On a glorious August evening, the rising moon blew a kiss to the setting sun. The affectionate breath carried away the heat of the day, comfortably caressing Jane’s face. As she entered the garden, heading to the meeting, her thoughts began echoing through her head.
I won. I really won. I can’t wait to tell everyone that I won. Her steps quickened. She had told herself that competing in a speech contest was no big deal, but now that she has been crowned the champion, she seemed to feel it was a much bigger deal.
I better think of something to say. I am sure they are going to ask me what happened. Perhaps the false modesty approach would be best. I’ll say I just got lucky and the judges probably liked what I was wearing. Maybe I should claim the victory for myself. I did all the work, and the truth is that I was the best and I really deserved to win. If people would get over their fears, they would have the success I had. She was surprised how forcefully that idea asserted itself.
Her high heels began clicking and echoing off the cement as she entered the atrium. She could see a few people gathered outside the room. She smiled and waved. Coming closer she noticed that John was talking to Juan who looked very concerned, actually frightened.
“Juan, no one is great the first time they speak and, even when you are good, there will always be room for improvement.” John’s tone was soothing and encouraging.
“No I can’t do it… people will laugh… I will forget what to say… I’ll embarrass myself.” Juan stammered.
“Juan, the worse you do your first time, the better you will be the next. In fact, no matter how bad you think you will be, or actually are, there will be some strengths we will see in you, that you can’t. You honor us all with your courage to try. You will succeed just by making the effort. Wouldn’t you agree Jane?” John finished, turning towards Jane.
“Absolutely,” Jane nodded “no matter what happens or how uncomfortable you feel, your audience really wants you to succeed. You’ll do great. Let’s go, the meeting is about to start.”
The audience wants you to succeed… the words hung in her head as she took her seat. The audience wants you to succeed. If that’s true, then maybe the speaker should help the audience to share in the success.
The meeting was called to order and, immediately following the introductory remarks, Jane was standing up to answer the question ‘What happened at the contest?’
She look around at the audience and recalled how each of their personal triumphs no matter how small, each polishing point no matter how hard to hear, had helped her succeed. She rested her eyes on Juan and said, “To achieve glory, bestow glory. We won.” The burst of applause caused her to pause.
“You honored me with the opportunity to represent us at the contest, but I wouldn’t have even tried, let alone succeeded, if not for all of you. I remember how many of you encouraged me when I was scared and unskillful. Thank you so much.”
She smiled warmly at Juan as she sat down. The air condition blew softly on her hair as she looked out the window at a small cloud haloed in moonlight.
Glory follows virtue as if it were its shadow.
– Cicero