KelvinTalks is our new kid on the block, a corporate Toastmasters club chartered where I work, at Sodexo, Auh, UAE.
In the realm of public speaking, there are moments that transcend mere rhetoric, moments where words become a vessel for raw emotion and personal narrative. Last Wednesday, one such moment unfolded as Azeez, one of our colleagues, stepped forward to deliver his inaugural icebreaker speech. In a stirring display of courage and vulnerability, Azeez shared his deeply personal journey, weaving together moments of struggle and triumph. You could hear a pin drop and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. During my many years with Toastmasters, this was a first.
Azeez's speech was not just a recitation of events; it was a journey through the labyrinth of human experience. With each word, he invited us into his world, something that seemed to resemble a movie script depicting glory, fall from grace, struggles and a final leap of faith. His last sentence was this; 'I feel relieved now'. The audience exhaled along with him.
Having endured a never ending supply of re-hashed and clichéd sob stories, a Toastmaster often becomes immune to such stuff. But last Wednesday, in that moment, we realized the true essence of Toastmasters – not just to hone our speaking skills, but to connect with one another on a deeper, more meaningful level.
On behalf of the entire team, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Azeez for his courage and for choosing to be vulnerable in front of his colleagues. May your journey continue to inspire others and may you find boundless success in all your endeavors.
In the words of Maya Angelou, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Azeez, thank you for having the courage to share your story with us.
Raw. Straight from the heart. Azeez Tijani.
Take a bow!
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