CC Project #2: I am the Master of my Fate

Competent Communication Manual
Project #2: Organize your Speech
Speech Title: I am the Master of my Fate
Delivered at: PIPCA Riyadh Toastmasters Club

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Introduction

Do you believe that your destiny or fate is written in the stars? Who among here has read their horoscope today, or this week perhaps? Have you ever tried going to fortune-teller to read your future, and did you really believe that your fate is imprinted on your palm.

I confess, I was once a fanatic of palm reading, numerology, and the likes because I wanted to take a glimpse of my future. Who does not?

Body / Salutation

Fellow toastmasters, ladies, and visitors good evening. Tonight, let me share two school of thoughts that made me who I am today.

Wiki encyclopedia loosely defines "School of Thought" as a discipline concerned with questions of how one should live. It is a subset of general and more encompassing term "Philosophy of Life".

Let me ask you [choose an audience and ask], what school of thoughts do you adhere?

There are hundreds of schools of thoughts out there, but I will talk only of two that I feel has relevance to me.

Bahala-na School of Thoughts

First, the Bahala-na school of thoughts: I am sure you are familiar with this, and for sure, one time in your life, you did embrace this school of thought.

Michael Tan, the Filipino anthropologist first defined this school of thought as a misplaced submission on faith. He explained that some people use religion as an excuse in lieu of creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance. Instead of working hard or approaching a practical problem in a scientific method these people simply submit or give up to the challenge and give a lame excuse "bahala na" (let it be).

This is exactly what I experience in my early childhood.

I went to school but never bother to study my subjects. During exams, I would simple pray and say "bahala na si lord". My grand parents – who raised me – reinforced my twisted logic by saying everything is possible with "god" [emphasis of small caps lord and god]. They even said that giving priority to my religious chores would bear fruit and even quoted scripture to support their lines. Then they pointed out my scholarship grants despite my intellectual handicap, and being healthy despite inadequate daily meals as a proof.

Pragmatism School of Thoughts

My father on the other hand, embraces a different school of thoughts. He strongly believes every problem has a solution; otherwise, it is a mystery. His view in life is practical and simplistic. He said. If you have low school grades – study harder. I do not have money – find a work. If you want to succeed in the work place – work smarter.

He trained me on the concept of meritocracy, perseverance, and the value of hard work.

As I grow older and pursued further studies, I encountered the works of William James regarding Pragmatism. I just realized then, that my father was a pragmatist and not a charlatan.

Conclusion

What did these two schools of thought brought to me? Bahala-na made me a carefree individual waiting for things to happen for me. Here, I peg my future on a deck of cards or make decision based on the stars has predicted for me. I was lucky, I could say, but I never felt fulfilled.

However, when I accepted a pragmatic outlook of life, things looks different. Whenever problems arise, I view it as a challenge. And I used my head instead of emotion when making big decisions. I did not wait for things to happen. I made things happen.

Closing

My fellow toastmasters let me ask you once again. What is your school of thoughts? Are you contented with it? And, does it work? If it does – hold on!

If not, I am challenging you to think again. Explore and get out from your shell. Embrace a new school of thoughts.

Transform from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan as TM Ditas did. From a lurking accountant to blossomed CC like TM Ben did, and an able tennis player from a dreaming athlete like TM Fritz did.

As for me, I already made my choice.

I did not surrender to the wimps of the fates. Instead, I held the course and became the master of my fate.

Back to you toastmaster of the evening