I love writing. I also love coaching others to speak in public. Every time I coach someone to speak, I feel a twinge of apprehension. Especially in group settings, where my coachee must face an audience. It’s not about me—it’s about them. And when I’m coaching teenagers, whose confidence is often more fragile than that of adults, the stakes feel even higher.
In 2024, I had the privilege of coaching a group of teenagers, some of whom came from underprivileged families in Malaysia. These teens faced challenges that would intimidate anyone: poor English proficiency, little to no public speaking experience, and a world of expectations weighing them down. Among them, one young man stood out, both literally and figuratively.
Zack was hard to miss—overweight, towering in height, his physical presence was imposing. Yet behind this exterior was a young man whose confidence seemed to shrink with every passing moment, as we went through the course.
He was in my group, and though he grasped the theory of public speaking, his nerves always got the better of him. Each time he prepared for a speech, I’d watch him furiously memorizing lines. But the moment he stood in front of the audience, everything would crumble. He’d forget his points, stumble over his words, and stray off-topic. Every failed attempt chipped away at his confidence. Watching his struggle was heart-breaking.
By the third and final coaching session, I knew I had to take a different approach. I pulled him aside and said, “Zack, forget about memorizing your speech. There’s another way.”
At this point, I took out a small piece of paper (50mm x 50mm) and held it up for him to see.
“Write down five words—just five,” I told him. “One for your introduction, three for your main points, and one for your conclusion. Nothing more.”
As Zack took the stage for his final presentation, I held my breath. Will this be his turning point? If he stumbled again, it might take years to rebuild his confidence.
But something was different this time. His voice rang out strong and clear. His points were concise, his delivery on target. He glanced only occasionally at the tiny piece of paper in his hand, staying focused and composed.
That little piece of paper gave Zack the structure and focus he needed to shine on stage.
When he finished, the room erupted in applause. His peers, who had seen his struggles, cheered wildly. His speech was short, but it didn’t matter.
That day, Zack won the “Most Improved Participant” award. I watched him beam with relief. It made me reflect on the power of perseverance, not giving up, and guidance.
Zack’s journey is a reminder to all of us that confidence isn’t built overnight. It takes patience, courage, and sometimes, the smallest of tools—a few simple words scribbled on a tiny piece of paper.
As I reflect on that day, I’m reminded of a quote by Maya Angelou: “Nothing will work unless you do.” Zack did the work with a little help from me. He broke through his barriers, and in doing so, he inspired everyone in that room.
Zack’s journey reminds us that confidence isn’t innate—it’s nurtured through patience, perseverance, and kindness. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures, like a few words scribbled on a piece of paper, that spark transformation. His story challenges us to break our own barriers and extend the gift of encouragement to others. Who in your life could use that nudge to shine? When we choose to uplift and believe in others, we create a ripple effect that inspires growth, courage, and confidence—not just in them, but in ourselves.
Featured image by Jep Gambardella
