Why do you deliver the speech?

 

To entertain, to share, to organize my thoughts, to communicate, to achieve a feeling of accomplishment, and to bring everyone smiles.

Working in a company, I realized that what one person can do and achieve is very little. But delivering a 7 minute speech in this contest could change many people’s perspectives. I hope my speech could bring small changes in everyone’s mind, and contribute to spreading small happiness.

 

 

A Second, A Change

 

 

              I have experienced a big turning point in my life.  It was about two years ago.  I had graduated from something that I was for 16 years ― a student.  Finally, I’ve became a part of the society.  But as I work, I noticed that there are some things that I gained and somethings that I lost.  Let me introduce them.  The things that I gained are money, of course, skills as a business person, and sadly, some fat around my stomach.  On the other hand, the things that I lost are free time, smooth skin, and last but not least, a moment to be thankful.

 

              Expressing the feelings of gratitude.  It is so taken for granted and we were taught that saying “thank you” is important since we were a very small child.  You’re probably tired of hearing this phrase, I know.  But the reason why I am giving this speech anyway is, because I noticed that after we become a part of the society, we forget that our life is supported by so many people and lack thankfulness.  So ladies and gentlemen, I would like everybody to take this time to rethink about the word “thank you” to make our lives a little happier.

 

              Here’s what I found out recently.  Business men don’t say thank you so often.   What made me pay attention to this matter is when I get off the bus on my way to work.  When the students get off, they said thank you to the driver, but the business men in suits touched the IC card and just left.  Alright, now that I work, I understand.  Maybe they just cannot afford to think about others because they are receiving so many emails from their boss and clients, or perhaps, they have hangovers from the drinking party last night.  Yes, possibly.  But what if there’s a different reason?  Maybe they had no idea that this situation is when they say thank you, in the first place.

 

              I also noticed something else in my office.  The young workers tend to say thank you more often than the elders.  I am with my company for two years and when I open the door, or made documents for my boss, my boss replied “Mm”. But when someone in a higher position did the same thing to my boss, he said “OH!  Thank you very much!  Thank you for your time, and oh, about that project…”  So, okay, they know how to say thank you, don’t they?

 

              I believe what these two cases have in common is that somewhere in our heads, we tend to think that even if somebody accomplished something just as we expected, it is not worth thanking.  The bus drivers are just doing their job and we, the young staffs, are supposed to respect and support our bosses.  Yes, we do understand that saying “thank you” shows politeness.  We also understand that it helps to keep good relationships between people.  But, as we get older, we are choosing who to appreciate and when we recognize something as an “ordinary thing”, it is naturally sorted out as “a matter not worth appreciating”.

 

              So, why is it so important to thank such an ordinary matter?  Even if we didn’t pay so much attention to gratitude, our lives would have no problem.  The answer is simple.  Not only the person who were thanked but also yourself will feel fulfilled and happy.  In the positive psychology research done at the Harvard Medical School, it was found that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness for both.  Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.  I strongly believe that gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions that you can practice in your everyday life.

 

Surprisingly, our country is giving us a lot of opportunities to appreciate.  As I looked through my calendar to check the days written in red, it was my first time in 23 years to recognize that mother’s day and father’s day was on Sunday.  I also noticed that many of the holidays I am looking forward to, were for being thankful of what we are given.  Of course, I would like you to take these days as a chance to do so.  But at the same time, I do not want you to make this as a once-a-year event.  Thankfulness should be a way of life for us, naturally flowing from our hearts and mouths.

 

              Basically, what I’m going to say now is fairly simple.  Take a second of your time to appreciate the ordinary events around you.  Say it out in words.  Take off your earphone for a few seconds and say thank you when you bought something at the store, or when you get off the bus or taxi.  Regardless of age or position, find a moment to show gratitude to the person who has accomplished something for you.  Your words of appreciation might lead to a small happiness of someone’s day or a big motivation for someone to accomplish their task.  And without noticing, this small effort may bring a great change to yourself and to the atmosphere of the environment you are in.

 

              Just one second will do.  Ladies and gentlemen, you can start this from today. 

Slip in a word of “thanks” to your everyday routine and it may change the ordinary day of yours and the others’ around you. 

 

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