Sam accepted the challenge of speaking in front of thousand strangers with the goal of growing more confidence in his life.
After Sam completed his early levels of education, he immediately went into higher education. This was a new challenge for Sam because he was traveling to a far off place and meeting people outside of his district. He was meeting people from the entire providence of Aceh. The school he was going to was well-known in all the regions of Aceh, Indonesia and was called Mudi Mesra.
Sam had a very large problem. Due to bad health and hygiene, Same didn't have any teeth. Sam was embarrassed to continue his education with no teeth. As a young person, Sam was self-conscious about his appearance. He asked his parents to buy him dentures or else wouldn't dare go to a new school.
Sam's parents took him to a dentist and he was able to get dentures. Sam was very happy with his new appearance. He hoped his life would change and he felt more confident. After getting dentures, Sam always had a cheerful face and nothing could stop him from smiling.
Then, the day for school to start arrived. To attend his new school, Sam had to travel four hours on a city bus. When Sam arrived he was fascinated by the number of students. One of his friends from lower level school was waiting for him and helped him register for classes.
After a few months of being there, the school announced a speech contest. Sam wanted to participate but he was nervous. It wasn't easy for Sam because he lacked the confidence to speak to people and large groups. The speech contest would take place in front of thousands of students. Sam's determination was high and he wanted to overcome his fears.
Sam signed up for the contest and the chairman of the contest said, "Sam, do you dare do this? You know that a lot of spectators will be there. You are still new here. Are you really brave?"
Sam replied very quietly saying, "I am afraid, but my desire to be able to appear in front of many people is greater than my fear."
The chairman of the class continued his questions. "Sam, are you sure to can win?"
Sam replied, " I will do my best. I have the confidence to win the race."
After signing up Sam immediately prepared himself for the speech. Everyday he went to the rice fields to practice and memorize the contents of his speech. Before sleeping Sam also memorized. Each day Sam trained with excitement. He was laughed at by his friends for doing his speech in the middle of the paddy fields.
Finally, the day of the contest arrived. Sam's heart beat fast. He was terrified and contemplated leaving. Surely thousands of spectators would laugh at him!
When is was Sam's turn to advance, Sam got on the stage. Before saying a word the audience cheered to see Sam. Sam started to say his speech. After a minute on state he felt his legs shaking and was very frightened. Sam was frightened the audience would laugh at his shaking. He almost lost control of his emotions. He paused his speech and took a breath. He remember the rice fields and calmed down.
Thinking about being outside in his comfortable rice fields Sam felt more comfortable. He calmed down and was able to deliver the rest of his speech with confidence.
One of the most famous sentences in Sam's speech was “Meuyo patah tameh meulasah jeut taikat ngon awee lilen Adat yang kana beuget tapapah Leupah payah bak tamita laen” Translation: The purpose of this speech is that culture must be maintained well, because if the cultural customs of a region is lost it is very difficult to restore again.
After fifteen minutes, Sam made a speech like a lion who roared with passion. The audience was fascinated with the appearance of Sam and the passion of his speech. Sam ended up defeating 10 other opponents and winning first place. After the contest, Sam became famous in school and he became very confident. Sam became known as a great speaker and was rewarded with other people's respect and the ability to represent his school on a talk show over school holidays.
Lessons can be learned from the true story of Sam:
Confidence is very important in achieving success in life. A person who does not have confidence will be find it difficult to be able to grow in all aspects of his life. Fostering self-esteem helps give some courage to take new steps in life.
This post has been edited and checked for plagiarism by a member of the 