1. Tell us more about what you do and what led you to speak on this platform.
I spent most of my school and college years as an orator, always participating in debates and elocution competitions. As a natural progression of my flair for public speaking, I started working as a television show host soon after completing my education.
But I had other creative interests too, and my career has been rather diverse. From starting a chain of luxury women’s fashion stores to being a digital creator and actor, I have always followed my heart and never hesitated to start new things while constantly upgrading my skills.
It was only a year ago that I decided to undergo extensive training to become a counselor and mental health professional. I combined my insights on self-growth and personality transformation with my communication skills to become a motivational speaker!
I have been a digital creator since 2015, making videos on lifestyle and culture. Recently I started a platform on social media – The Wellness Capsule 2.0, where I upload motivational videos and ideas on fostering healthy relationships by changing one’s self-limiting beliefs and attitudes. I find it very fulfilling to share my learnings and experiences with the heart to encourage and empower others.
2. How do you choose and prepare for a talk?
When I’m invited to talk at an event, I design the topic of my content and my presentation style by trying to understand, as intricately as possible, what the audience is looking for.
It was only a year ago that I decided to undergo extensive training to become a counselor and mental health professional. I combined my insights on self-growth and personality transformation with my communication skills to become a motivational speaker!
I have been a digital creator since 2015, making videos on lifestyle and culture. Recently I started a platform on social media – The Wellness Capsule 2.0, where I upload motivational videos and ideas on fostering healthy relationships by changing one’s self-limiting beliefs and attitudes. I find it very fulfilling to share my learnings and experiences with the heart to encourage and empower others.
2. How do you choose and prepare for a talk?
When I’m invited to talk at an event, I design the topic of my content and my presentation style by trying to understand, as intricately as possible, what the audience is looking for.
In the last 6 months, most of my talks have been about how we can embrace the change and uncertainty that the pandemic has brought to our personal, social and professional lives.
I bring a lot of who I am into my talks by using examples and anecdotes from my own life. I often conduct research and small surveys to collect facts and statistics to support my points. I believe that one should not compromise on preparing thoroughly, yet make it look spontaneous and informal!
Now, with events being held only via videoconferencing, I try to prepare eye-catching slides to support my central ideas. Sometimes I use hand-made placards and find that people really like this personal touch!
And most importantly, before a talk I always pray that I’m able to create something valuable and inspiring for the people who have taken time out to listen to me.
3. How can one become a public speaker?
I would say that one should first ask oneself – why do I want to be a public speaker? Is it because I’m genuinely interested and passionate about it, or more because I want to be like others who appear confident, charming and glamorous on stage or on screen?
I bring a lot of who I am into my talks by using examples and anecdotes from my own life. I often conduct research and small surveys to collect facts and statistics to support my points. I believe that one should not compromise on preparing thoroughly, yet make it look spontaneous and informal!
Now, with events being held only via videoconferencing, I try to prepare eye-catching slides to support my central ideas. Sometimes I use hand-made placards and find that people really like this personal touch!
And most importantly, before a talk I always pray that I’m able to create something valuable and inspiring for the people who have taken time out to listen to me.
3. How can one become a public speaker?
I would say that one should first ask oneself – why do I want to be a public speaker? Is it because I’m genuinely interested and passionate about it, or more because I want to be like others who appear confident, charming and glamorous on stage or on screen?
I say this because it saddens me when parents push their children to take up public speaking just so that increase their chances of succeeding in their college applications or future career. In any field of work, one can find success more naturally if the motivation is inner-driven.
If you love languages, are good at story-telling, have something unique and authentic to share and enjoy connecting with people, you can start by creating a platform on social media. Or you can start emceeing events for people in your network. The more you practice and gain experience, the more you can hone your talents.
Stage fright is something many people are terrified of, and how to overcome it is the most common question I get asked. The truth is, after so many years of public speaking, even today I feel a little nervous before going up on stage, and that anxiety helps me perform better. At the same time, you need to be comfortable in your own skin and be free of the fear of judgment and criticism.
4. Can motivational speaking become a full-time career?
Yes, it can eventually, if your content and personality appeals to audiences! Today with the presence of social media platforms, you be as committed in putting out content, as you like. However, I have observed that most motivational speakers do other things too, just like me.
If you love languages, are good at story-telling, have something unique and authentic to share and enjoy connecting with people, you can start by creating a platform on social media. Or you can start emceeing events for people in your network. The more you practice and gain experience, the more you can hone your talents.
Stage fright is something many people are terrified of, and how to overcome it is the most common question I get asked. The truth is, after so many years of public speaking, even today I feel a little nervous before going up on stage, and that anxiety helps me perform better. At the same time, you need to be comfortable in your own skin and be free of the fear of judgment and criticism.
