The Journey of NextGen Speaker Jithyaashri

The Speaker’s Roadmap to Success

Level 1- Beginner

1. Introductory Speech - Completed

2. Structured Speech

3. Speak with Body Language

4. Modulate your Voice

5. Inform with Visuals

Name: Jithyaashri

1. Introductory Speech - Ice breaker speech - About myself

Name: Jithyaashri

Ice breaker speech

Title: About myself

Time: 3 - 4 Minutes

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Good Morning Everyone,

My name is Jithyaashri, and I’m excited to share a little about myself today.

As the quote goes, “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” So let me begin with mine. My father, Mr. Rajkumar, is a Sales Head in a control valve industry. My mother, Ms. Nalini Kumari, works as an HR Manager in a private company. To test my patience level, I do have an elder brother, Mr. Jitesh Kiran. Who studies 10th grade in casagrand international school and the youngest one in the family is ME.

I’m currently studying in Grade 6 at Casagrand International School, Perumbakkam. My school has clean classrooms, a big playground, caring teachers, and wonderful friends.

One of my favourite hobbies is journaling. Journal is a personal note, where we can express our thought using pictures. There are different type in Journal, what I like the most is Collage journal. I feel happy when I do journal, the most favourite one which I did is Vintage Friday night journal. I am having good collections in journal, though I do lot of online shopping for journal preparation.

My most memorable vacation was in February 2025, when we visited Dubai. We explored Global Village, Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Miracle Garden, and had thrilling rides in Abu Dhabi. The highlight was the Desert Safari, the bumpy jeep ride through the sand was super exciting.

Another unforgettable moment was a surprise trip to Yercaud. On our way back from my grandmother’s house in Erode, my parents stopped at a breezy hilltop hotel. I was surprised to learn we were staying in Yercaud for a day! My brother and I played in a nearby park, it was a lovely family time.

My dream is to become a surgeon, so I can help people and make a difference.

My favourite book is Girls’ Book of Secrets. It’s full of tips and tricks about what girls like and don’t like, I found it very interesting.

I love Social Studies because learning about history, culture, and traditions interests me. I often ask my dad questions about the past.

I joined the NextGen Speaker Club to improve my communication and presentation skills, boost my confidence, and learn from other speakers.

Thank you for listening to my story, I hope you enjoyed getting to know me.

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Ice Breaker Speech – Details

Time Limit: 3 to 4 minutes

Purpose:

This is your very first speech. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and help everyone know you better. It also helps you become more confident while speaking in front of others.

You can talk about:

• Your hometown or where you live

• Your family

• Your school and friends

• Fun or special memories

• Your favorite food, games, or movies

• Your hobbies and interests

• Any experience that taught you something

Tip:
Speak from your heart, keep it simple, and just be yourself.

Have a successful and beautiful journey in public speaking. Your voice is special and it matters.

Name: Hamrutha Suresh Kumar

Project 2: Structured Speech - Procrastination

Time: 4 - 5 Minutes

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Good afternoon, everyone!

My name is Hamrutha. Today, I’m going to talk about something we all do: procrastination.

Let me start by asking a quick question: Have you ever had homework to do, but instead watched just one more YouTube video, or played just one more level of your favourite game? And then- boom! – it’s 9 p.m., and you haven’t even started?

Yeah…me too. And that, my friends, is called procrastination.

What is procrastination? It’s the habit of delaying something we need to do, even when we know we should be doing them. And let’s be honest- we all do it, when we have something to do like studying for a test, doing our homework, or even cleaning our rooms. The thought of saying, “I’ll do it later,” can be so tempting.

But here’s the problem: ‘later’ often turns into ‘too late’.

WHY DO WE PROCRASTINATE?

You might be wondering, “Why do I do this to myself?”. Well, this happens for a few reasons:

We’re bored: Let’s face it; Math sums aren’t always as fun as YouTube.

We’re scared: Maybe we’re scared of messing up or not doing our best job.

Or we’re tired and our brains want a break.

These reasons are totally normal. But letting procrastination take over our life can be a big mistake. It turns small delays into big ones.

The consequences? When we wait till the last minute to do something, stress kicks in. We’re tired, rushed and end up not doing our best job. We also end up missing out on deadlines and disappoint people who were counting on us. But here’s the worst part: we end up disappointing ourselves.

But I’m not here to make you feel bad. The good news is we can still fight procrastination. Yes, really!

Here are a few simple tips:

1.

Break it down into small chunks: A big task looks scary. But when you break it down into small parts, it’s not so bad. Instead of saying, “I have to write a whole essay”, just say to yourself, “I’ll just write the introduction today.

2.

Set a timer: Use the 20-minute-rule. No distractions. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done.

3.

Reward yourself: Once you’ve finished a task, treat yourself! It can be anything: a snack, a game, or even a short break.

4.

Start small: Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. When you have to do the beginning of a task, just work for 5 minutes. It’s much easier to do the task after you get started.

A Final Note:

Here’s something powerful to remember: You are in charge of your time. When you choose to start instead of delay, you become more responsible, less stressed and stronger.

No one is perfect. Everyone procrastinates sometimes. Even one small step can help you achieve your goal. You become stronger & smarter.

Next time, instead of saying, “I’ll do it later”, take a breath & say, “I’ll just do a little bit now.”

