ago, blue whale was the answer to the question “Which is the biggest animal on earth?” But no longer. Blue Whale is the name of an online computer game played over social networks which encourages youngsters to do certain tasks ending in suicide.

So let me spell out the topic for my speech. It is the Impact of Computer Games on Youth. It is very clear that youngsters interact with video games in much deeper ways physically, emotionally, and mentally than with other popular media like films. You can also read Gaming as Career, Entertainment, and Addiction! for further insight on gaming.

First let me focus on the benefits of computer games.

Many claim that computer games improve co-ordination, attention, concentration and problem-solving skills. It also enhances memory, helps in multitasking capability and can also be used as excellent teaching tools.

There are video games like building a city or helping others. These can help a youngster to be socially responsible and behave with care and concern for others.

Computer games, some people say, help youngsters to get familiar with the online world. It allows them to become smart kids and builds perseverance in them as many computer games have different levels which the gamer has to master.

Quick thinking, fast analysis, intelligent use of resources and management, planning and strategy and situational awareness are some other benefits that people highlight.

Let us assume that all these are good. Let us now look at some of the negatives.

Very young children are also exposed to the world of computer gaming. Sometimes these games can encourage violence and crime. So there should be a supervision of what type of game is played.

Secondly, the amount of time one spends on computer games have to be limited. There are known cases of people spending long hours on games without eating, mingling with friends or studying. This affects health as well as the person’s ability to interact with other people face to face.

Thirdly women are generally portrayed in games as weak and as kind of objects. It is a kind of negative stereotyping. It can wrongly impact the young boys and the way they treat women.

Again, there are studies which show that video games can lead to aggressive behaviour because of constantly playing games which require the gamer to take part in violence.

Another difficulty with video games is that parents rarely spend time with their children trying to find out what games they play. So parents lose a chance of bonding with their children; they lose the chance to spend quality time with their kids and of course they lose the chance to understand what type of behaviour change is occurring in their children because of the video games they play.

Finally, there is the danger of not differentiating between the real world and the fantasy world. Unless the youngsters are taught between the differences in the gaming world and the real world there can come moments of confusion and disappointment.

Let me conclude by saying that we cannot forget the fact video games and gaming have become a multi-billion dollar industry. It might easily be the fastest growing entertainment in the world today.The high quality of graphics giving a greater sense of virtual reality is drawing people more and more into a different world far removed from the real one. And it is impacting youngsters in a big way. Only time will tell of how the life of youth changed with video games dominating their play, study, thinking, and relationships.

September 19, 2017December 12, 2023

1 Minute Speech for Children on Gratitude

Once upon a time two angels went from heaven to earth with two huge baskets to collect the prayers of people. One basket was labelled Requests and the other Thanks. When the angels returned to God, the basket of Requests was full and overflowing; but the basket of Thanks was almost empty.

Dear friends, the lesson is quite clear. An attitude of gratitude is often absent in our lives. The lack of a thankful heart may be the root cause of many human illnesses as well.

Let me now point out two things:

Firstly, an attitude of gratitude means you learn to count your blessings in life. When you do so you will find that they far outnumber the difficulties or problems you face in life. Moreover it gives you a joyous heart as well.

You can be thankful for the gift of life, your parents, home and school, your teachers, relatives and friends, for the clothes you wear, the food you eat and the place you live in. The list is endless.

Secondly, an attitude of gratitude helps you value simple joys of life. You may not have the latest gadgets to play with. Instead a thankful heart will help you to be content and satisfied in whatever situation you find yourself in.

A thankful heart will value people more than things, it will value a smile more than riches, it will find joy in giving than grabbing, and it will hold on to hope even when life’s ship moves in troubled waters.

Above all, there is one more reason to be thankful. God so loved the world and gave his Son Jesus as a gift to all of us, to shed his blood on the cross and die on our behalf. Therefore, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”*

To conclude, let me say that a heart of gratitude brings joy to God’s heart and makes you richer than all billionaires! Thank you!

Read Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart on LinkedIn

Bless the LORD, O My Soul!
—
Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter sings the song, “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” as part of Little Kingdom program on Harvest TV.

