5Cs OF UNSTOPPABLE VOICE | LEKISHA R V | TEDxYouth@KRMPublicSchool

The Power of Speaking

• The power of speaking lies at the intersection of vulnerability, self-expression, and community, and has the potential to transform one's life and connect with others (42s).
• In many Indian households, girls often face social pressures to be seen and not heard, but the author was fortunate to have supportive parents who recognized her hidden talent and encouraged her to speak up (1m50s).
• The author's love for speaking started at a young age, and she was known for being talkative, with friends and family often wondering if she had a mute button (3m45s).
• The author's gift for speaking eventually became her superpower, allowing her to craft engaging stories, deliver persuasive talks, and listen with empathy (4m17s).

Building Confidence

• The first essential element of an unstoppable voice is confidence, which the author built by starting her own YouTube channel and recording videos online, despite having no initial platforms (4m45s).
• The author's YouTube channel, although not a massive success, became a pivotal step in building her confidence and finding her voice, teaching her that every voice matters (5m39s).
• The author struggled to connect with individuals in one-on-one conversations, finding it difficult to translate her stage presence into personal conversations (6m1s).
• Speaking in front of a crowd was initially easy, and with continued practice, confidence grew in personal interactions, bridging the gap between public speaking and personal conversations (6m23s).

The Transformative Power of Voice

• The transformative power of voice is exemplified by individuals like Malala Yousafzai, who found confidence in the face of adversity and inspired a generation (7m7s).
• Speaking is a universal language that bridges gaps and empowers connections, from TED talks to personal conversations (7m41s).
• Voice can be a tool for self-expression and a catalyst for leadership, as seen in the example of Nelson Mandela, who used his voice to inspire a nation (7m54s).
• Leadership through speaking is not just about grand stages, but also about everyday courage, as exemplified by IAS officer Sui Gutam, who spoke up and pursued higher education (8m55s).

The Power of Self-Talk

• Speaking to oneself can be a game-changer, bringing contentment, peace, and clarity, and can help reframe negative self-talk into positive affirmations (9m38s).
• Practicing kindness and compassion in self-talk is essential, focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, and reframing negative thoughts into positive ones (10m3s).
• Aristotle's quote, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom," highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection (10m40s).
• Keeping a notebook, like the one named "Miracle," can be a tangible reminder that one is never truly alone and can provide a space for self-expression and reflection (11m18s).
• Speaking and self-expression can bring contentment in ways that may not have been thought possible before (11m59s).

Unleashing Creativity

• Speaking can unleash a creative volcano within, allowing words to flow like water and sparking imagination, as seen in the author's own experience of becoming a young author and penning their own book, "This is Your Last Life Maya Angela" (12m18s).

The Pitfalls of Comparison

• The power of speaking can be undermined by comparison, an insidious voice that constantly whispers that one is not good enough, destroying confidence, creativity, and contentment (13m25s).
• Comparisons are a form of verbal expression, and phrases like "Why can't you be more like her?" or "Why can't you get good marks like him?" can be damaging (14m4s).
• Behind every success story is a journey of struggle, doubt, and perseverance, and comparing one's behind-the-scenes moments to someone else's highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy (14m26s).
• Focusing on individual journeys, strengths, and progress can help avoid the pitfalls of comparison and allow for growth and understanding that everyone's path is distinct (14m43s).

Speaking for Change

• A microphone can be a symbol for passion and connection, representing the power of speaking to shape destinies and challenge societal expectations, as seen in the story of Bly from Quaja Hamad's Timeless Tales (15m45s).
• Research shows that speaking up can have profound impacts on individuals and society, as seen in the examples of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the MeToo movement sparked by Tarana Burke (16m54s).
• The act of sharing and listening to stories can break down stereotypes and foster connections, as seen in the BBC's Listening Project (17m32s).

The Science of Speaking

• Speaking can be a superpower that regulates brain regions, releasing endorphins and dopamine, and enhancing cognitive development (17m55s).
• Every conversation is a brush stroke on the canvas of human experience, creating a tapestry of understanding by weaving together diverse perspectives (18m8s).
• Research by psychologist Albert Bandura reveals that self-expression through speaking increases self-efficacy and confidence (18m35s).
• A survey by Gallup found that employees who have open and honest communication with their managers are 2.6 times more likely to be engaged in work (18m52s).
• A study by the Journal of Communication Education revealed that public speaking courses significantly improve students' self-esteem and confidence (19m12s).

The Transformative Force of Speaking

• Unlocking the transformative power of speaking taps into a profound force that reshapes lives and destinies (19m23s).
• Maya Angelou once said, "When you learn, teach; when you get, give," emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and cultivating a culture of understanding (19m35s).
• The narrative one chooses to tell has the power to heal, inspire, and transform, and one's voice can be the spark that ignites evolution (19m52s).
• It is essential to acknowledge that every voice, regardless of its sound or expression, holds value and deserves respect, promoting inclusivity, support, and understanding for all (20m38s).
• The message is to communicate, and the choice to speak up is a personal one (20m59s).