Thank you! And now I hand it back to our emcee Liyashri to continue the meeting.

Name: V. Sriboomika

Ice breaker speech

Title: My Magical Journey So Far

Time: 3 - 4 Minutes

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 The Journey of NextGen Speaker Karthik Roshan

The Speaker’s Roadmap to Success

Name: Karthik Roshan

1. Title: Failing Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me

2. Title: My Relationship with Sleep

3. Title: The Plastic Prince Who Wanted to Change the World

4. Title: Icebreaker Speech

5. Title: Failure

6. Title: The Wi-Fi Went Down… and I Found Myself!

Name: Karthik Roshan

Ice Breaker Speech

Good morning everyone!

I’m Karthik Roshan, 13 years old, and today I stand before you with my heart full of excitement... and maybe just a little fear that my voice might suddenly decide to crack in the middle of my speech!

Let me start with a confession: I’ve been a storyteller since before I could spell “story.” It all started way back in playschool. While other kids were figuring out how to eat their tiffin without spilling it on the floor, I was already attending storytelling sessions. I didn’t just listen – I lived every word. And soon enough, I began telling my own stories.

Now, here's where it gets fun. If there was a storytelling competition in school, guess who’d be the first one to know about it?

No, not my teachers.

Not my classmates.

It was my mom! She has this superpower – the moment a story competition is announced anywhere within a 100-kilometer radius, she’s already there. Before I even know it, I’m signed up, dressed up, and ready to win.

And trust me – I don’t disappoint her. Every time I step on stage, I make sure I bring home that first prize trophy, and sometimes... an extra samosa on the way back home as my reward!

Now don’t think I’m all about stories and speeches. I’m also a fan of smashing – not with words, but with a badminton racket! I love playing badminton. There’s something about hitting that shuttle back and forth that clears my mind... until I miss the shot and yell, “That was out!” (Even when it clearly wasn’t.)

Apart from storytelling and badminton, I have this strange love for stages. Not just one stage. I love new stages. Different places. Different people. The lights. The mic. The butterflies in the stomach. The whole deal. Each stage is like a new world to me. And I love exploring it.

Some kids love roller coasters. I love microphones. (But roller coasters are cool too… as long as they don’t ask me to eat pani puri right before the ride.)

So why am I here today at the Gavel Club?

Because I believe every great story needs new chapters. And this – standing here, speaking to all of you – is the start of my next big chapter. I want to learn, laugh, make friends, maybe even forget my lines once or twice (for dramatic effect, of course) and grow into the kind of speaker who can turn even a boring Monday into a blockbuster tale.

So, dear Gaveliers, buckle up – because with me around, it’s always story time!

Thank you!

Name: Karthik Roshan

Title: Failure

Good morning everyone!

I once thought I was the master of everything.

Until… I met my biggest enemy.

Failure.

It all began when I entered a drawing competition. I was ready to become the next Picasso. I drew a lion.

At least, I thought it was a lion.

The judge looked at it for a long time, nodded seriously, and said,

“Ah yes, a very... creative cow!”

That moment stung.

But after a few days of sulking (and hiding all my sketch pens), something strange happened.

I started drawing again.

But this time, not to win. Just for fun.

I drew every day. I watched videos. I asked my sister (my toughest critic).

And guess what? I got better.

Months later, I entered again—and this time, someone actually said,

“Wow, what a majestic lion!”

I smiled and said, “Thank you.” (While my brain whispered, “NOT a cow this time!”)

Here’s what I learned:

Failure is not the opposite of success.

It’s the first step toward it.

Imagine if we never fell when learning to walk—we’d still be crawling around!

Whether it’s a missed shot in badminton, a low test score, or calling your teacher “Mom” by mistake (yes, I’ve done that too)...

Failing teaches us how to get up, why to keep trying, and what not to repeat.

So now, when I fail, I smile and think,

“Great! Another chance to grow… and maybe laugh at myself later!”

Because honestly—

Failing was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Thank you!

Name: Karthik Roshan

Title: The Wi-Fi Went Down… and I Found Myself!

Hello everyone!

Let me tell you about the most tragic, terrifying, tear-worthy day of my life.

The Wi-Fi went down.

I know. That sentence should come with a warning label.

It was a regular evening. I was multitasking like a digital ninja—scrolling Instagram with my right thumb, chatting on WhatsApp with my left, binge-watching a series with one eye, and listening to music with half an ear.

And then it happened.

“No internet connection.”

At first, I laughed. “Hahaha, classic Wi-Fi drama.”

I restarted the router like a man on a mission. Switched it off. Switched it on. Spoke gently to it. Threatened it. Prayed to the internet gods. Nothing worked.

I looked at my phone and felt something I hadn’t felt in years: boredom.

I had no choice. I… I… looked up.

And you know what I saw?

My family. Actual human beings. Not pixels. Not Bitmojis. Real faces.

My dad was reading a newspaper. I hadn’t seen one of those in years! I actually thought it was a giant Kindle.

My mom was cooking and singing an old Tamil song—no auto-tune, no background beat. Just her voice.

And my younger brother? He was doing his homework. With a pencil. Like in the Stone Age!

Out of sheer desperation, I went to the kitchen and asked my mom, “Do you need help?”

She froze. Looked at me like I was a ghost. I mean, who volunteers to cut vegetables when there's no Instagram story involved?