*2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV Bible.

July 28, 2017October 11, 2023

A Student’s Inspiring Election Campaign Speech for the Post of School Leader!

Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers and my dear friends,

A warm good morning to one and all.

Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is with this vision I aspire to be your leader. If selected, I would love to lead by example not just in academic pursuits but in all co-curricular activities as well.

The focus of my talk this morning is about three R’s. They are
Reach,
Respect, and
Relationship.

First of all let me talk about Reach.
Most of us have potential. And many of us have not discovered what it is all about. One of my first priorities will be to create opportunities for everyone to display their skills and talent. We cannot do it on our own. We need the guidance and support and encouragement of our teachers.

I am sure they will extend all possible help in this regard. In fact we are blessed to have the opportunity to study in this School which has always set standards of excellence not only in academic results but more importantly in student-teacher relationship.

The second thought I want to share with you is about Respect.
Why is this important? This is important because we live in a world where mind, muscle and money power rules. Human rights are constantly being violated. Intolerance between communities is growing. It is in this context that respect for others should be taught and understood and appreciated in our classrooms.

It is good to begin while we are young. I would like to create an atmosphere of respect in classrooms. We should learn to respect our parents, our teachers and elders. We should learn to respect the law of the land and be law-abiding citizens.

The third thought is about Relationship.
What is the point in studying in the same school and sitting on the same bench and not knowing what your friend’s difficulties in life are? We have become too selfish that we do not care for those who are hurting. So as your leader one of my priorities will be to create healthy relationships in classrooms thus paving the foundation of friendships that will last a lifetime.

This is very important because today children are spending more and more time with gadgets; chatting, gaming, and living in a virtual world. I wish that our students would spend more time in face to face interaction and joyful communication thus cementing good relationships.

So these are my main thoughts:
One, Let us strive to reach our full potential.
Two, Let us create an atmosphere of respect.
And three, Let us also try to build lasting relationships.

So I seek your cooperation. For nothing can be done by a leader alone. A leader is one who has a vision and has the ability to share it.

This I have done with all my heart!
Now it is your turn to respond to this vision.

As cricket commentators say, a captain can only be as good as the members of his team. No captain has succeeded without great team work. So I appeal to all of you my friends that we will achieve these goals through united effort, working hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder. Not one of you will be left behind.

Success to me is not one person achieving. Instead, it is about helping others achieve. It is about enabling others to realize their dreams. So let us begin to realize our full potential. Let us do this in an atmosphere of respect and sportsman spirit. In this process let us build lasting relationships.

Let me assure you my friends we are not going to be defeated, we will certainly win. And the beauty of the victory will be that we all shall win together and make our teachers and parents proud. So my dear friends, when you cast your votes remember me and my vision I have shared with you. Do cast your precious votes in my favour.

Reach, Respect, Relationship.
This is my vision, my dream and my goal. I cannot do it in my own strength but in the strength God shall provide. I cannot do it alone; we shall do it together. Thank you.

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November 11, 2016November 11, 2022

2 Minute Speech for School Children On Science and Development

From the time the first wheel started rolling, the world has progressed in leaps and bounds. When the wheel gathered momentum and speed with the arrival of the combustion engine, a new era had dawned in human history.

Soon, it was man’s turn to fly. Travel became faster. And with the arrival of telephones, television, computers, and mobile phones the world shrank to a global village. With the arrival of the internet and a variety of software applications most routine activities like shopping and banking is now at the fingertips.

All this has influenced how people live. Life has become faster and easier. At the same time, this kind of easy life has impacted man’s health as well. Instead of physical activity which can help reduce stress, modern gadgets and equipment has compelled man to move to a sedentary life style.

At the same time we cannot forget the developments science has made in the field of medicine. We even have robotic surgery today. Even when several diseases like Aids and Cancer still plague a good majority of the world’s population the life-saving and health improving developments in the field of medicine are commendable.

Technology has also changed the face of education and the classroom. Teachers and teaching have an added dimension in virtual classrooms. The advantage of this is that the best education can be availed by people even in remote villages if electricity and internet connectivity can be provided. This is a remarkable achievement even when Internet or the Information Super Highway has opened for a man a lot of avenues for exploring evil as well.

