Amirul's Scribe

Thursday, October 23, 2025

“10 ChatGPT Prompt Templates That Always Work — and Why They Matter”

In October 2022, I stumbled upon a strange but fascinating tool called ChatGPT on the X platform (then Twitter).
It looked like a normal chatbot until I asked my first real question.
The answer that came back blew my mind.

It wasn’t just text. It was structured, thoughtful, and creative, like having an assistant who could think, write, and plan with me. Fast forward to today, we’re surrounded by generative AI platforms; ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Midjourney, Runway, and countless others. It’s like everyone now has a personal assistant.

But here’s the real question:
👉 How do we use it to the max?

The truth is, AI is only as smart as the prompt you give it.
The difference between an average user and a true power user lies in the way they think, structure, and instruct the AI.

As the Qur’an reminds us:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11)

Just like this verse, the power of AI begins with us, how we think, how we ask, and how we direct.

Unfortunately, too many people today use ChatGPT like they use Google, typing random questions, expecting instant magic. But ChatGPT is not a search engine; it’s a thinking partner.
And that’s where the art of prompting comes in.

My Personal Discovery: The PIDO Framework

Over time, I developed my own structured method to get powerful results every single time.
I call it PIDO, short for:

P – Parameters: Define the platform, tone, or purpose.
I – Instructions: Tell it how to perform the task.
D – Details: Provide context, examples, or supporting facts.
O – Output: Specify what format or result you expect.

When you prompt with PIDO, you’re no longer a passive user; you’re the driver of your own AI.

As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2664)

This hadith reminds us — we are meant to strive, not just consume.
And mastering AI is part of striving in today’s digital age.

10 ChatGPT Prompt Templates That Always Work

Here’s a great starting point shared by Andrew Bolis (FreeGuides.cc), with my personal reflections:

🎯 Expert Role Prompt: “Act as a [role/expert] and help me [task].”
- Example: “Act as a content strategist. Help me plan 10 viral LinkedIn posts.”
🪜 Step-by-Step Instruction: “Explain how to [task] in clear steps.”
- Example: “Explain how to start a YouTube channel in 5 steps.”
⚖️ Compare Options: “Compare [Option A] vs [Option B] for [specific goal].”
- Example: “Compare Canva vs Figma for client proposals.”
💡 Idea Generator: “Give me 10 creative ideas for [goal/niche/audience].”
- Example: “Give me 10 video ideas for personal finance.”
✍️ Rewrite Text: “Rewrite this to sound more [tone/style/intention].”
- Example: “Rewrite this proposal to sound more confident and persuasive.”
🔍 Review & Improve: “Review this [text/design/code] and suggest improvements.”
🎭 Scenario Simulation: “Simulate a [conversation/meeting] between [role A] and [role B].”
📄 Format-Based Request: “Create a [format] about [topic].”
- Example: “Create a YouTube script about beginner-friendly SEO strategies.”
✅ List Essentials: “List key factors to consider when [doing X task].”
💭 Brainstorm Prompt: “Help me brainstorm [topic/challenge] with pros and cons.”

Once you’ve mastered these, integrate PIDO into each.
That’s when ChatGPT starts sounding like your own personal JARVIS.

Lesson

The secret isn’t in the AI, it’s in how you communicate with it.
Good prompts create clarity.
Great prompts create transformation.

So, don’t just use AI.
Lead it.
Because those who can lead AI will lead the future.

Call to Action

🔥 Try using PIDO today and see how ChatGPT transforms from a chatbot into your creative co-pilot.
#ChatGPT #PIDOFramework #WorkSmarterNotHarder #AIProductivity #VisualLeaders
📸 Credit: Image by Andrew Bolis | FreeGuides.cc

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Cabaran Baharu Guru Era Digital: AI dan Visualisasi Spontan

Alhamdulillah, hari ini article saya dalam Utusan Malaysia saya kongsikan tentang - Cabaran baharu guru era digital: AI dan visualisasi spontan.

Saya sentuh tentang penggunaan structured prompting - PIDO saya bersama kemahiran Visualization Through Freehand (VTF)

💡 Miscommunication Is Costing Your Company Millions — And It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

We often think the biggest threats to a company’s profits are competition, market downturns, or rising costs. But the silent killer lurking inside almost every organization is far simpler, and far more damaging: miscommunication.

