July 25, 15:28

How to overcome fear and doubts to find your voice in public speaking

Many people experience anxiety related to public speaking and fear being heard. There are practical strategies and deep ideas that help people embrace their voice and cope with this issue.

The author shares personal experience, recalling a moment when his voice truly sounded like his own during a short, awkward five-minute speech. Despite trembling hands and a tight throat, the audience's reaction changed everything. This turning point sparked a passion for public speaking, prompting the author to join Toastmasters.

However, after a period of progress, the author again faced insecurity and fear that silenced his voice. In 2021, Verity Price became the first African and sixth woman in 80 years to win the World Public Speaking Championship, where she competed against 30,000 participants from 149 countries. Her journey taught the author an important truth: with the right tools and courage, anyone can move listeners' hearts.

During the Standard Bank Empower Her event, the author had the opportunity to hear her presentation and was impressed by her sincerity and practical advice. After the conversation, Verity Price generously gifted the author her book, 'Present with Power,' which became a support, reminding him of the importance of regaining his voice.

Practical Techniques for Improving Speech

Verity Price's book contains many useful tips for those striving to improve their public speaking skills. One of the most significant lessons was the use of a structure that includes elements of Hero, Obstacle, Mentor, and Revelation. This scheme serves as a clear map that guides listeners from curiosity to action, helping to make the story engaging.

The importance of sensory details is also emphasized in the book. Instead of simply stating, 'I was nervous,' the author learned to create images, such as: 'the microphone felt cold in my palm, and the room faintly smelled of coffee.' This technique transforms a statement into a living scene, involving the listeners in the experience of the moment.

Tools for the Orator

In addition, teachings on breathing, pace, and presence are practical tools for any speaker. The author mastered the technique of pauses, allowing the audience time to process what was said, as a well-chosen pause can change the atmosphere in the hall.

Changing Your Attitude Towards Fear

The book does not promise the complete disappearance of nervousness, but it teaches how to manage it and even use it to one's advantage. The author notes that the audience often quietly supports the speaker. This perspective shifts the focus from perfect execution to establishing a connection, making practice less about perfection and more about preparation.

The author also highly valued the ethical approach to storytelling, which emphasizes the responsibility accompanying the power of stories. He asks questions about who benefits from the told stories and how respectfully they are presented, which lends moral clarity to the advice.

This experience gave the author something more than just methodologies—it gave him permission to be imperfect, to try what seems awkward, and to develop as a speaker through practice. The journey from novice singer to confident speaker is a complex, human process, not a perfect line. Verity Price herself learned, made mistakes, and kept moving forward.

The author strongly recommends the book 'Present with Power' as a practical, human, and applicable guide. It will not eliminate fear instantly, but it will provide the tools, habits, and mindset that turn self-presentation into progress.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 27, 24:45

Over 5000 child adoption decisions made in India in the last year, the highest figure in a decade

According to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), over 5022 children were adopted in India between April 2025 and March 2026. This figure marks the highest in more than a decade.

Adoption Details

According to CARA information, out of the total number of adopted children, 4603 were adopted through domestic procedures, while international adoptions accounted for 419 children. In the previous reporting period, 2024-25, 4515 children were adopted.

Of all children declared available for adoption and listed in the pool of Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA) across India, 80% are categorized as children with special needs. Last year, 392 such children were adopted, representing a 25% increase compared to 2024-25.

Historical Context and Trends

Historically, in 2015-16, the total number of adoptions was 3677, and the 4000 mark was first exceeded in 2018-19. During the pandemic, this figure saw a decline, after which it began to rise again in 2023-24, once again surpassing the 4000 mark.

Although very young children entering the pool quickly find adoptive parents, the number of older children and children with special needs continues to accumulate in the waiting pool. The average waiting time for adoption for infants and young children is estimated at approximately three years.

Reasons for Growth and CARA's Focus

The head of CARA, Bhavna Saxena, attributes the increase in adoptions to a targeted strategy. This strategy involves continuous monitoring of specialized adoption agencies and child welfare committees through CARA's 'identification center' to ensure that suitable children in institutions are declared available for adoption without delay.

According to CARA's database, out of the 5022 adoptions, 2756 were girls, 2263 were boys, and three cases were categorized as 'other'. Officially, the adoption of girls increased by 8% compared to 2024-25, when 2554 girls were adopted. The fact that there are more girls on the adoption list aligns with past trends.

Officials note that while a higher number of potential parents choosing a girl reflects a change in mindset, some adoption organizations believe that the higher figures are related to more girls being present in adoption agencies and orphanages, and thus available in the adoption pool.

Working with Special Needs

According to the head of CARA, more attention is now being paid to raising awareness about children with special needs so that interested parents can receive counseling and assistance in choosing such a child. Saxena added that last year they started conducting regional consultations and found that parents were becoming more inclined to consider children with special needs, and this year they plan to strengthen coverage.

She also reported that 392 children with special needs were adopted last year, which is 25% more than in 2024-25, when there were 313. Furthermore, adoptions by relatives and stepmothers increased by 50%, reaching 1231 cases compared to 820.

To strengthen the system, 118 new child welfare committees have been established, and 52 new specialized agencies have been registered in the last year. As of July 2024, 266 new SAAs have been registered and activated.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 26, 20:30

Mohan Bhagwat states that marriage cultivates dharma, criticizing cohabitation as an imitation of Western culture

The head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, emphasized on Sunday that marriage is a discipline that instills dharma. He noted that alternatives to marriage are cohabitations, which can be observed worldwide.

View on Cohabitation and Modernity

Bhagwat commented on modern trends, stating that people seek happiness without taking on responsibilities, preferring to spend time together when it suits them and separating when the desire fades. He questioned what grows with such an approach, urging people to look around the world.

During an event in Hyderabad, the RSS chief characterized cohabitations as 'decline' and 'blind imitation of Western culture,' despite welcoming modernization. He also supported the idea that LGBTQ+ individuals are part of society and should not be condemned.

Advice to the Older Generation

Bhagwat stressed the importance of parents cultivating mobile discipline and the significance of family discussions in resolving issues for the younger generation and various family problems. Addressing youth lifestyle issues, including excessive use of mobile phones, he called on the older generation to exhibit the behavior they wish to see in their children.

He advised: 'Be the change you want to see in society. Reduce time spent on social media. Maintain mobile discipline.' Bhagwat added that in their tradition, society stands above the government, and that families can independently resolve many issues instead of waiting for laws from authorities.

Critique of Western Influence

The RSS chief also pointed out that British rule led Indians to consider everything ancient as 'useless.' He suggested that Western countries face difficulties due to an incomplete understanding of the same issues that India has also addressed.

noticiasaominuto.comJuly 26, 18:18

Suspect in attack on LGBTQ+ parade in Berlin eliminated by police

According to Der Spiegel and RBB24, the suspect in the attack on the LGBTQ+ parade in Berlin, Germany, was eliminated by police on Sunday. The man was shot during a police operation in a garden complex in Spandau.

Information about the suspect

The suspect has been identified as Abdul Ballut, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese origin. According to German media Der Spiegel and the newspaper Bild, he attempted to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2025 but was detained in Lebanon.

Previous charges

As a German citizen, he was repatriated to his country, where in 2026 he was convicted in another case for 'preparation for an act of serious violence threatening state security.'

Attack details

The attack occurred on Saturday evening when a white van crashed into people gathered in Tiergarten park, near the LGBT pride parade route. The incident resulted in one death and at least 29 injuries, some of whom are in critical condition.