That is why whether science is a bane or boon has been debated for a long time now. We have benefited much from science. We owe much to the sacrificial contribution of scientists and researchers worldwide. But in the hand of men with devilish intent, science can be used for destructive purposes as well. Here checks have to be made by appeal to the human conscience and wherever possible by laws and international treaties and understanding.

Another area where man has tried to probe is space. Space exploration is throwing open new horizons and knowledge. Weather forecast and telecommunications have had significant improvement because of satellites in orbit.

However, there is this haunting thought. Every step that man takes forward in science reveals the smallness of man. It tells us how much more is there for man to know under the microscope as well as in the stellar galaxies and beyond.

It is true that science has created great progress. But several inventions like the dynamite and the atom bomb have already created havoc in this world. Not to mention the thoughtless use of plastic. Or for that matter technology invading relationships through the arrival of social media. Do you think your privacy is not under threat when you browse the internet or make a purchase online? You are under watchful eyes of those interested in their market empires. So technology has its downside and hope that frightens you a little bit!

Now let me conclude. Science can be a great instrument in peace and development. At the same time the hope that science will create heaven on earth is largely a myth. Simply because man’s behaviour has not altered over the centuries. And in the hands of the wrong people or a bad decision by a person in leadership science might script the final showdown of man’s history on earth someday. Yes friends, time will prove what is truth.

2 Minute Speech on God Versus Science Debate

October 27, 2016July 18, 2022

A Speech for School Children on the Importance of Discipline in Life

No one has become successful and maintained it without discipline. Talent, opportunity, passion, ambition, hard work and perseverance all have their contribution to make to success. But without discipline it is highly likely that a genius too will end up as a failure.

So what is discipline? “Discipline is one’s ability to adjust oneself to the given situation.” That was the thought the Principal at my school had driven home into our hearts at each school assembly. That means we are not to blame circumstances but instead rise above them by making necessary changes in our attitudes and actions.

Discipline primarily begins with a desire to make best use of resources God has gifted to us. It starts with the understanding that time that we have at our disposal is short; and we cannot waste it. So to make best use of time, we should plan well. As far as students are concerned, this demands creating time tables and sticking to them.

The next step in discipline is to make priorities. As far as students are concerned, their first priority is not studies. You might be shocked and surprised by that statement, I am sure! But then what is your highest priority. It is to obey your parents and teachers!

Now why do I say this? This is because disobedience and disrespect are so fashionable with today’s young generation. But let me tell you; a disobedient child is an undisciplined child. And even if such a child becomes successful the traits of disobedience he or she carries in the mind will someday prove to be his or her downfall.

Let me add one more important thought to this. Many of you aspire to be leaders; don’t you? It is a good thing provided your attitude is to serve others in your leadership role—to be a true minister unto men. The Bible portrays this as servant leadership which Jesus showed when he took off his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, took water in a basin, washed the feet of his disciples and dried them with the towel the night he was betrayed.

Now if you want to be a leader, obedience is the key. Make a note of the saying, “He who cannot obey cannot command.” Just imagine what chaos will result if there is disobedience in the armed forces? Therefore obedience is the key as far as discipline is concerned.

After desire, and priorities and obedience, the next step as far discipline is concerned is to strengthen your resolve and commitment. Just making decisions are not good enough to lead a disciplined life. You have to increase your efforts to stick to commitments. Otherwise you will become bored and lazy with routines.

The key is to create good and healthy habits. Once those are formed; it is difficult to break them. Just imagine, the simple act of brushing your teeth every morning. This discipline became part of your life because your parents helped you to form that habit early in life; isn’t it?

Let me conclude with one last thought about a disciplined life. It is a very important thought as well. If you wish to maintain a disciplined and successful life, you have to avoid distractions. As far as youngsters are concerned, let me point out one way in which you are distracted is time you spent with your gadgets. If you do not learn to discipline yourself and limit time you spent on them; you will regret that later in life. For the quality and vigour of time in youth will never return. Therefore, invest the best of your time in life in the best things of life.