💸 Studies show companies lose an average of $2,400 per employee every year due to miscommunication. That’s hundreds of thousands, even millions, drained from your bottom line, not because your product failed, but because your people misunderstood each other.

But the impact goes beyond profit. Miscommunication doesn’t just hurt business; it damages relationships, erodes trust, slows progress, and in some cases, can cost lives.

📉 A Story of How Miscommunication Crippled a Project

Several years ago, a multinational company launched a massive product development project involving teams across four countries. Everyone was highly skilled and well-funded. But there was one problem: no one was truly on the same page.

Designers misunderstood the engineers’ requirements. Marketing misinterpreted the launch timeline. Leadership assumed progress that wasn’t happening. The result? The project missed its deadline by 10 months, overspent by 40%, and the final product didn’t meet customer needs.

The problem wasn’t a lack of talent or effort; it was miscommunication.

📿 What Islam Teaches Us About Clear Communication

The importance of communication is deeply rooted in our faith. Islam emphasizes clarity, sincerity, and responsibility in how we speak and convey messages:

"And speak to people good [words]." — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:83)
→ This verse reminds us that communication is not just about speaking — it’s about doing so with purpose and goodness, ensuring the other party truly understands.
“The believer does not taunt, curse, or speak foul or obscene words.” — (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1977)
→ Communication is not merely about what we say, but how we say it. A responsible communicator ensures their message builds clarity, not confusion.

Clear communication is a trust (amanah). Whether at home, at work, or in society, failing to communicate clearly is failing to deliver that trust.

🔄 The Hidden Costs of Miscommunication

We often underestimate how much miscommunication costs us:

💼 At work: Delayed projects, duplicated work, missed deadlines, and lost revenue.
❤️ In relationships: Misunderstood intentions lead to resentment, distance, and broken bonds.
🌍 In society: Confusion in messaging causes division, misinformation, and mistrust.

Even in the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, which many organizations are racing to achieve, poor communication can derail the best-intentioned plans. Without shared understanding, sustainability efforts remain just buzzwords on paper.

✍️ A Forgotten Skill That Solves the Problem

One of the most effective tools to combat miscommunication is something humanity has used for thousands of years: visual communication.

Before PowerPoints and emails, humans communicated complex ideas through drawings, sketches, and symbols. Yet in today’s digital world, we’ve abandoned this powerful tool.

Visualization Through Freehand (VTF), or drawing your thoughts as you explain them, is a simple yet transformative method to improve clarity. When combined with digital communication, it creates an unbeatable synergy: technology delivers reach, while visuals deliver understanding.

This is the foundation of Visual Communication Through Freehand (VCTF), a technique developed by Dr Ruzaimi Mat Rani, now used by leaders and teams to save time, reduce cost, and boost clarity.

🌱 The Lesson: Clarity Is Leadership

In a world drowning in information, clarity is leadership. If you want to lead your team with vision, if you want your strategies executed without confusion, if you want to unlock innovation, start by mastering communication.

💡 Miscommunication is not just a workplace nuisance; it’s a strategic risk. But with the right tools, mindset, and training, it’s also one of the easiest problems to solve.

✅ Call-to-Action

Join us for the "Master Problem-Solving Through Design Thinking and VCTF" program on 26–27 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, and learn how to eliminate miscommunication from your organization once and for all.

👉 Register now: https://forms.gle/oPRw4TksVyJZUphaA

👉 Register Here

#VisualCommunication #LeadershipMatters #DesignThinking #VCTF #WorkSmarter

📸 Credit: Dreamfoundry Media Sdn. Bhd.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The Battle for Attention in a Noisy World

In today’s world, getting someone’s attention and keeping it is harder than ever. With smartphones buzzing, notifications popping, and endless distractions competing for our focus, starting a presentation has become a real challenge. You might have the best ideas in the world, but if your audience isn’t listening from the start, your message won’t land.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. During my early days as a trainer, I used to jump straight into my slides, only to see eyes wandering and phones lighting up. My mentor once told me, “The first 60 seconds decide whether they will follow you or forget you.” Since then, I’ve made it a point to craft powerful openings that spark curiosity, connect emotionally, and set the stage for everything that follows.

📖 A Story: The Power of a Simple Story

I remember one particular talk I was invited to give on leadership. I started with a simple story about my first failure leading a team; the mistakes I made, the lessons I learned, and how that experience shaped me. To my surprise, the audience was glued to every word.

