大家好，这里是海鱼Helen！5月12日我在2023南宁峰会做了一个英文点评比赛的示范演讲，题目是Giving is Receiving，讲述了一个我和朋友一起携手走出低谷的故事。以下为演讲稿。
演讲视频可用微信扫描下方二维码观看：
It was the very first sunny day after a long rainy season. Everything outside was coated with a golden painting. Durian and loquat started to ripe. They were shining on the tree. Yuki and I were sitting aside a window and sharing our life stories.
“I also changed several jobs in the last few years, so I can somehow understand your mood.”
“Really? What’s your job now?”
“Same as you, I don’t have a job.”
“Oh, so we are in a similar situation. Are you stressed?”
“Yes, very much, both economically and psychologically.”
“So am I, but since I have more time now, I’m trying to explore more about myself.”
“Me too! I’m reading books and practicing meditation!”
Do you feel that we were like old friends? But actually, it was the first time that we met each other.
It was the beginning of April. I’ve been jobless for almost two months. When I just quit my job, I enjoyed the freedom of being a couch potato, until one day, my mom called me, “We are so worried about you. You changed so many jobs in the last several years. And now you even don’t have a job! I can’t imagine how I can live a life like you!”
My fellows, do you have such a tiger mother? (Yes) One world one mother.
After hanging over my phone, I fell into a long silence. Fear and frustration almost drown me. Yes, I quit my job, but what’s my next stop? I don’t have a clear answer, so I posted my mood on WeChat’s Moment.
“Ding~” A few minutes later, I received a message from a ToastMaster Yuki. I just knew her in our Area Contest and we were even not friends yet. Why did she suddenly send me a message? Is it related to my post?
I opened WeChat and started to read:
“Helen, you seem to bear some pressure right now. Probably you need some support to make you feel better. You wanna hang out tomorrow? Here are some good and cheap restaurants near your home.”
Such a warm invitation! I replied without thinking: “Sure! I don’t have income but plenty of time now.”
The next day, we met each other and talked for a whole afternoon, which is the scene I mentioned at the beginning. We were both open-minded and sincere, and in a similar situation, which made us familiar with each other very quickly. Our topics ranged from career to daily life, from hobbies to worldviews. Even though Yuki is also under much pressure, she was still willing to give me a hand. She made me feel as warm as the sunshine that afternoon.
My fellows, do you also have a warm TM friend who can light you up? (Yes!) One World One TM.
No doubt, we have become friends. We supported and empowered each other. For example, we together attended career development courses, where we shared our notes and homework to achieve holistic understanding. As we were both lack of confidence, we always pay more attention to and praise each other’s strengths.
Gradually, we became much more knowledgeable about ourselves and our potential careers. Changes are happening quietly.
I once asked her: “Why are you willing to give me a hand even though you are in your darkness?”
She answered with a smile: “Because giving is receiving. By helping you, I also found ways to help myself.”
Gradually, I witnessed Yuki becoming more and more confident. Once she told me proudly that she received more positive feedback from interviewers. Just two days ago, she got her dream offer and will start work next week! I was so delighted for her and more grateful as I would never forget how she supported me in her dark days.
Under her influence, slowly I had clearer career objectives. Recently I started my actions on job hunting and attended my first interview last week. I believe I will receive my dream offer in the near future as well.
My dear fellows, did you also experience some dark days? In those days, did you lie flat as a couch potato like me? Or Complain yourself like my mom? Or willing to give a hand like Yuki to light up others as well as yourself?
Giving is receiving. Even though I’m still in my darkness, I would like to give her a hand as well, just like how she lit me up before. As an active TM, she really wanted to join the Nanning Conference but couldn’t come. Since I got such a rare chance to speak on the stage, I decided to bring her and her story to the Conference in my speech. I hope her story can light up more people.
Here, I would like to thank Yuki, for letting me understand that, giving is receiving. Through helping others, we also become better selves without noticing. Next time, when you see someone who may need help, try to give a warm hand.
When I look back, it was amazing to find that Yuki and I just became friends a month ago. All the stories start with a warm-hearted invitation. We met on a sunny afternoon. Durian and loquat were shining on the tree. We sat near a window and shared our life stories … and this is where miracles and all the changes started to happen.
后续：
参加完南宁峰会后，我又回到杭州并顺利地找到了工作，现在我已经入职杭州的一家律所，并正在办理转证手续，很快我就可以重新成为一名持证的执业律师啦。而Yuki，成为了俱乐部的VPE，并在一家咨询公司中发光发热。希望我俩都好！
谨以此文向Yuki及所有给予我帮助和支持的伙伴致以最诚挚的感谢，包括但不限于Elite及DNA的伙伴、Lily、廖老师、雁姐、Jack、Jin、Amy、京玲、Peter、苹果树、秋菊老师、文芳、晓健、松子、超哥……