So my dear friends learn to adjust yourself to the given situations in life. Discipline yourself and leave behind an inspiring legacy of success!

October 27, 2016November 18, 2022

A Speech for School Children on the Problem of Stray Dogs

Dear Friends,

What is your stand on the problem of stray dogs? Let me assume that as an animal lover you would like to protect stray dogs. That is good. There is nothing wrong with such a stand for no one is advocating cruelty against animals.

Instead, my argument is that human life, created in the image and likeness of God the Creator, has far more dignity any day, anywhere, than all the animals of the world combined.

Now what is the cause of the problem of stray dogs? Several reasons have been suggested. One definitely is the improper disposal of garbage. Stray dogs are breeding in plenty because they get enough food in the streets. Some people even throw food to stray dogs on a regular basis. Isn’t this showing love without ownership or responsibility? What do you think?

Recently someone suggested that animal lovers should take responsibility for stray dogs. Either they should show their true love by at least taking one stray dog into their homes or finding common shelters for them. Or at least they should have the kindness to support the family of persons who have been bitten by stray dogs.

But what often happens is that in spite of the terror that people have passed through on account of stray dog bites, especially in a literate state like Kerala, animal lovers still raise their voices for stray dogs? Can people be blind to human misery like this? This is an extremely sad state of affairs!

Another idea that has been put forward to control stray dogs is the proposal to sterilize them. Many are arguing in favour of and against this as well. Whatever be the merit of the idea, one awful truth remains. If sterilized dogs bite, the bites are as painful and terror-striking as dogs that have not been sterilized.

Now let me conclude. Who is to blame? Is it the vaccine companies that are keeping alive the stray dogs so that their medicines can sell? Some argue like that. We do not know what the truth is. Do politicians who make the laws have a hidden agenda? Again, we do not know.

Now what is more important? Human life? Or the lives of stray dogs? If you are asked to vote for one of these, what will you choose? Human life? Or stray dogs? Think about it. How many more human beings have to be mercilessly bitten by blood-hunting stray dogs before the authorities will take action?

October 26, 2016August 9, 2024

A Speech for School Children on the Importance of Books and Reading

Why is reading important? It is important because it is a habit that can make you a better person. 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.

Books not only inspire us, but they also provide knowledge. Even though technology has brought in many changes to the way we read, it has only enhanced our ability to get connected to different sources of knowledge through reading.

It is to be noted that reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It helps us to digest the best that different regions of the world like Asia and the Middle East, America, Europe, and Africa have to offer us. As our minds are exposed to such a wealth of ideas through reading, it helps us to communicate with depth of thought and a wide mixture of emotional colours as well.

Again, reading gives us 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 to the mind.

These are reasons why books have been treasured, and to create a habit of reading; libraries established. There are libraries in the world where ancient manuscripts are preserved. They connect us to our roots and are a window through which we are able to see the history of the world.

But then with the giant leap of technology has come digital libraries which place books at our finger tips. Therefore, with mobiles and tablets, reading can happen even while traveling. The one difference it has made is that instead of flipping through the pages of a book physically, we use touchscreens. Yes, the way people read has changed, but reading as a habit continues to hold sway in the minds of people.

At the same time, we need to be reminded that good books are a great investment. As Francis Bacon, the great essayist, said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” And in the words of the great poet, John Milton “A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.”

Finally, some books can be like a beam of light lighting up your path ahead. In the Bible, we find the author of a Psalm assert this, saying,

Therefore, choose good books wisely. Make them your companions. And like good friends, they will give you counsel and wisdom when you need those most.

Elocution Competition Topic: Social and Humanitarian Changes Brought by the Pandemic Covid-19
Speech on How to Make Studies Interesting for Your Children
The Stranger with a One Line Haunting Message

—
*Psalm 119:105

October 25, 2016November 11, 2022

1 Minute Speech for School Children on the Importance of Education

Dear friends,

Education is not just literacy. In other words a literate person may not be educated at all. The point is that education is about having a goal—the goal of equipping a person face life well.

Education is not just having academic knowledge about subjects prescribed to be learned. Instead it should aim at the holistic development of a student—cultural, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical.