Afterward, several participants told me, “I felt like you were talking directly to me.” That’s when I truly understood the power of storytelling; people don’t just remember data or slides, they remember how you made them feel. We are emotional creatures, so find ways to connect with your audience emotionally.

🧠 Quran & Hadith Insights: The Power of Words

Islam itself teaches us the importance of impactful communication. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:

“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and good preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”
— Surah An-Nahl 16:125

And our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Indeed, some speech is magical (in its effect).”
— Sahih Bukhari

These verses remind us that words, when chosen wisely and delivered effectively, can move hearts, change minds, and inspire action.

🎯 15 Ways to Hook Your Audience from the Start

To truly capture attention, here are 15 powerful techniques you can use in the first few minutes of any presentation:

🎯 15 Powerful Ways to Start Your Presentation (Expanded Guide)

Getting your audience’s attention in the first minute is the most crucial part of any presentation. These 15 proven techniques are not just attention-grabbers; they are strategic tools to shape the mindset of your audience before you deliver your core message. Use them wisely, and you’ll notice a significant difference in how engaged and responsive people become.

1. Start with a Thought-Provoking Question – Engage Curiosity

Questions make people pause and think. When you open with a powerful question, you instantly involve your audience mentally.

✅ Example: “What would you do if you only had 24 hours to change your life?”
💡 Why it works: People naturally want to answer questions, even silently. This creates an active listening mode from the start.
🔎 Pro Tip: Avoid overly complex questions. Keep it simple, relevant, and impactful.

2. Quote a Thought Leader – Leverage Authority

A powerful quote from a respected figure lends credibility and weight to your message right away.

✅ Example: “As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’”
💡 Why it works: People are more likely to trust and listen when your message is supported by authority.
🔎 Pro Tip: Use quotes that directly connect to your presentation theme, not just something inspirational.

3. Share a Surprising Statistic – Hook with Facts

Numbers can shock, surprise, or intrigue, and that’s exactly what you want.

✅ Example: “Did you know that people forget 90% of a presentation within 48 hours if it’s not delivered effectively?”
💡 Why it works: Surprising facts make people curious to learn why, and they’ll stay to find out.
🔎 Pro Tip: Use recent, credible statistics and explain why they matter.

4. Tell a Story – Connect Emotionally

Humans are wired for stories. A relatable story makes your message personal and memorable.

✅ Example: “When I was 23, I failed my first business pitch so badly that the investors left halfway through…”
💡 Why it works: Stories create empathy and make complex ideas easier to understand.
🔎 Pro Tip: Keep your story short and relevant to the main message.

5. Show a Captivating Visual – Create Visual Impact

A striking image, short video clip, or infographic can instantly grab attention and set the tone.

✅ Example: Starting a talk about climate change with a powerful image of a melting glacier.
💡 Why it works: The human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text; a single image can say more than a thousand words.
🔎 Pro Tip: Choose visuals that are thought-provoking, emotional, or unexpected.

6. Ask for Audience Participation – Encourage Interaction

Engaging your audience early builds connection and energy in the room.

✅ Example: “Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt nervous speaking in public.”
💡 Why it works: Participation turns a passive audience into active contributors.
🔎 Pro Tip: Keep activities simple; a quick poll, show of hands, or one-word shout-out is enough.

7. Use Humor – Lighten the Mood

Humor lowers barriers, builds rapport, and makes you more relatable.

✅ Example: “I read that the number one fear in the world is public speaking. Number two is death, which means most people would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy!”
💡 Why it works: Laughter releases tension and primes people to listen.
🔎 Pro Tip: Use observational humor — something light and relevant. Avoid jokes that might offend.

8. State a Bold Claim – Challenge Assumptions

Starting with a strong, even controversial statement can instantly capture attention.

✅ Example: “Everything you’ve been taught about productivity is wrong.”
💡 Why it works: People want to hear the explanation behind bold statements.
🔎 Pro Tip: Be prepared to back up your claim with solid reasoning or evidence.

9. Play Relevant Audio – Engage the Senses

A short audio clip, a speech excerpt, sound effect, or piece of music can emotionally prime your audience.

✅ Example: Playing a clip of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” before a talk on leadership.
💡 Why it works: Sound engages a different part of the brain and sets an emotional tone.
🔎 Pro Tip: Make sure the audio is clear, high-quality, and directly relevant to your topic.

