This is it, the final shot, and I need to sink it to get that one precious point.

I throw the ball and

damn it, I miss it. The weight of three consecutive failures bears down on me. The
disappointment in the eyes of my teammates is palpable. As the buzzer sounds, the audience
erupts with applause, but it's all for the other team. After the match, we trudge back to our
coach, our heads hanging low.
Mr. Toastmaster, fellow toastmaster and guests, have you ever been in a situation where
everything seemed lost? I was also in the same situation, not me but my whole team, but
remember losing is like a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit. It's a momentary setback, but it
doesn't define the full picture of your journey.
I want to take you on a journey through my personal experience as a basketball team captain,
but before we dive into the story, let me show you something.
Hold up a broken basketball.
This, my friends, is like how our team felt when our coach left us hanging. Broken,
disheartened, and in need of a leader. Let me ask you, have you ever felt like your leader wasn't
really leading, just like Coach in our story?
We have finals coming up, and despite feeling low, next day I entered into the practice court, I
saw my team members sitting on bleachers. Then coach come, scolded the team and left. My
team is looking disheartened and at that moment as a team captain, I knew we needed a
change, and I had to become the leader we needed. Have you ever been in a situation where
you had to become the leader when others faltered?
It’s okay everyone, winning and losing are part of game.
Man that was brutal. I don't think Coach believes in us anymore.
Look, I get it. Coach's approach was harsh today, but let's not let that define us. Remember,
leadership comes in all forms. Coach's tough love is one way, but it's not the only way.
Beside coach it’s all your fault, why don’t you pass the ball in time.
What! No way, but I think it’s your fault.
And like this they are at each other’s throat but I told them it’s no body’s fault, we are a team.
I'm just feeling so down.

Hey, I've got a story for you. Ever heard of Tim Duncan? He's a legend in the NBA, known for his
calm demeanor. When he had a bad game, he didn't let it get to him. He kept his cool and
motivated his team with his composure.
So, we should be like Tim Duncan?
Not necessarily. Tim's style worked for him. We should learn from his calmness, but let's also
recognize that some leaders inspire with fire, like Michael Jordan, who pushed his teammates
with intense competitiveness.
Through my actions and words, I lifted their spirits. I encouraged my teammates, set an
example on the court, and fostered a sense of unity. As we worked together, we began to climb
back, point by point, against all odds. It was an uphill battle, but our collective effort and my
role as a leader helped us to regain our confidence. Our journey was like piecing together a
puzzle. Individually, we were just pieces, but together, we created something greater. Just like
in leadership, it's not about being the biggest piece; it's about how you fit into the bigger
picture.
As I reflect on that experience, I learned a few critical lessons about leadership. First, leadership
isn't about titles or positions; it's about stepping up when the team needs you the most.
Second, leadership isn't just telling people what to do; it's about showing them how to do it.
Just like I demonstrated on the court, a leader should lead by example, be the first to hustle.
Lastly, a leader doesn't just dictate; they communicate, motivate, and empower. It's about
encouraging everyone to bring their unique strengths and abilities to the table to achieve a
common goal.
So, as you leave here today, I encourage you to reflect on your own leadership roles, whether
on the court, at work, or in your personal life. Be the leader that inspires others, just as my
teammates inspired me to be a better captain. Thank you.