She gave me onions. I cried—because of the onions and the emotional shock of being useful.

Then, with nothing else to do, I went outside. And I saw the sky. THE SKY! Not a wallpaper. Not a filter. The real one.

Birds were flying. A breeze was blowing. I sat there, doing nothing… and for the first time, I felt everything.

Suddenly, I wasn’t bored. I was peaceful. My mind was clear. I wasn’t thinking in hashtags or captions. I wasn’t counting likes—I was counting stars.

That night, when the Wi-Fi finally came back, I didn’t celebrate.

I didn’t even rush to check my phone.

Okay, okay… I checked it.

But then I turned it off.

Because I realized something very important:

We’re so busy being “online”…

That we’ve completely forgotten how to be alive.

So here’s the truth:

We scroll past our lives.

We “like” photos of people we ignore in real life.

We laugh at memes, but forget to laugh with our families.

Isn’t that strange?

The next day, I decided to make a small change.

At dinner, I left my phone in another room.

I actually talked to my parents. And guess what?

They’re not boring. They’re just... offline.

So here’s my challenge to you:

One hour. No Wi-Fi. No screens. Just life.

Look up. Talk. Laugh. Listen. Hug.

Because the best connection… isn’t 5G. It’s being present.

Next time your Wi-Fi goes down, don’t panic.

Don’t curse your destiny.

Just smile and say,

“Finally, I have full signal… with life.”

Thank you.

Name: Karthik Roshan

Title: Kindness: Your Everyday Superpower!

Hey everyone! You know what’s cooler than Spider‑Man or Superman? Kindness! While those heroes can’t help you carry your books, you can—and that’s a real superpower. And did you hear about the kind robot? It didn’t need lasers—it just saved the world with kindness!

The other day, at school, I saw a kid drop his lunch all over the floor—rice, curry, the whole deal. Instead of laughing or walking away, I ran over and said, “Want help? I got you.” His face lit up like he’d just won a million bucks! Because kindness isn’t just nice—it makes both people feel amazing. When we do something kind, our brains release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin—so we feel happier, too.

Think about it: holding the door is like saying, “You rock—go on!” Or complimenting someone by saying, “Cool backpack—it doesn’t look like it’s going to explode!” And recycling? When you sort your plastic, you become a recycling rock star! Boom

But here’s the best part: kindness isn’t just sugary sweet—it’s like a boomerang. You do something nice, and it comes right back to you.  So if you give someone a cookie, guess what? Your heart gets a cookie, too. Who needs an oven when happiness is baked in?

Let’s do something fun. Earth heroes—stand up and stretch your arms like this—feel that? That’s kindness power! Now say with me:

“I am a kindness superhero—ready to light up the world with smiles!”

Look at you all—amazing! No capes needed.

Let me tell you about a real kid hero—Orion Jean. He won Time Kid of the Year after giving away 100,000 meals and 500,000 books in his “Race to Kindness.” One kid’s kindness sparked a HUGE wave of kindness. If he can do that, imagine what you can do.

We started with kindness being a superpower. We laughed, we pledged, and we heard how ordinary acts can become extraordinary. Now it’s your turn: hold a door, say a kind word, recycle, share a lunch—or even leave a surprise note. Every single kind act is your superpower.

So go out there—be kindness heroes—all day, every day. Thank you!

Name: Karthik Roshan

Title: The Plastic Prince Who Wanted to Change the World

Hello everyone! 👋I’m Pablo, a humble plastic spoon. Born in a proud packet of 100. We were stylish, sleek, and slightly curved — just like K-pop idols. We were made for greatness... or at least for ice cream.

My big moment? I was chosen to serve one hot gulab jamun. 🍬 I thought, “This is it! My purpose!” But just as I was soaking in syrupy success — BAM! I was tossed in the trash faster than you can say ‘extra sambar’. 😩

🗑️ And guess where I ended up? In Garbage Galaxy — a place where all lost plastic items go. I met Bob the Bottle — once a proud cold coffee container, now dented and bitter. “Welcome to the dump,” he grumbled, “where dreams decay.”

Then came Elsa. Yes, the Frozen toy. Singing off-key: 🎶“Let it gooo…”🎶 as she floated past on detergent bubbles. I thought I was hallucinating. Nope. Just Garbage Life. 😅

Suddenly, a miracle — a girl named Maya, with sparkly shoes and a recycling badge, appeared! Like a true recycling fairy, she picked me up with tongs, cleaned me (I sparkled again ✨), and said, “You’ll be my crown!” 👑

A CROWN! ME! The girl glued glitter, added beads, and placed me on her head for the school’s “Eco Royalty” walk. The crowd went wild. Even Elsa clapped (from the trash can).

Bob became a self-watering bottle planter — now growing tulsi. Elsa? Turned into a keychain with a new voice chip: “Save the planet!”

We weren’t just garbage. We were reborn legends.

Moral? 🌍Plastic may be cheap, but change is priceless.

So next time you say, “It’s just a spoon…” remember Pablo. The plastic prince. The gulab jamun guardian. The garbage-to-glam king! 👑💚

Everyone deserves second chance even plastic

Thank you! ♻️🎉

Name: Karthik Roshan

Title: My Relationship with Sleep

Hello everyone! 

Let’s talk about sleep — my on-and-off best friend. It’s the one thing I want the most... but never get at the right time!