10. Begin with Historical Context – Set the Background

Starting with a brief historical reference provides context and depth.

✅ Example: “In 1969, humans did something they had never done before: they walked on the moon. That moment redefined what we believed was possible.”
💡 Why it works: Historical framing helps people see the bigger picture and builds anticipation for your message.
🔎 Pro Tip: Keep it concise — 2–3 sentences are enough.

11. Present a Problem – Highlight a Need

People are naturally drawn to problems and solutions.

✅ Example: “Right now, over 50% of businesses struggle with employee engagement. Why? And what can we do about it?”
💡 Why it works: Problems create tension and curiosity, motivating the audience to stay for the solution.
🔎 Pro Tip: Clearly define the problem and hint at a solution you’ll reveal later.

12. Use a Prop – Visualize Concepts

A physical object can turn an abstract idea into something tangible and memorable.

✅ Example: Bringing a tangled ball of wires to represent a communication breakdown in a team.
💡 Why it works: Props engage both sight and touch, making your message stick.
🔎 Pro Tip: Keep the prop relevant and simple — avoid anything that distracts from your message.

13. Begin with a Demonstration – Show, Don’t Just Tell

A live demo can be far more impactful than a slide.

✅ Example: A tech presenter showing an AI tool solving a problem live instead of just explaining it.
💡 Why it works: Demonstrations prove your point in real-time and build credibility.
🔎 Pro Tip: Rehearse your demo thoroughly to avoid technical issues.

14. Use a “What If” Scenario – Ignite Imagination

Inviting your audience to imagine a future or alternative reality engages their creativity.

✅ Example: “What if every classroom in the world had an AI teacher assistant?”
💡 Why it works: “What if” questions create mental pictures and spark curiosity.
🔎 Pro Tip: Make sure the scenario is relevant and leads directly into your presentation.

15. Start with a Silence – Build Anticipation

Sometimes, saying nothing is the most powerful opening of all.

✅ Example: Walking to the stage and pausing for 5–7 seconds before speaking.
💡 Why it works: Silence builds tension, curiosity, and focus; people lean in to hear what’s next.
🔎 Pro Tip: Combine silence with eye contact and confident body language.

✅ Final Tip: You don’t need to use all 15 in one presentation. Choose 1 or 2 techniques that best match your audience, topic, and style. The goal is simple: capture attention early, hold it throughout, and leave them remembering your message long after you’ve finished.

💡 Lessons: Influence Starts With Attention

Leadership is about influence, and influence begins with attention. Whether you’re pitching an idea, teaching a class, or presenting to a boardroom, your opening moments set the tone. Think of them as the “door” to your message. If that door is locked, no one will walk through. But if you open it with curiosity, emotion, or relevance, your audience will follow you every step of the way.

✅ Call-to-Action

The next time you prepare a presentation, don’t start with “Good morning, my name is…” Instead, plan your opening like it’s the most important part, because it is. Master these 15 techniques and you’ll never struggle to hold attention again.

#PublicSpeaking #Leadership #PresentationSkills #EffectiveCommunication #VisualImpact

📸 Credit: Nausheen I. Chen — “15 Powerful Ways to Start Your Presentation”

Sunday, October 12, 2025

🎨 Teaching Beyond Words: How Visual Thinking and AI Are Empowering Malaysian Classrooms

In a world where information moves faster than ever, teaching must evolve beyond textbooks and slides. To truly connect with students today, educators need more than just knowledge; they need tools to visualize, simplify, and humanize learning.

On 7 & 8 October 2025, Yayasan Wiba Prima, in collaboration with PPD Hulu Perak, continued its nationwide Visual Teachers initiative by training a passionate group of primary and secondary school teachers across various subjects. This two-day workshop wasn’t just another course; it was a transformative experience that redefined how teachers think about teaching.

✏️ VTF – Visualization Through Freehand: If You Can Think, You Can Draw

One of the biggest misconceptions in education is that drawing is for artists.
But as Dr. Ruzaimi Mat Rani, the creator of Visualization Through Freehand (VTF), reminded participants:

“Everyone can draw, because everyone can think.”

VTF helps teachers break down complex ideas into simple, memorable visuals. Even the most abstract concepts can be illustrated with basic lines and shapes, making lessons clearer, more engaging, and more memorable.

This is not about art. It’s about thinking visually, transforming knowledge into images that students can connect with.

