“What’s your next step?”
That was the question I posed on stage during the Toastmasters International Speech Contest—the very question that had led me there in the first place.
And yet, as I walked off the stage, as the contest results were announced, I found myself asking that same question again.
Because I had lost.
But did I really?
The Road to the Contest: A Last-Minute Decision
Competing in the International Speech Contest is no joke. Most contestants spend months refining their speeches, rehearsing delivery, and perfecting every pause and gesture.
I had… one day.
Between my demanding workload, meetings, and deadlines, I kept postponing my speech preparation. “I’ll start tomorrow,” I told myself. But tomorrow turned into next week, next week into next month… and suddenly, the contest was here.
I had two options:
1️⃣ Drop out because I wasn’t ready.
2️⃣ Step up and give it my best shot.
I chose to take the next step.
So, with barely a day to write and rehearse, I stepped onto that stage—not perfect, not polished, but present.
The Moment on Stage: The Speech That Defined My Journey
I shared Priya’s story—a woman who had lost so much yet kept moving forward.
I shared my one-year-old son’s story—his relentless attempts to stand, fall after fall.
And I shared the universal truth—that life isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about taking the next step, even when you’re not ready.
I could feel the audience connecting with my words.
I could hear the silence between my pauses—the kind that happens when people are truly listening.
I could see the nods, the smiles, the understanding in their eyes.
But here’s the reality: my speech wasn’t perfect.
I missed some lines.
My voice cracked in moments where I wanted it to be steady.
I wasn’t as rehearsed, as polished, as practiced as the other contestants.
And when the results were announced… my name wasn’t there.
I had lost.
What Losing Taught Me
But as I stood there, watching the winners celebrate, I realized something unexpected:
I didn’t feel disappointed.
I didn’t feel defeated.
I felt proud.
Because despite knowing I wasn’t fully prepared… I showed up.
Despite the fear of failing… I took the stage.
Despite not having a perfect speech… I gave it my all.
And that is the true essence of growth.
My Biggest Lessons from This Experience
🔹 1. The Perfect Moment Doesn’t Exist
I kept telling myself “I’ll compete when I have enough time to prepare.” But when is enough time? The truth is, if I had waited, I would have never stepped onto that stage.
🔹 2. Failure is Just a Step Forward
Winning is great. But losing is an opportunity. It forces reflection, improvement, and courage to try again.
🔹 3. Taking Action is More Important Than Being Ready
If I had waited until I was ready, I wouldn’t have competed. And if I hadn’t competed, I wouldn’t have grown. Sometimes, you just have to start before you feel ready.
The Next Step: Where Do I Go From Here?
So, what’s next?
I refine my speech.
I analyze my mistakes.
I practice more.
And next time? I step back onto that stage again.
Because I may have lost this contest, but I won something far more valuable—the courage to act before perfection, to embrace failure, and to always take the next step.
Watch My Speech 🎤
📹 Here’s my full speech from the contest:
Final Thoughts: The Contest is Over, But My Journey Isn’t
I may have lost the contest, but I gained something far more valuable—
💡 A deeper understanding of myself
💡 A new level of courage
💡 The drive to keep going
I took a step. I fell. But just like my son, just like Priya…
I will stand up again.
Because life isn’t about winning or losing.
It’s about showing up, giving your best, and always taking… the next step.
Would love to hear from you! Have you ever stepped into something you weren’t fully ready for? How did it shape you?
I would love to hear about it! 🚀
~ Vinit