At night, I go to bed, close my eyes, and tell myself, “Tonight, I will sleep early.”

Five minutes later, my brain decides to start a party:

"Remember that embarrassing thing you said to your crush in 4th grade?"

Really, brain? It’s been six years, let it go!

Suddenly, I become a philosopher:

"What is the meaning of life?"

"Do penguins have knees?"

"If I drink water upside down, will I dream in reverse?"

And don’t even get me started on mosquitoes.

You turn off the light… silence for 5 seconds…

Then you hear it: bzzzzzzzzz.

I turn into a ninja in the dark — clapping in all directions.

Sometimes I hit myself so much, my mosquito bite gets scared and leaves on its own.

Now comes morning time.

Alarm goes: Beep! Beep!

I hit snooze like it owes me money.

Every five minutes: Snooze, snooze, snooze.

By the time I wake up, I’m doing long jump across the house to get ready.

Brushing, eating, and wearing socks — all at once.

And when I finally reach school and sit in Math class, my eyes slowly close…

The teacher is explaining geometry, and I’m busy travelling to dreamland.

At night – I can’t sleep.

During class – my brain is like, “YES! Let’s nap now!”

Also, my parents have this magical power.

They don’t like it when I sleep.

"Get up! It’s 8 AM!"

It’s Sunday, Mom! The sun hasn’t even brushed its teeth!

But on school days?

They become alarm clocks with emotions.

"I called you three times. Get up now or no mobile for a week!"

Suddenly, I’m up like lightning.

And here’s the thing — my bed is the most comfortable place only when I need to get out of it.

Pillow becomes extra soft, blanket hugs you tighter — like the bed is saying, “Don’t leave me!”

Sleep is like my crush — always comes to others easily, ignores me when I need it most.

So if you ever struggle to sleep... don’t worry. Just open your textbook.

Instant knockout. 

Thank you and sweet dreams!

Name: Karthik Roshan

School Name: Shri Natesan Vidhyasala Matric Hr.Sec.School, Mannivakkam, Chennai

Title: Failing Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me

Good morning everyone!

I once thought I was the master of everything. Confident. Determined. Unstoppable.

Until… I met my biggest, most unexpected enemy.

Failure.

It all began with a drawing competition. I was ready. I sharpened my pencils, gathered my colors, and told my entire family, “Get ready to witness the next Picasso!” I poured my heart into the drawing, carefully sketching what I believed was the most majestic lion ever to grace paper.

When I proudly handed it to the judge, I waited for applause.

The judge stared at it for a long time, tilted his head, nodded seriously, and said:

“Ah yes… a very creative cow!”

My heart dropped.

A cow?!

That one sentence crushed all my dreams in a second. I went home, stuffed all my sketch pens into the bottom drawer, and declared I would never draw again.

For a few days, I sulked. I felt embarrassed. I thought I had failed forever. But something strange happened. Despite my vow to never draw again… I missed it. My fingers itched to create.

So, one quiet evening, I picked up a pencil.

But this time, I didn’t draw to win. I drew for fun. I drew because I loved it.

I sketched every single day. I watched tutorials, learned shading, asked my sister—my fiercest critic—for feedback. Slowly, my drawings began to look more like animals and less like confused blobs.

Months later, I entered another competition. This time, someone looked at my drawing and said:

“Wow, what a majestic lion!”

I smiled and said, “Thank you.” 
(While my brain whispered, “YES! Not a cow this time!”)

That’s when I realized something powerful:

Failure isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.

We often think success means never falling. But actually, real success comes from falling—and getting up again.

Think about it. When we learned to walk, we fell dozens of times. Imagine if we had given up after the first tumble—we’d still be crawling!

Whether it’s a missed badminton shot, a low test score, or accidentally calling your teacher “Mom” in front of the whole class (yes, I’ve done that too!) — failure is a part of the journey.

It teaches us what doesn’t work. It shows us where to grow. And best of all, it makes success feel EARNED.

Now, when I fail, I don’t hide.

I smile and think, “Great! Another step forward… and maybe something funny to tell later.”

Because truly—

Failing was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Thank you!

Name: Karthik Roshan

School Name: Shri Natesan Vidhyasala Matric Hr.Sec.School, Mannivakkam, Chennai

Class/Grade: Grade 7

I greatly enjoy being part of NextGen because it provides a wonderful platform for me to explore my creativity and connect with peers who share similar interests. Speaking at NextGen events has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to express my thoughts clearly and confidently. The support and constructive feedback from the NextGen team have significantly boosted my confidence and improved my communication skills. Regular participation has taught me how to effectively articulate my ideas and present them in a compelling manner. Interacting with other young speakers has broadened my perspective and fostered greater creativity. Being involved with NextGen has also earned me recognition among friends and family, enhancing my pride in my achievements. Each new experience inspires me, and I look forward to seeing more young talents join this amazing community.

Name: TM Divya

Ice breaker speech

Title: No Defining Moment - Just a Defining Journey

Time: 4 - 6 Minutes

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Good Afternoon Fellow Toastmasters & Guests,

“when the going gets tough, the tough get going”

I am a person made up from my past experiences and I am here today because I am hopeful that this particular experience will make me a better person tomorrow.