👁️‍🗨️ OUC – Observe, Understand, Create: The Teacher’s Visual Mindset

The training also introduced teachers to the OUC Method — Observe, Understand, Create — a simple yet powerful framework to train the mind to visualize using the Drawzania platform.

Observe: Look at how a drawing is produced.
Understand: Follow and understand the process to visualize a drawing using the Drawzania method.
Create: Create new visuals based on their observation and understanding.

This method encourages teachers to become storytellers with their lessons, creating visual narratives that students can follow and remember.

💻 Drawzania.com – A Creative Partner for Teachers

To support teachers in their creative journey, participants explored Drawzania.com, an innovative visual resource platform filled with ready-made templates, teaching inspirations, and creative examples.

With Drawzania, teachers can quickly adapt visuals for lesson plans, saving time while increasing classroom impact.

🤖 PIDO – AI as Your “Assistant Teacher”

While VTF empowers teachers to draw, Coach Amirul Mannan introduced a game-changing concept: using AI as a teaching assistant through the PIDO prompting framework — Parameter, Instruction, Details, Output.

This method helps teachers guide tools like ChatGPT to:
✅ Brainstorm creative lesson ideas
✅ Generate visual teaching aids
✅ Provide feedback on diagrams and content
✅ Support lesson planning and differentiation

The combination of VTF + PIDO turns every teacher into a creative designer, supported by AI, capable of delivering richer and more impactful lessons.

🌿 Teaching with Clarity and Excellence

The Quran reminds us:

“And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to make things clear for them.” – (Surah Ibrahim 14:4)

And Rasulullah ﷺ said:

“Indeed, Allah loves that when anyone of you does something, he does it with excellence (itqan).” – (Riwayat al-Baihaqi)

Clarity and excellence are at the heart of teaching. By embracing visual thinking and AI tools, teachers are not only improving their methods — they’re fulfilling a deeper purpose: to make knowledge accessible, meaningful, and transformative.

🚀 Call to Action

This is more than a training program; it’s a movement to reimagine education in Malaysia. By equipping teachers with creativity, technology, and pedagogy, Visual Teachers is shaping classrooms where learning is alive, interactive, and unforgettable.

📺 Watch the highlight video here:
👉 Visual Teachers: PPD Hulu Perak 2025 – Highlights

Click here to watch the video: https://youtu.be/4cWO4gQrvqQ

Let’s support our teachers, inspire our students, and transform education, one drawing at a time. 💡✏️

🔖 Hashtags

#VisualTeachers #YayasanWibaPrima #PPDHuluPerak #VisualizationThroughFreehand #Drawzania #VisualPIDO #AIinEducation #TeachSmarterNotHarder #CreativeTeaching #EducationMalaysia #DrRuzaimiMatRani #CoachAmirul #TeacherTraining #VisualLearning #OUCMethod #GuruMalaysia #InovasiPendidikan #DigitalEducation #GuruCemerlang

Saturday, October 11, 2025

🌱 The Ripple Effect of Kindness: How One Small Act Can Change the World

Every now and then, a story touches our hearts so deeply that it changes how we see the world. This is one of those stories.

When my mum shared it in our family group, I sat quietly after reading it, deeply moved, humbled, and inspired. It reminded me that we don’t need wealth, power, or status to make a difference. We just need a heart that cares enough to notice someone else’s pain… and the courage to act.

This is the story of Veronica, and how one simple act of kindness started a ripple far bigger than she could ever have imagined. 🌊

📖 The Story

“My name’s Veronica. I’m 80. I live alone in a small apartment above a hardware store in Brighton. I don’t have much, but I get by. Pension. A little savings. My garden on the balcony, mint, thyme, and one stubborn tomato plant.

Every Friday, I go to the same supermarket. Same time. Same cart. I buy tea, bread, canned soup, and always... always a chocolate bar. My treat.

One rainy afternoon, I was in line behind a young woman. She had two toddlers with her. One was crying softly. The other was holding a stuffed rabbit missing an eye.

She put everything on the belt: milk, eggs, rice, frozen peas, and diapers. Her hands were shaking.

When the cashier said the total $38.76, she froze....

She pulled out a card. It declined.

She tried another. Declined.

She whispered something to the cashier. “Can I take the milk and bread out?” Her voice broke.

That’s when I did something without thinking.

I handed my card to the cashier. “Put it all on mine.”

