Japanese Speech Contest Debacle: What I Learned When I Ran Away
In 1997, I participated in a Japanese Speech Contest organized by the Indo-Japanese Association. It was my second time competing—but this time, the stakes felt higher.
A dear friend (let’s call this friend M) had travelled all the way from Pune just to support me. As we reached the venue in Colaba, I was drenched in anxiety. M squeezed my hand and said, “You’ve got this, Akki!” I smiled back, but inside, I wasn’t sure.
When we reached the venue, it was packed. The audience, the judges, my competitors—it all felt too overwhelming. I asked my teachers when my turn would be, and to my horror, I was second on the list.
I froze. My stomach churned. Hands went cold. Feet numb. I was shaking. M tried to reassure me again: “Akki, it’s not the end of the world.”
But I had already decided. I walked up to my teachers and said I wanted to withdraw. They were stunned. M too was shocked and disappointed. “Akki, I came all the way for this. When I said it’s not the end of the world, I didn’t mean you should run away from it.”
My teacher tried to convince me but finally said, “It’s your life, Akshay. But remember—today you’re running away. One day, life will put you in a place where you’ll have no choice but to speak.”
That day came.
Years later, I found myself in a role where I had to Lead, Speak, and Facilitate. I couldn’t run anymore.
Looking back, I realize I wasn’t afraid of public speaking—I was afraid of being seen. Of putting my anxious, imperfect self on stage. If I had embraced that vulnerability in 1997, maybe I wouldn’t have spent 15 years avoiding the spotlight.
Here’s what I now know:
We’re all born with a voice. Fear only grows when we flee from it. Don’t put public speaking—or your fear of it—on a pedestal. Instead, lean in, own your story, and show up.
I’ve written a blog on how to reclaim your voice and a video on aligning your eyes and mind to overcome stage fear. Both are linked in the comments.
Ready to Reclaim Your Voice?
I’m launching a 5-session bootcamp: The Leader’s Voice: Speak. Lead. Inspire. DM me for details or stay tuned.
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