After brainstorming and going through all the memories and moments of my life,  realized that

There is no set moment in my life that will define me. Every moment in my life either changed me to better or worse.

I was born and raised in the small town of Gudiyatham in the Vellore district. I 'm a single child, my mother used to say to me, "You are the one we got after 15 years of arduous prayer,

Now you know why I am late in giving icebreaker speech .".Also that  phrase slowly started to change as the years pass "Is that you whom we got after 15yrs of long prayers" .

Being a single child I always lack social skills and it wasn’t something I cared much for growing up.I spend much of my time in my room drawing,painting and rarely go out with friends. . I lost my father when I was at 7th grade.My father being good at mathematics, he had aspirations of becoming a maths teacher but was unable to do so for some reasons. When I was younger, his only worry about me was that I wasn't good at maths, so even if I did well in other subjects, he wouldn't be pleased. I was an average student in maths throughout my childhood

Being raised by a single mother as a child, I often received advice from family members. One such piece of advice was to avoid becoming distracted or falling in love. Unfortunately, poor people were unaware that I was a college nerd.

I've witnessed friends fall in love often , as if gravity is to blame.However, I appeared to be floating among them, as if I were an astronaut living in zero gravity.. 

I finished my engineering degree as a day scholar in Vellore, and my final-year placement at VIT off campus changed my life. Only five students from my college were chosen out of the roughly 10 colleges that attended the event, and I was one of them. After I graduated, my mother and I moved to Chennai. This wasn't just a move; it improved our standard of living.

Life was good for few years ,This is the phase of life where I felt like started living my life, I could able to affort the things I longed for and also come across the feelings that I hadn't experienced before. Then when I realized Life doesn't spare any , one will experience every kind of emotions in the world in their life time.

I don't miss my father because of the upbringing I had from my mother. However, I was assigned to a project in the finance area where my technical job involved mathematics linear equation with more of a calculation.My supervisors appreciated my work for demonstrating that I am competent at maths and that I could troubleshoot the challenging problem and efficiently solve it. I was really aback to hear it because I've always thought my maths skills are around average. For the first time in my life, I thought that my father would have been present to see this.

I had the impression that we have control over everything. The moment we believe it, every thing in life start to fall apart. It seems to me as if God sent Raghu and Sani Bhagavan as a team to teach me life lesson that i don't want to learn. I became sick all of a sudden due to a hereditary issue. My wedding was annulled. After everything is done and dusted, and fast forward to the present day, where I am married with a 3-year-old child.

 Given my current role and the fact that I work in a competitive and fast moving industry, doing “just enough” is simply not enough. I never want to settle for less than the best I can .I want to have better communication skills; I want to take more challenges and see myself grow from them; I want to make sure I’m persistent and focused.

Since I believe Humor can make others view us in a more positive manner. Additionally, humour helps with memory, when something is perceived as humorous, people are more likely to remember it for a longer period of time.

Hence I have choosen the path of Engaging Humor .I hope that with your support and advice, I might one day become a humorous speaker.

Thank you!!

