This week's issue is slightly different than usual public speaking topics.
It's all about storytelling.
"All stories worth telling or hearing have a 5-second moment in a person's life"—Matthew Dicks, author of the book Storyworthy.
A moment of important realization.
A moment of life-changing truth.
A moment of facing the harsh reality.
A moment of vulnerability and weakness.
You get the idea, right?
Reader,
Can you identify my 5-second moment in this story?
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It's a typical workday in February of 2013.
This is sixth month into my first job ever after graduating college.
It's freezing cold outside, but I'm sitting in my warm and cozy cubicle at the workplace in Islamabad—the capital of Pakistan.
I am keeping myself busy with doing something important—or at least that's what I want to believe.
I think I like my first job.
I like it because of funny colleagues, caring friends, and a comfortable work environment
... which keeps me right at the center of my comfort zone.
Though I am concerned and unclear about my personal and professional growth at this job ... but that's probably okay.
I think I'll get enough opportunities to grow and learn in the future.
I'm also exhausted from excessive traveling to and from work for the entire week.
Though I don't have anything planned for the weekend, which consists of only Sunday, I'm anxiously waiting for the week to end.
I will enjoy the weekend to the fullest ... I will sleep for as long as I want.
While I'm making weekend plans in my head, my cellphone rings ... 📲
Oh, it's the general manager, calling from the company's head office.
This is odd ... She never called me before. But why this time?
I'm confused and a little worried too.
"Waqas, where is Osama?", Asks the General Manager in a dead serious tone.
"Osama is here somewhere, Ma'am", I replied with hesitation.
"No No No. Tell me exactly where Osama is RIGHT NOW?" She raises her voice which makes me a little pissed off.
But, in reality, Osama is no way near the workplace. He is in a neighboring city.
This was my best friend Osama ...
NOT Osama Bin Laden ... but a different Osama whom I met 5 months ago while working at this job.
A few hours earlier, he asked me to cover up for him for a couple of hours, as he had something important to take care of.
Therefore, I decide to stick to the plan:
"Ma'am, I already told you ... Osama is here somewhere in the building".
I gave her a vague answer, but this time with confidence and with a raised voice.
She then hung up the phone ... without saying another word.
oh ho! This is not good.
A couple minutes later, I find myself pondering on how the heck she could possibly know I was not telling her the truth.
Was it my hesitation?
Does she have cameras installed in the building?
Or maybe someone from the staff gave her a tip?
Oh fudge, she must have gotten a tip, I conclude.
I then realize I might have made a big mistake that may even cost me my job.
Now, I'm scared.
I'm really nervous.
I'm feeling insecure and thinking about my future ...
What would I do with my life without a job?
After a few hours of agony and nervousness, I was told the company's CEO called an urgent meeting and they are waiting for me ... in the BIG conference room.
That's it ... I'm gonna get fired today!
This is the beginning of the end.
I will lose everything today.
I enter the conference room while thinking about all of this.
The meeting room is full of all my colleagues and staff members ... and the CEO, who sure resembles a lot with Osama Bin Laden right now.
And yes, the CEO made sure to invite everyone, even my subordinates and staff, to witness my humiliation.
He wants to make an example out of me.
"Today, one of you not only lied but also misbehaved with one of our company's top executives."
... the CEO jumps right into delivering the morality lecture he might have prepared and rehearsed while driving to our workplace.
Oh fudge, he's talking about me without even calling my name
... This is even worse. He must be really pissed at me today.
He continues ...
"This is highly unprofessional, unethical, and immoral. This is unacceptable and won't be tolerated at my company."
This is it ... He's gonna fire me today in front of everyone.
Oh God, what the heck did I get myself into.
I'm also preparing myself to get fired. Maybe, I deserve it.
But the CEO continues delivering the same lecture on morals and ethics over and over again.
He keeps repeating himself even louder and with aggression.
What is his problem ... I'm confused now.
If he's gonna fire me, just fire me already. Why this unending morality lecture and a grand show of aggression?
Maybe he wants me to confess and apologize in front of everyone
... Yes, that's exactly what he wants, I realize his hidden agenda.
HECK NO!
I'm not gonna give him the satisfaction.
I'm not gonna apologize in front of everyone after this disrespect and embarrassment.
But then he's not gonna stop lecturing and targeting me otherwise.
I have gotten myself into a situation here ... a real awkward situation ...
Should I apologize and accept all this crap he's been throwing in my direction for the past 30 minutes, which by now feels like 30 days
... Or should I stay quiet and keep getting humiliated?
I then realize ...
I have a college degree in electrical engineering from one of top engineering colleges in the country, yet he is making me feel worthless ... like a used toilet paper.
I don't have any respect, any foreseeable future, or any learning whatsoever in this job.
I am always exhausted because of all the traveling in this job ... I merely get any rest on weekdays.
Then what the heck am I doing here?
That was the moment my mind became crystal clear. I gained clarity like never before.
This is not the place for me, I said to myself.
I waited for a week or so after that humiliation to ensure it wasn't just an emotional decision.
And then, resigned from that job the following week.
The amount of happiness, boost in self-respect, and mental peace I gained after resigning from that job was beyond my imagination.
Turns out that cloud had a silver lining to it after all ...
If it weren't for that grand show of public humiliation, I wouldn't have gained clarity and peace of mind in my life.
THE END.
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In Matthew Dicks' words ... Storytelling is like time traveling.
When told in the right way, it should take readers and listeners back to the same place and time when the story actually took place.
Hopefully, today's story achieved at least a fraction of that.
When I first started storytelling in public speaking, I instantly fell in love with it ... though I have a looongggg way to go.
That's a wrap!
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BRINGING IT HOME
TL; DR
- Storytelling in public speaking is what separates engaging speakers from boring ones.
- All stories worth telling or hearing have a 5-second moment in a person's life.
- If your story doesn't have a 5-second moment, then it's not a story, it may just be an anecdote.
Feel free to reply to this email if you have questions or feedback on this newsletter.
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Best,
Waqas, Founder & Speaking Anxiety Coach
Did you enjoy this week's issue?
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