What happens to an UnPopular idea?

Imagine this. You are so motivated to speak up, and share your opinion with friends and all. As you prepare to claim the platform, you also realize one possible challenge. Your so-called brilliant idea may not be popular among the audience, that it may not be well-received, inviting some kind of disagreement and opposition, and you may have to bear unforeseen consequences. What would you do?

In a collectivist society like Malaysia, speakers have to play by tonnes of rules, norms, and discretion. To present an unpopular idea takes courage, persuasion, and creativity. Interestingly, some of these unpopular ideas are wisdoms, insights, and breakthroughs. Hence, to back off is absolutely out of the question!

By theory, most individuals will scrutinize the communication and cultural climate before they present their unpopular ideas. Noelle-Neumann's (1974) 'spiral of silence' explicates that people speak out when ideas are popular and become silent when they start to lose ground. Hmm...this explains why some clever ideas end up silenced and invisible.

What about you??? As much as this situation may trigger social-psychological discomfort, if you could muster enough courage, your seemingly unpopular idea can emerge as a groundbreaking claim. In other words, as there is majority vote, research shows that minority influence can also win people's hearts and conscience. Think positive+++.

Now, I invite you to take a moment to reflect and explain your stance on this trigger: In terms of percentage (0%-100%), how likely will you express your own opinion in situations when it is UnPopular?

The Nervous Speaker

What should you do if you suffer from nervousness every time you are assigned to speak in public? It sounds almost threatening to even admit that public speaking has become so essential nowadays. In other words, you just can't ignore or avoid it.

Particularly for students, oral presentations and speeches make up a handsome portion of the assessment. For working adults, the talent and ability to speak eloquently in public may promise promotions, popularity and influence. Hence, experts advise handling this phenomenon with care as it may impinge your reputation, career and future.

Some people claim that nervousness is a normal experience for beginning speakers. I agree. With adequate exposure and practice, things will look better. Maturity and experience in life mould composure in public speakers.

When I started public speaking, I remember the painful jitters and tremors. I told myself that I should find strategies to prevent the audience from noticing my nervousness. I memorized my speech and presented it with proper modulation of voice and eloquence. Later, I developed the habit of reading so that I could talk and argue on almost anything, with conviction. Some topics may be difficult, so I took the trouble to prepare and do sufficient research.

There are loads of advice on how to handle nervousness in public speaking in the market. Nevertheless, you must select the most appropriate for your personality and oratory skills.The list can go on, but does any of the tips to combat nervousness work for you? Do you actually need 'prescription' or does the remedy actually develop with age and familiarity?

Whatever your public speaking experience entails, please remember that nervousness shouldn't impede determination to explore this realm of elegance. I wish you all the best in your future speaking endeavours.

Would you like to reflect and share your encounter with 'nervousness'? The last time you were nervous in public, what did you do? What did you tell yourself? What was the secret ingredient that gave you the strength to conquer your nervousness in public speaking?

Oh Carey

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet/train vibrant and interesting personalities at the Sime Darby Management Training Academy,Carey Island. I was there for one week, and it was very enjoyable and rejuvenating. Carey Island's greenery and historical buildings is an everlasting memento. Here's a photo of Hatter's Castle with breathtaking colonial architecture, lawn mowed to perfection, spacious balcony for evening tea, and awesome interior.











For writing skills, one of the assignments was to design a tourist leaflet to promote Carey Island beach, a very much neglected and secluded area. It was indeed an eye-opening deliberation.










Here's a glimpse of classroom climate. Well, my students are absolutely lovely, committed and talented. One week on Carey Island feels like work+vacation. They are the Sime Darby Management Apprentices, and I wish them success.