Name: TM Divya

1. Ice Breaker Speech - No Defining Moment - Just a Defining Journey

The Speaker’s Roadmap to Success - Aadharshini 

Level 1- Beginner

1. Introductory Speech - Completed

2. Structured Speech - Completed

3. Speak with Body Language - Completed

4. Modulate your Voice - Completed

5. Inform with Visuals - Completed

Name: Aadharshini 

1. Project 1: Introductory Speech - My Awesome Life

2. Project 2: Structured Speech - Twelve months of the school year

3. Project 3: Speak with Body Language - Wonderful wizard of oz

4. Project 4: Modulate your Voice - If Animals Could Talk

5. Project 5: Inform with Visuals - A day of school

Name: Aadharshini

Project 3: Speak with Body Language

Title: Wonderful wizard of oz

Time: 4 - 5 Minutes

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"Hello everyone, I am Aadharshini and Today, I'm thrilled to take you on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road, into the magical world of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". In the middle feel free to ask because my aim is that you all could understand my speech well! Let's start! There was a young girl named Dorothy, living with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on a farm in Kansas, accompanied by her loyal dog Toto. Life was simple, but Dorothy's world was about to change forever. One day, a strong tornado swept through the land, and Dorothy's house was lifted up into the air, with Dorothy and Toto alone was inside! Can you imagine being swept away with your house? It's like a crazy rollercoaster ride! When the house landed, Dorothy and Toto found themselves in a strange and wonderful land called Oz. She met a good witch named Glinda, she told her " you have did a great job dear" she said" what did I do":"your house just landed on top of the Wicked Witch of the East. She was such a nuisance to us and you just destroyed her. Thank you dear."Talk about a dramatic entrance! "As a token of gratitude from the Munchkins, I give you the Wicked Witch's magical silver heels these will serve you well on your journey." Dorothy's started her journey didn't end there. Along the yellow brick road with Toto by her side,then she met a Scarecrow perched on a pole, longing for a brain. It said" where are you going? She said "I am gonna visit the wonderful wizard of oz, wanna come?" " but im stuck! Could you gelp me get down the pole"Dorothy cleverly helped him down from the strong pole, and he joined her on her quest. Together, they soon came across a Tin Man, stuck in a rusted state, unable to move his joints. Dorothy and the Scarecrow helped oil his joints, and he was able to move freely once more. The Tin Man, grateful for their kindness, joined their quest, seeking a heart. As they journeyed on, they encountered a Cowardly Lion, whose loud roars belied his fearful nature. But Dorothy bravely stood her ground, and the Lion, impressed by her courage, decided to join their quest, seeking courage himself. As they traveled together, the Scarecrow used his cleverness to navigate them through the difficult path. When they came across a rushing river, the Scarecrow suggested using a makeshift raft to cross it, and he helped design and build it. The Tin Man showed his kind heart by offering to help a family of field mice who were struggling to find food, sharing what little they had with them. The Lion, despite his fears, stood tall and protected his friends from harm, chasing away a group of menacing bees that threatened to attack them. The four companions continued on their journey, facing many challenges and obstacles along the way. If you were on a journey like Dorothy's, what would you pack in your backpack? Would you bring food, a map, or a friend? Please share with the person next to you or raise your hand if you'd like to share with the group! As they journeyed down the Yellow Brick Road, they encountered the Wicked Witch of the West, who tried to stop them from reaching the Wizard. But our heroes were determined to reach their goal. After many trials and tribulations, they finally reached the Emerald City and met the Wizard of Oz. But, to their surprise, the Wizard appeared differently to each of them. To Dorothy, he was a giant head; to the Scarecrow, a lovely lady; to the Tin Man, a terrible beast; and to the Cowardly Lion, a ball of fire. If you could wish for anything, what would it be? Would you want wealth, happiness, success, or something else entirely? Please share with the person next to you or raise your hand if you'd like to share with the group! In the end, the Wizard helped them realize that they already had what they were looking for. The Scarecrow had been using his brain all along, coming up with clever ideas and solutions. The Tin Man had shown kindness and compassion to those around him, proving that he had a heart of gold. And the Cowardly Lion had demonstrated bravery and courage, protecting his friends and standing up to danger. And Dorothy? She discovered that the power to go home was within her all along. When she clicked her heels and said, "There's no place like home," she was back in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. Now What's your favorite place?it your city, your house, or somewhere else entirely? Raise ur hand and pls share. In conclusion, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" teaches us that sometimes, what we're looking for is right where we started. Thanks for joining me on this journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Now I would like to hand over the stage to our MC."

Name: Aadharshini

Project 2: Structured Speech

Title: Twelve months of the school year

Time: 4 - 5 Minutes

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"Hello everyone, I am Aadharshini. Today, we will explore the twelve months of the school year. As you are already halfway through the academic year, let's dive into the highlights of each month. I am excited to have an engaging conversation with you all, so let's get started. April marks the beginning of the academic year, where we reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It is a bridge course month where we settle into our new classes, meet our new teachers, and dive into new lessons. We leave the previous year's worries behind and embark on a new journey, starting from chapter one of each subject and progressing throughout the year. May is next, a month many of us look forward to. It is a holiday month filled with relaxation and fun. We get to visit relatives, explore new places, and go on exciting tours. For some, it's a much-needed break, and we often wish it will last forever. However, others might get restless and eagerly await the school's reopening. Isn't that true? Can anyone tell me what they like to do during their summer break? Next comes June, a pivotal month in our school year. As the initial excitement of April fades, teachers focus on academics and the pace picks up. Gone are the relaxed days. Instead, we are immersed in lessons, with fewer free periods. After the long break, some of us might feel overwhelmed. But it's a crucial period that sets the stage for the rest of the year. July marks the start of exams for some, while others have them in August. For those with July exams, teachers rush to complete the syllabus, creating a hectic pace. Students scramble to finish their assignments, and the atmosphere becomes tense with anticipation. How do you all handle the pressure of exams? Do you have any special study tips? August brings exams for some, a milestone achieved with relief and happiness. However, the reprieve is short-lived, as mid-term exams loom in September. For many, September is a month of intense academic activity, with teachers focusing on completing the syllabus and students striving to perform well in their exams. October brings a welcome break with Saraswati Puja and Vijayadashami holidays, a time to unwind and have fun. We get to participate in festivities, spend time with loved ones, and recharge our energies. What's your favorite holiday and why? November is a month of steady academic activity, with teachers continuing Term 2 lessons and frequent tests. December brings another exam, prompting teachers to rush through their syllabus and students to revise extensively. The countdown to the winter break begins, and students eagerly await the festive season. January brings reunions with friends and the anticipation of receiving exam marks. The month also features the winter break, a highly anticipated event. However, for some students, January means another round of exams. The pressure mounts as students strive to perform well and secure good grades. February's a crucial month, with final exams looming in March. Teachers are racing against time to complete their syllabus, leaving students feeling overwhelmed and stressed. The tension builds up as students prepare for the ultimate test of their academic abilities. March is a significant month for students as it marks the final exams for many. The stress and overwhelm are palpable as students hope for good marks, with some aiming for the top spot or seeking improvement from previous years. After the exams, students can finally relax and unwind, feeling free and happy. In between the months, we sometimes have annual days, sports days, and field trips, which we excitedly look forward to in the whole school year. If I'm true, I guess in these three, which is your favorite? Tell me guys! Now, I'd love to know - which month of the school year is your favorite and why? Is it the excitement of new beginnings in April, the relaxation of summer break in May, or perhaps the sense of accomplishment after final exams in March? Let's hear from you! Thank you all for joining me on this journey through the twelve months of the school year. I hope you enjoyed reflecting on the highs and lows of each month. Until next time, stay happy and keep learning!

