Fbla Speech

Front 1

Introduction-Story & Freedom

Back 1

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, there is a story about Victor Frankl, who was of the Jewish faith. During World War Two, he was imprisoned in the death camps of Nazi Germany. His parents, his brother, and his wife died in the camps or were sent to the gas ovens. Except for his sister, his entire family had perished. During his time at the death camps, Frankl suffered torture and innumerable indignities. One day he became aware of what he later called “the last of the human freedoms,” the freedom the Nazi captors could not take away. Although they could control his environment, they could do what ever they wanted to his body; he could decide within himself how all of this was going to affect him. He had the freedom to choose his response to what happened to him. After exercising this freedom for some time, he had more freedom than the Nazi Captors. Between stimulus and response is our great power--- the freedom to choose.

Front 2

Before/after-Goals

Back 2

Before he discovered this freedom, he chose to suffer the torture. His negative thoughts made him unhappy. However, because of his positive thinking towards the freedom to choose he became somewhat happier. Through happiness, positive thoughts, and the freedom to choose is confidence. The confidence to choose what you know is right. The confidence that you have in yourself to accomplish goals. The goals, which are your goals, reflect your deepest values, and your talents. No one can do it for you; YOU make it happen. In order for you to make it happen, you must have self-confidence and motivation to accomplish the goal.

Front 3

Confidence Vs. Pride-bragging

Back 3

Confidence, which is the belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities, is often confused with pride, a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity. Those with confidence might say, “I can do this,” or “I am going to try my best.” Those who have pride might say, “I am going to win first place and beat everyone.” Some might think bragging and being prideful makes us feel better about ourselves, but according to Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson, PH.D, “bragging actually dilutes the positive feelings you receive from an accomplishment or something you are proud of.” Carlson continues to say, “People are drawn to those with a quiet, inner confidence, people who don’t need to make themselves look good, be ‘right’ all the time, or steal the glory. Most people love a person who...shares from his or her heart and not from his or her ego.”-end quote. I believe we can all do better and humble ourselves. Not only will others appreciate you more, you will be blesse

Front 4

Mark Twain-self-confidence

Back 4

Mark Twain once said, “The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself”-end quote. In order to succeed in business, you first need confidence in yourself and others, and then in what you determine to accomplish. Sometimes our lack of self-esteem stops us from reaching a goal. We feel that we don’t deserve to accomplish that specific goal.

Front 5

Conclusion-You can do anything

Back 5

“Whether you think you can or can’t...you are right,” said Henry Ford. You can do anything you put your mind to. All you need is confidence, positive thoughts, and hard work. If you have a bad attitude and do not believe that you can do it, you probably won’t. It takes practice to have positive thoughts and to keep the negative thoughts away, but you will be happier and more productive in all that you do. Victor Frankl’s freedom did not grow over night, it took practice and little by little, it grew. His freedom became bigger like a candle waxing strong. Frankl suffered so much and had so little, but because of his confidence, he did it. So, whenever you are in doubt, do not ever give up...because you can do it.