One of the hallmarks of good education is how it has helped a person put to practical use the knowledge he has gained. Without this practical wisdom, education is a failure.

Another area where education should play a critical role is in the area of civic responsibility. Have you not seen educated people thoughtlessly throw a banana peel on the road while they travel in a car? What good is education if a person cannot see the harm he is doing to the public by his thoughtless and selfish act?

Unfortunately, today education has become a business in many circles. That adds to the cut throat spirit of competition in the marketplace. On the other hand education should vigorously aim to instill moral values in students.

To conclude, let me say that teachers and education should enable a person to see and to observe, to think and to talk and act with the good of others in mind. Without development of integrity and character, without learning to respect others; education cannot be said to have hit the mark. But when education ignites the mind and inspires the heart, then truly light shines in the darkness! Thank you.

Speech on How to Make Studies Interesting for Your Children
Your 2 Minute Guide to Choosing a Course of Study

October 25, 2016July 15, 2022

Speech for School Children on Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam the Missile Man of India and a Dreamer!

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a man who dreamed and whose passion in life was to inspire others to dream.

One of his best remembered quotes is about dreams as well. He said,

He was a great scientist, thinker, writer, teacher, motivational speaker, the missile man of India and its 11th President.

What makes his life an inspiration is that he started from humble beginnings in a remote village in South India, Rameswaram. That was the place where he had his first job of collecting bundles of newspapers thrown from a passing train. Many decades later he still recollected and felt the surge of pride in earning his own money for the first time.

But then there were many people who influenced and inspired this great son of India to become a dreamer and become known as the Missile Man of India. Let me just mention two of these people who moulded and mentored Abdul Kalam.

First of all, Iyadurai Solomon. He was Abdul Kalam’s teacher. The relationship between them was very strong. This teacher influenced Abdul Kalam’s thoughts very much. It was he who taught him, “To succeed in life and achieve results, you must understand and master three mighty forces—desire, belief and expectation.”

Iyadurai Solomon was a great teacher because he instilled in all the children a sense of their own worth. It was he who inspired Abdul Kalam saying that “With faith, you can change your destiny.” Thus Abdul Kalam began to aspire for greater things in life.

He believed with all his heart that he too can make an impact on society even though his parents did not have the benefit of education. Abdul Kalam who was always fascinated by the mysteries of the sky and the flight of birds from early childhood, because of the influence of Iyadurai Solomon, began to dream of soaring up into the skies. And he became the first child from Rameswaram to fly.

Decades later, when Abdul Kalam went to Madurai Kamaraj University to deliver their convocation address, his beloved school teacher Rev. Iyadurai Solomon was on the dais. After his lecture, Abdul Kalam bowed before him and said,

Iyadurai Solomon, in turn, replied in a voice choked with emotion, “You have not only reached my goals, Kalam! You have eclipsed them.”

Another person who influenced Abdul Kalam greatly was Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Dr. Sarabhai, when interviewing Abdul Kalam for the post of Rocket Engineer, was one of the first persons to see the possibilities that were lying hidden in Abdul Kalam. He saw Abdul Kalam fit into a larger picture.

The whole interview came to Abdul Kalam as a total moment of truth where his dream was enveloped by the larger dream of a bigger person. The rest of the story is how Abdul Kalam became the missile man of India, inspired and ignited by the great visionary scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.

Let me conclude by saying that great dreamers like Abdul Kalam had people influencing him positively in life. But Abdul Kalam’s genius was that he did not try to hold on to dreams selfishly. Instead he burned out staying active till his last breath and spreading the inspiration to dream to all especially to the children and students across the length and breadth of India. Therefore, my dear friends, start to dream as Abdul Kalam often reminded us: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”

A Loving Tribute to Prof. James M. Stewart

#In 1997, Kalam received India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.
#While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015, aged 83.

#He was known as the “People’s President” and his birth anniversary on October 15 is observed as “World Student’s Day.”

Believe in the Message of the Foolishness of God!