Name: Aadharshini 

Ice breaker speech

Title: My Awesome Life

Time: 3 - 4 Minutes

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Everyone was celebrating, and within a few minutes, I was born! Good morning, friends! I'm Aadharshini, and I'm thrilled to share my story with you. 

I live in Chennai, and I'm a student at Wales Global School. 

I love learning new things and exploring the world around me. 

I have a wonderful family that supports me in everything I do. My parents are always there for me, guiding me and encouraging me to pursue my passions. My mom is an amazing person who always makes sure I'm happy and healthy. My dad is super supportive and teaches me valuable life lessons. I also have a little brother who can be a bit annoying at times, but I love him to bits. We have so much fun together, whether we're playing games or just hanging out at home. 

I have two amazing best friends, Hamsini and Diksha, and we always have a blast together. We share laughs, stories, and adventures that I'll cherish forever. 

When it comes to food, I'm a huge fan of Western cuisine and non-veg dishes. I love trying new foods and experimenting with different flavors. South Indian food is also a favorite of mine, especially Paneer Butter Masala and chapatis. I enjoy cooking and baking with my family and friends, and we always have a great time together. 

I'm passionate about sports, particularly football, kho-kho, and athletics. I enjoy playing these games with my friends and trying to improve my skills. 

In my free time, I love watching anime, and my favorite show is "Demon Slayer." I'm also into drawing, dancing, and reading storybooks. I find these activities really help me relax and express myself. As I grow and learn, I'm discovering new things about myself and the world around me. I'm excited to see what the future holds and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I'm looking forward to learning new skills, making new friends, and creating unforgettable memories. Thank you!

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Ice Breaker Speech – Details

Time Limit: 3–4 minutes

Purpose: The Ice Breaker speech is your first step in public speaking. It’s an opportunity for members to get to know you and for you to build confidence speaking in front of an audience.

Suggested Topics to Include:

Your background and upbringing

Hometown and culture

Family

School or college life

Friends and memorable moments

Favorite food, sports, or movies

Hobbies and interests

Personal experiences that shaped you

Tip: Speak from the heart, keep it simple, and let your personality shine.

Wishing you all the very best.

Your voice matters the most.

The Journey of NextGen Speaker Raghavi G

The Speaker’s Roadmap to Success

Level 1- Beginner

1. Introductory Speech - Completed

2. Structured Speech - Completed

3. Speak with Body Language - Completed

4. Modulate your Voice - Completed

5. Inform with Visuals - Completed

Name: Raghavi G

1. Project 1: Introductory Speech - Person behind the scenes

2. Project 2: Structured Speech - Power of Perseverance

3. Project 3: Speak with Body Language - My Favorite season

4. Project 4: Modulate your Voice 

5. Project 5: Inform with Visuals - Life Before Social Media

Name: Raghavi G

Project 4: Modulate Your Voice

Time: 4 - 5 Minutes

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Introduction

I have a small question for you. Have you had a situation when you want to find some peace of mind away from all this homework, exams and even preparing the speech for this meeting. What do you do in such moment and how do you come out of it?

Well My dear Next gen speakers I am going to share a story of a King who lived in coastal Karnataka and wanted to find peace of mind hence went wandering into the forest and what happened there after.

In the story, the King went roaming into forest to find peace of mind and travelled for long distance. He then found peace of mind when he saw a holy stone(God) amidst dense forest. He requests the tribals to give him the god and promised to give them a vast area of forests in exchange.  The tribe told him to take permission from god himself . A event called “Bhoota Kola” was setup and a performer was possessed by God who gave permission to go along with King . However king was warned that he or his descendants should not try to reclaim the land later and if they miss to keep the promise, they would face the wrath of the god who is ferocious.

A descendant of the king later became greedy and wanted to take back the land.He started a fight with the tribe. In the event “Bhuta Kola” the performer warns him not to take the land or the verdict would be given when he steps on the court. This action enranged the descendant who did not believe and eventually started a case. Mysteriously he lost his life when he stepped onto the court. 

After about 20 years, a forest officer was appointed and given task of converting tribal’s land into reserve forest.  This news provoked the son of the performer knowns as Shiva who wanted to block the way for the forest officer into the forest. He started fight and he was sent to jail to not get him involved.  Now the chief of the village who is now the next descendant used the forest officer to make the tribal believe that government is invading the forest and converting it to forest reserve.

The descendant arranged people to get the performer’s cousin killed since he did not accept to change the words as a Kola performer

When the forest officer tells the fact that it is the plan of the chief of village, the entire village turn against chief and they unite to fight against his men. Shiva was also trying to prevent the invasion of the land. During the fierce battle, the ferocious god who promised to kill the king and his descendants if they fail to keep the promise possess him and kills the Chief of village or the king’s descendant.

The tribals are happy since their god has protected them and their forest and offer their gratitude. The tradition continues.

Now, did any of you guess the story line?? Do you want hint,

The song in this story goes like this

 “ Varaha Roopam Daiva Varishtam

Varasmitha Vadanam”

Yes the movie name is Kantara.

I hope you enjoyed listening to the movie “Kantara” and I would suggest you to watch the recent release of Kantara 1 prequel in theatres.

