‘If you have no story, then tell us how you want your future to look like’ Mr Moses said gently as Kwambeze struggled for words to express his thoughts. ‘Okay’ he retorted, then he took a deep breath then began narrating how wanted to be a recognized speaker— one of the best in the world, how he would tour the warm summer breeze of Brazil to the chill winter of Russia. Of course, he was made fun of. The boy barely knew how to construct an idea into a sentence. He stammered all the way and it was Mr Moses that helped him through the raging red sea of his thoughts. Why wouldn't they make fun of him? It was hilarious.
Eight years down the line, the ambitious boy entered a competition. It was a public speaking contest. His topic, ‘What would you do differently if you were elected president?’ He came off quite enigmatic. I didn't know what to expect. He mounted the stage, then began ‘I would… I would…’ The words seemed frozen in his mouth. Kwambeze was stuck on the stage in front of the large crowd. His reputation was going to be in ruins, if he had any in the first place. The moderator had to ask him to alight so that others can have their chance but he pleaded for another shot. He couldn't let his effort and the entry fee he paid go to waste, so with eyes bloating with tears, he beseeched. The panel had pity on him and allowed him a second try. Yes! It was a better outcome, nonetheless, short-lived. He didn't make past the first round but at least he lost knowing he tried.
More years went by, yet Kwambeze hadn't given up on his dream. He was still as determined as a puppy waiting on his master for a taste of the cream puffed marshmallows in his master's hands. He took to the stage one more time. It was during the holidays, and the community had organised a football tournament, so Kwambeze volunteered to be the moderator for the opening ceremony. He was quickly appointed as he offered to do it without cost.
The players were stretching, the children watching, while the crowd sang different songs of celebration. The horn was sounded, it was time for the event to kick off. Kwambeze mounted the wooden platform that had been erected for the day. He began, ‘No one need tell us why we are here. We've waited 3 months for this day and it's finally here.’ I've never heard him sound so eloquent. Everyone went wild in cheer. Now, he was startled, he'd never seen people with so much emotion, talk more address them. He began to stutter as he usually would. It was so bad, the chairman asked him to come down. This was the second time he was asked to step off a large podium, and this one was on his birthday, he had just turned twenty-four.
Finally, he was fed up. He gave life serious thought. ‘Should I still continue after so much disappointment?, he questioned.’. What were the odds that he would succeed? If you were in his shoes, would you? His mates had started working jobs and were quite comfortable, meanwhile Kwambeze was moving from place to place seeking a place to speak for free. I don't blame him for his questioning, it's not easy failing for so long.
Few days after the incident, on a Saturday, too cold to be outside, while Kwambeze scrolled through his phone watching his many flaws that had been captured on screen, an ad popped up. It was something about trainings on public speaking and expression. The announcer shared the story of his transformation. ‘So, this art is studied,’ he exclaimed. He decided to give his dream one more chance just like the judges did during the debate. Now, here he was before a great audience sharing his story inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams inspite of opposition. The speech rounded off with these particular words, ‘Remember, everything remained the same, until I took the right approach to change it.’
What did you learn from this story?