June 13, 2016July 15, 2022

1 Minute Speech for Children on the Importance of Obeying Traffic Rules

Good morning friends,

What is that in bold and black that you notice in newspapers every morning? It is the heart-breaking news of people getting badly injured or losing their precious lives in road accidents. Sadly, accidents have become so common place.

Why is this so? Reasons like using mobile phones while driving, careless overtaking, drinking and driving, bad conditions of roads, stray dogs, blaring loudspeakers in busy junctions, flex boards curbing visibility, not dimming lights at night, crossing speed limits, and even malfunctioning of traffic signals have all been identified as cause of accidents. These are all true.

But as children, what is our responsibility in preventing road accidents? Most importantly, we need to grow up as a generation obeying traffic rules. This is part of our civic responsibility as Indian citizens:

We need to learn to stop when the light turns red.

We need to learn to stop spitting outside from public transport.

We need to learn to use zebra lines while crossing the road.

At least we can stop throwing banana peels to the road from our cars.

Well, I agree that there is nothing new to know in all this. But we need to discipline ourselves to respect the Law and do the common sense things well. We need to discipline ourselves to wear helmets and use seat belts. We need to learn to manage our emotions and not contribute to road rage while stuck in traffic jams.

Above all, we need to learn to smile when someone raves mad at us and verbally abuse us for no valid reasons while driving. I do admit that we are not angels to do that.

Still let us strive our best to make our roads a safe place to travel.

Together, we can! Thank you.

Red, Green, Yellow Is Not All When God Guides You!

—
Featured image courtesy: Anil Kumar K.

December 2, 2015July 15, 2022

1 Minute Speech for Children on How to be Safe on Social Media!

Respected teachers and dear friends,

Good morning to one and all.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and instant messaging services like WhatsApp have made building relationships easy, instant and colourful. Yet children should not close their eyes to the dangers in it.

First and foremost, never add a stranger to your friend list. You have no way no knowing what his or her true identity is. He can be a link in an online racket or he can be part of a terrorist organisation. You never know.

Secondly, never reveal private information regarding your identity or location. For example, if you make it easy for strangers to know who your friends are, which are the places you hang out with them, and what your pastimes are, someone can easily track you. Therefore make sure that you fine-tune your privacy settings to make it nearly impossible for strangers to gather information about you.

Thirdly, do not share private photographs on social media. As a warning, know that if your smart phone is given for software upgrade or repair, a techie with wrong motive can easily transfer all your photos including deleted ones and chat logs. Several instances of such photos and chats being used for slandering people have been reported in recent times.

Finally and most importantly, if at all anyone tries to blackmail you do not panic and do not try to fight it alone. The blackmailers would warn you to keep your mouth shut. Do not listen to them. Instead seek the help of your parents and trusted teachers at once. Open up and talk. They will help you. And make sure you remember– suicide is NOT an option!

Let me conclude by asking you to do one thing: If someone adds you to a chat group where you feel the content shared or discussed is inappropriate for you, exit the group immediately!

Yes friends, it is true that social media offers us a sense of freedom and instant communication. But use these benefits with responsibility and caution! Thank you.

November 6, 2015July 15, 2022

The Appeal of Body Language in Speeches and Communication

No one can hold audiences spell bound without giving due attention to how he uses his body to communicate. It is proved beyond doubt that the way one uses one’s body to communicate can enhance the appeal of any message.

A raised arm, a sweeping movement, a bow, a playful raise of the eyebrows, a shrug of the shoulder, a pointed finger, a swift cut through the air, a bending forward while asking a question and then pause; all these are examples of powerful use of the body to emphasize, underline, and highlight what you say.

Your Eyes
The power of a look has to be experienced to be believed. Your eyes can express a variety of emotions like love, anger, joy, playfulness and so on. More importantly it is your first connect with audiences. So use your eyes to maintain eye contact with the audience.

If it is a small group you can look at each individual once in a while. If it is a larger gathering, you will feel comfortable looking at one or two individuals in each segment of the large gathering whenever you turn in that direction.

Your Smile
This is your second connect with audiences. A smile can not only open the ears of people but also their hearts as well. It makes it easy for the audience to identify with you and also open up a dialogue with you. Sometimes you can get tensed during your presentation that you forget to smile. So remind yourself once in a while to smile.

