Pinoy Impact Hong Kong Big Stage 2024
Thank you all for being here today.
It’s my honor to get a chance to speak to you today.
Shortly, you will hear about my public speaking journey and the lessons I’ve learned.
When I was growing up in the Philippines, my self-esteem was so low.
Being a public speaker was the last thing on my mind.
I was extremely shy then, and I still struggle with shyness today.
There are only 3 whom I am comfortable spending my time with: me, myself, and I.
My struggles were amplified when I moved to Bermuda, where English is the first language.
From a Certified Public Accountant, I became a Certified Public Avoider.
I didn’t want to speak to anyone in English.
Until I almost lost my job in 2008.
I applied to many companies, but no one hired me because of my barok/broken English.
Fast forward to 2018, after 6 long years as an active Toastmaster, I started winning speech contests.
I also won the JCI Public Speaking Championship with my speech, Chess Pawn.
One day, I saw a post on Facebook looking for TedX Wanchai speakers. I nominated myself.
Immediately, I got a reply, “We will contact you if you are shortlisted.”
Of course, I didn’t get a call.
There must be something wrong. Don’t they know that I am a Champion? I bought a ticket worth HKD600 to see the event.
I want to know who beat me.
I realized two things:
- They were right for not contacting me. The selected speakers are so good!
- The power of storytelling. I heard the message I needed to hear. That event is one of the inspirations for why we are here today.
Ladies and gentlemen, today, I’m no longer shy.
But I am still an introvert. But I grab every opportunity to speak because I know someone out there needs to hear the message of my speech.
To wrap up, I invite you to listen to every story because you might hear the message you need today to overcome your challenges, to face your struggles and to win your battles!