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Name: Raghavi G

Project 3: Speak with Body Language

Title: My Favorite season

Time: 4 - 5 Minutes

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For a moment I would request all of you to close your eyes, imagine holding an ice cream cone in your hand with your favorite flavored scoop of ice cream melting and dripping over your palm. You just licked it.

Good afternoon my dear next gen speakers,

Sorry for disturbing you in between the sweet dream you were having. Now tell me, when was the last time you had this ice cream without being scolded by your mother about getting cold, getting reminded about the exam you have which will get disturbed if you catch cold. I am sure your answer is “Summertime”. Yes, that’s the season when we all are happiest isn’t it?

 With the monsoon rain starting, I am really missing the summer season. Now I am sure you may wonder How can someone love hot summer? Do you have that question now?

Please give me 5 minutes and I can convince you too.

How does this season start? It starts when we all finish our final exams and feel relaxed. It is at that time when we are freed from our parents’ control and asking us to constantly keep studying, do multiple revision, practice solving problems and on and on.

We get many seasonal fruits which we relish unlimited. The king of fruit Mango is the first we start in this season. Did you know there is a sequence of flavors of Mango we will get in this season like ABC. Alphonso, Banganapalli, Chausa… Every state of India has unique Mango with different taste

Kesar -> Gujarat

Banganapalli -> Andhra

Himasagar -> West Bengal

Gulab Khas -> Bihar

Alphonso - > Maharashtra

Svarna rekha -> Odissa

Badami, Malgoa, Totapuri -> Karnataka

Langra, Ambika,  Dasher -> UP

Ok. Now that you heard so many names, tell me which name is of great interest to you and how many have you tasted so far?

-----------Wait for audience to respond--------------

Great. I have some questions for you.

Which mango got its name after Parrot’s Beak?

----------Wait for audience to respond-------------

Yes, that’s correct. Totapuri got its name after it looks like a parrot’s beak. In Hindi, “Tota” means parrot. It is also called Kili mooku Mangai in Tamil

Why do you think Mango variety was named as “Badami”?

-----------Wait for audience to respond-------------

I knew you would say because it’s shaped like a Badam. Sorry to disappoint you. It got its name after the city where its grown known as “Badami” in Karnataka

Do you want to answer one more? Ok What does Swarna Rekha mango signify?

--------------------Wait for audience to respond ------------------------------

The mango is yellowish Orange in color with a reddish line across. It is like how our mom’s put on their blush. Yes, Small blush of red. In Sanskrit, Swarna Rekha means “Golden Streak”

Ok. Now tell me what your favorite variety and dishes you know which you have tasted so far

------------------Wait for audience to respond-----------

Sweet Varieties: -Mango juice, jam, milkshake, Kesari, Mango ice cream, Payasam, Mango halwa,  Kulfi and list keeps going on

Savory Varieties -> Mango Rice, Mango Pickles, yes Avakkai with Channa in it- we can’t wait to let it soak isn’t it

My mom makes Mango Chammandhi which is our favorite dish. Recipe is very simple, 1 Mango + 1 Onion + ½ coconut grated -> 1 Red chilly+ 1 Green chilly + Salt to taste.

After grinding this, we don’t even have to wait for tadka, we can directly mix with rice and enjoy.

 Hmm. I am sure you are now more educated about Mangoes, the summer fruit, and will enjoy all varieties in the next summer and remember me when you try them.

 Who can forget about melons in this season? Watermelon and Musk melon are available in plenty. Every week these come into our shopping list, and we eat them and repeat it every week.

My mother conducts competitions between family members to see who collects the most watermelon seeds after eating the fruit.  My grandmother used to make Kootu with the “rind of watermelon”.  Do you know what is “Rind of watermelon”,

When we slice a watermelon, we see three colours

Red color-> It is the fruit we have and spit the seeds

White color -> It is edible and can make Kootu with this

Green color -> Peel of the melon which is discarded.

Please insist your mom make it and enjoy a new item added to your recipe list.

Now that our stomach is full and we are hydrated well, next stop is our playground. It is in this season that we leave the house after breakfast and come home to dinner. My mom has to drag me for lunch, or I shall survive with the mangoes and melons.

In no other season we get green signal for playing for long hours. Also, we make so many new friends only in this season.

On weekends or holidays, our parents will plan a vacation to hilly regions, and we are all set to pack bags and explore new places again enjoying regional mangoes and melons there. We visit many places, eat different foods, travel in bus, train, flight or even local transport in this season. Namma Chennai has many beaches, and it is also time to host relatives and take them to beach and enjoy nice evenings.

 We visit many cousins and stay in their house to enjoy and all the fun we just spoke about.

We are now at the end of summer, we are now bound within homes, safety rules set by parents in order to not catch cold, fall sick and have lots to study.

 We have to wait another 6 months for the best season ever.

I hope I have given you a different perspective/idea about summer and those of you who dint vote for summer will enjoy next summer.  I have a few gentle requests for you

1)    Eat different varieties of mangoes and melons

2)    Drink lots of fluids and be hydrated

3)    Enjoy your Vitamin D time during early mornings and early evenings

4)    Make more friends and carry memories throughout

“Enjoy vacation without restriction”

 Thank you for giving me opportunity to share my thoughts and Now I handover the stage to our emcee Agathyan

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