Your Posture
I have seen many people lean on the lectern. This is not good. An erect posture not only communicates a sense of leadership and purpose; it also helps you to breathe normally. That helps in your voice production as well. And most people make the mistake of keeping their two feet together while they speak. This makes them look like a robot. Such a stance gives little room for spontaneous movement. Creativity is stifled.

Your Arms
Some people would like to hold on to the microphone or the lectern. It gives them a sense of security. Nothing wrong about it. At the same time one should know how not to deal with the arms on stage.

Crossed arms will distance you from the audience quite easily. Arms flying around will distract. Palms up are very weak. Any move of the hand to face is a signal to the audience that you are not at your confident best. So be bold in stretching out your arm and use gestures that will support, highlight, illustrate and make plain your content.

Your Movement
Formal occasions might not give you a chance to move around. But many speech situations will give you the possibility of moving on stage. Do not stay behind the lectern always. Why not step out to make a point and move back? If there is no lectern and you are holding a mike in your hand, gracefully walk into the midst of your audience to ask a question or to interact with them. Such moves are welcomed by the audience and will help them to connect with you in a deeper way.

A Speech Is Not Just About Words
A speech is not just about words. Though content is important; you the speaker through whom the message is delivered is also equally important. So make sure that you are able to impact the audience through the way you use your body to communicate!

October 6, 2015October 11, 2023

2 Minute Speech for School Children on the Importance of English

Respected teachers and my dear friends,

Good morning to one and all.

We all think. And we all communicate. But how do we do it? We do it through words, not just words but words in a particular language which others understand.

Though it is easy to communicate in our mother tongue; that alone is not enough in today’s world. We need to consider the fact that people speaking different languages mingle with us almost on a daily basis.

There are people from other states in India as well as a few people from other countries who have come here to find work or just visit our place. Communicating with all of them require a common language.

It is here that English language and the knowledge of it becomes an advantage. English may not be the most spoken language in the world, but it is the official language in many countries in the world.

Along with that we find people moving out to other countries to work. And English is the most used language for business communication in the world. It is also not surprising that more than 50% of content in the internet is in English; not to forget newspapers in English that set the standard.

Moreover, the best books and films in the world are produced in English. Sometimes, popular and best-selling books in other languages are translated into English to reach a world-wide audience. I am sure you might have watched a film in Chinese and understood it because of sub-titles produced in English.

All these facts prove the importance of English language. It gives us access to business communication, the world of knowledge and also the world of entertainment.

The language itself is constantly in a state of change. It has borrowed words from all cultures and civilizations it has come into touch with. You will find words in English which have its roots in Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, Hindi, French, German etc. So, the ability of the language to grow and expand is one important highlight of the English language. It is a truly colourful language and an international language as well!

As a concluding thought, let us consider our opportunities for higher education. It is an established fact that English is the language that gives us access to science; especially the fields of Engineering, Medicine, and Information Technology. Or think about a Post Graduate in Management and the distinct advantage he or she enjoys if able to communicate well in English! Thus English is the language that is used in higher studies and research.

Finally, let me ask you a question? Would each one of you like to have a job—not just a job but a good career ahead? If the answer is yes, why not make yourselves employable at the highest and the best spheres of work by mastering the English language? Thank you.

You Are Invited to LIFE

Elocution Competition Topic: Social and Humanitarian Changes Brought by the Pandemic Covid-19

Speech on How to Make Studies Interesting for Your Children

Featured image courtesy: Pixabay

June 1, 2015October 11, 2023

1 Minute Speech for Children on Character

Respected teachers and dear friends,

Good morning to one and all.

Wisdom in life is about building on rock rather than on sand.

If you want others to hold you in high esteem and you want to influence people in a positive way, building a good character should be a high priority.

First and foremost,
honesty and integrity should be the bedrock on which you build character.

A man of truth is bold as a lion and lives above fear for he has got nothing to hide as he walks in the light.

Secondly,
character is built by a positive attitude.

Your faith is what helps you triumph over negative circumstances as you trust God to make all things work together for good.

