Unpretentiousness: A Lesson from the Podium

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a tale from my younger years, a story that taught me the value of unpretentiousness. It’s a lesson I learned while standing on a stage, under the bright lights, with hundreds of eyes watching me.

The Invitation

It was a sunny day when I received an invitation to give a speech at my old high school. I was thrilled, yet a bit nervous. After all, it had been years since I last stood on that stage. But I accepted the invitation, eager to share my wisdom with the younger generation.

The Preparation

As the day approached, I spent hours preparing my speech. I filled it with big words and complex ideas, hoping to impress the audience with my knowledge and experience. I practiced in front of the mirror, perfecting my delivery, my gestures, my tone. I was ready, or so I thought.

The Speech

Standing on the stage, I began my speech. I spoke with confidence, delivering my well-rehearsed lines. But as I looked out into the audience, I saw blank faces. The students were listening, but they weren’t connecting. My words were falling flat.

The Lesson

After the speech, a young student approached me. He thanked me for coming but confessed that he didn’t understand much of what I said. His honesty struck me. I realized that in my attempt to impress, I had forgotten the most important thing – to connect.

That day, I learned the value of unpretentiousness. I learned that it’s not about using big words or complex ideas. It’s about being genuine, being humble, and speaking from the heart. It’s about connecting with your audience, not impressing them.

Conclusion

So, my dear friends, as you go about your lives, remember this lesson. Whether you’re giving a speech, writing a blog post, or just having a conversation, be unpretentious. Be genuine. Speak from the heart. And you’ll connect with people in a way that no amount of big words or complex ideas ever could.

Until next time,

Kev