4. Can motivational speaking become a full-time career?
Yes, it can eventually, if your content and personality appeals to audiences! Today with the presence of social media platforms, you be as committed in putting out content, as you like. However, I have observed that most motivational speakers do other things too, just like me.
This helps us generate fresh ideas and experiences to use in our talks. For example, I also work as a wellness coach and relationship counselor. Through my client cases, I develop new insights on the challenges people face, and how they can best overcome them.
5. Which is your favourite talk ever and how did it change your life?
One unforgettable talk that became a turning point in my life was about how we can transform our life at the deepest level by a Buddhist leader in Mumbai in 2009. I was so inspired that I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism, and by following it I have been able to sustain the change in me over these 10 years.
Among the talks I have given, my favourite in recent times is a video I posted at the beginning of the lockdown in March 2020. I was among the first few to highlight the importance of mental health during the pandemic, much before it became a buzzword. The video became quite popular and I was invited to talk at webinars by prestigious organisations like YPO soon after.
6. What are the best public speaking tips that have worked for you?
Here are 5 pro-tips that I swear by:
1. Self-observation is the best way to know one’s strengths and limitations.
I practice in front of the mirror and watching my video recordings helps me understand what I could do better next time. Also, I ask a friend or family member I trust, to provide constructive feedback.
2. Breath work and voice-drills – Before I go on stage or record a video I exercise my vocal chords and energise myself with deep breathing exercises.
3. The ability to improvise – Most live events have inevitable last-minute changes. It is not possible to follow a rigid structure. I’m always observing my audience and prepared to improvise my performance accordingly.
4. Warmth and camaraderie – My natural style involves a lot of smiling, staying genuine and making a connection with people. I use humour judiciously, ensuring it doesn’t offend anyone.
5. Be crisp and concrete in your communication. I try to say more with less, instead of going on and on! I’m vigilant about valuing people’s time and knowing that their attention span is limited.
7. What impact do you want to make in the world?
Let’s first understand the meaning of ‘making an impact’. Every action taken with sincerity and compassion can make an impact, and the onus is not just on social workers, activists and world leaders to make this world a better place.
5. Which is your favourite talk ever and how did it change your life?
One unforgettable talk that became a turning point in my life was about how we can transform our life at the deepest level by a Buddhist leader in Mumbai in 2009. I was so inspired that I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism, and by following it I have been able to sustain the change in me over these 10 years.
Among the talks I have given, my favourite in recent times is a video I posted at the beginning of the lockdown in March 2020. I was among the first few to highlight the importance of mental health during the pandemic, much before it became a buzzword. The video became quite popular and I was invited to talk at webinars by prestigious organisations like YPO soon after.
6. What are the best public speaking tips that have worked for you?
Here are 5 pro-tips that I swear by:
1. Self-observation is the best way to know one’s strengths and limitations.
I practice in front of the mirror and watching my video recordings helps me understand what I could do better next time. Also, I ask a friend or family member I trust, to provide constructive feedback.
2. Breath work and voice-drills – Before I go on stage or record a video I exercise my vocal chords and energise myself with deep breathing exercises.
3. The ability to improvise – Most live events have inevitable last-minute changes. It is not possible to follow a rigid structure. I’m always observing my audience and prepared to improvise my performance accordingly.
4. Warmth and camaraderie – My natural style involves a lot of smiling, staying genuine and making a connection with people. I use humour judiciously, ensuring it doesn’t offend anyone.
5. Be crisp and concrete in your communication. I try to say more with less, instead of going on and on! I’m vigilant about valuing people’s time and knowing that their attention span is limited.
7. What impact do you want to make in the world?
Let’s first understand the meaning of ‘making an impact’. Every action taken with sincerity and compassion can make an impact, and the onus is not just on social workers, activists and world leaders to make this world a better place.
I want to help as many people as I can through my work as a mental health professional. It’s my goal to be among India’s prominent voices in holistic health and represent my country at international forums. I believe in setting off a chain reaction of respect, empathy and
8. Which is your favourite book and why?
It is very difficult to name one, as books are treasure troves that enrich us in more ways than I can enumerate. Since I love philosophy, the one book that comes to mind is The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
8. Which is your favourite book and why?
It is very difficult to name one, as books are treasure troves that enrich us in more ways than I can enumerate. Since I love philosophy, the one book that comes to mind is The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
It’s timeless and profound in its wisdom about life’s most fundamental aspects. There is poetry, romance and mysticism in his words, and yet they are easy to understand. I know some of the verses on love and parenting by heart, and quote them often!
- Kanchan Wadi, Motivational Speaker, Wellness Coach and Relationship
Counsellor
- Interviewed by Shilpy Sharan
- Interviewed by Shilpy Sharan
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