Finally,
character is built upon the sacrifice one makes to make this world a better place.

When you do deeds of care and compassion, your lives will shine its brilliance long after your work is done.

Yes, let me conclude
by saying that reading, culture, education and technology fails if it does not contribute to building character.

Today, the world is not in need of persons with more money, mind and muscle power; but it needs men and women of excellence and character.

Hope young friends that you will answer this call and leave your names etched on rock. Thank you.

July 13, 2013July 15, 2022

1 Minute Speech for Children on Respect

Respected Teachers and my dear friends,

A warm good morning to one and all.

We all use the word respect quite often. But what does it mean? It means esteem for the worth or excellence of a person.

First of all we should respect ourselves. Each one of us is created in God’s image. Each one of us is unique—a very special creation of God. Therefore each one of us should value ourselves highly.

Secondly we should respect our elders. It includes our parents, elders, and teachers. In doing so we are respecting not only their age but their wisdom and the good they have done to society.

Thirdly we should respect the law, our government, our nation, our national anthem and our national flag. We should always remember with thanks all those people who sacrificed so much for our nation’s freedom.

Finally let it be noted that love and respect go hand in hand. The Bible says that a husband should love and respect his wife and the wife in turn must respect her husband.

So let us respect all people who come our way–even those who hold a different opinion than ours! Thank you.

A Short Speech for Students on Punctuality

1 Minute Speech for School Children on How to Stop Telling Excuses
4 Vital P’s of Good Parenting

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” — St. Paul (Ephesians 5:33 Bible).
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as your live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” — St. Peter (1 Peter 3:7 Bible).

October 13, 2012October 4, 2023

Speech for Young School Kids–On Humility

Respected teachers and all others gathered here, a warm good morning to all of you.

We live in the land where the Maharajah’s of Travancore once ruled. In spite of their great royal power and wealth, they served the people of this land in humility. Yes dear friends, humility is that virtue in life that is the touchstone of true greatness. The truly great were all humble people.

Take the modern example of Sachin Tendulkar. He is one great cricket player the world respects and admires. He holds so many world records. Yet he has remained a humble person in spite of his international achievements. Therefore millions of people not only in India, but also across the world admire him and try to follow his example.

My first point is that humility is a true sign of greatness.

Secondly, only a person humble in heart learns anything worthwhile in life. In the old gurukulum system of education, a student or disciple stayed with his master for many years doing all household work. It was a test of humility. The teacher only taught the art after the student was humble enough to learn it.

As students we need to remember that we should exhibit humility to learn. Only when we have humility will we have courage to ask the teacher again and again till we are satisfied that we have understood. We also need to remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.”

My second point is that humility is a sign of learning.

Thirdly, humility does not insist on its rights. For example, we have often seen two cars opposite each other in a narrow lane. What happens there? The driver who is humble and does not insist that he should be first, reverses his car and allows the other driver to go first. This is an everyday example of humility in action.

In families too, this is applicable. Our mothers, even though they cook food for us are often the last persons to eat. This is because they do not insist on their rights. Thus they become wonderful examples of sacrificial love.

My third point is that humility does not insist on its rights.

Finally, this world is a better place because of people who are humble. Imagine a world where everybody is proud. Will it not lead to fights and quarrels every day? Yes, it will. Therefore humility is like the oil that lubricates the hinges of huge doors. It is humility that like salt adds taste to our everyday lives.

One such person whose living influence is present with us even today is Jesus Christ. The Son of God came down from heaven leaving his glory behind to be born in a manger where cattle fed. He humbled himself to wash his disciple’s feet. Finally, he humbled himself to be crucified like a criminal on a Roman cross even though he was innocent. He shed his precious blood for the forgiveness of sins of all mankind. Because of this one sacrifice millions around the world have found peace with God.

Let me conclude by reminding you of the main points I said:
First of all, humility is a true sign of greatness.
Secondly, humility is a sign of learning.
Thirdly, humility does not insist on its rights.
Above all, this world is a better place because of truly humble people.

Let us all try to make this world a better place for you and for me and the entire universe by clothing ourselves with humility. Thank you.