The woman turned. Eyes wide. “No, I can’t”

“You can,” I said. “We all need help sometimes.”

I smiled. Grabbed my small bag. Left before she could thank me.

I didn’t do it for thanks.

I remembered being young. Broke. Scared. Raising my son after my husband left. I once stood in a line just like that... and no one helped.

So I paid. And went home.

But here’s what I didn’t know.

That woman, whose name is Leila, wrote about it on a community Facebook group that night.

“A stranger paid for my groceries today. An older lady with grey hair and kind eyes. She didn’t lecture me. Didn’t ask for anything. Just paid. And walked away. I cried in the car. My kids ate dinner that night because of her. If you know her, tell her... thank you isn’t enough.”

Someone commented, “Wait - was she wearing a yellow raincoat?”

Another “She lives above Thompson’s Hardware, right? I see her watering plants every morning.”

Within hours, people started showing up at my door.

Not reporters. Not cameras.

Neighbors.

They brought flowers. A jar of homemade jam. A hand-knitted scarf.

One teenager left a note, “You paid for her. I’ll pay forward, I’m tutoring kids at the youth center for free now.”

Then came the letters.

A nurse, “I stayed late to comfort a patient last night. Because you reminded me kindness matters.”

A man recovering from addiction, “I returned a wallet I found. Thought of you.”

And Leila? She visited me last week. Brought her kids. We sat on my balcony. Drank tea. The little one gave me the one-eyed rabbit. “He likes you,” she said.

I still go to the store every Friday.

Now, sometimes, someone pays for my chocolate bar.

And I let them.

Because kindness doesn’t end.

It just waits.... for someone brave enough to start it.

And if you’re wondering,

you don’t need money to give hope.

You just need to see someone.

Really see them.

And say, without words,

“I’ve been there. I’m with you.”

That’s how the world gets better.

Not in big speeches.

Not in headlines.

But in quiet moments.

Between ordinary people.

Who chooses to care.”

Let this story reach more hearts....

🌙 Insights from the Quran & Hadith

Islam reminds us that kindness is not just a virtue, it’s a duty, and one of the most beloved actions to Allah.

💡 Quran — Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:267:

“Whatever good you spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the pleasure of Allah. And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.”

💡 Hadith — Sahih Muslim:

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter…”

These reminders show us that kindness is never wasted. Even the smallest act, a smile, a helping hand, a grocery bill, is seen, valued, and multiplied by Allah.

🌟 Lessons We Can All Learn

✨ 1. Kindness is contagious. Veronica didn’t just pay for groceries; she inspired a chain reaction of goodness. One act led to dozens more.

✨ 2. You never know who’s watching. People are always paying attention, and your actions might encourage them to act with compassion too.

✨ 3. Empathy is powerful. Veronica acted because she remembered being in that same situation. Empathy connects hearts and drives us to help.

✨ 4. It doesn’t take much. You don’t need wealth to make a difference. You just need to see someone and choose to care.

✨ 5. The world changes in quiet moments. True transformation happens not through speeches or headlines, but through everyday people doing ordinary things with extraordinary love.

🤝 Call-to-Action

This story moved me deeply, and I hope it moves you too. 💛

👉 This week, choose to do one act of kindness. It doesn’t have to be big. Pay for someone’s coffee. Call someone who’s lonely. Offer help without expecting anything in return.

👉 Then, share this story. Because the more people it reaches, the more ripples of goodness we can create together. 🌍✨

Let’s make the world a little softer, one small act at a time. Because kindness doesn’t end… it just waits for someone brave enough to start it. 🌿

📢 Hashtags

#KindnessMatters #RippleEffect #DoGoodFeelGood #EmpathyInAction #InspireChange #MakeADifference #HumanityFirst #WorkSmarterLiveBetter #CoachAmirul #YayasanWibaPrima

Thursday, October 9, 2025

“Every Master Was Once a Disaster: My First Public Speaking Failure That Changed Everything”

Introduction

Public speaking; for many, it’s a nightmare. For me, it was once pure panic.
I still remember the night like it was yesterday, my first ever public presentation. The spotlight, the crowd, the silence. It was supposed to be my breakthrough moment. Instead, it became the most humbling experience of my life.

Story / Example

I was scheduled to present a business opportunity in an auditorium, at night, in front of a large audience.
It was my first time ever speaking in public. I was so nervous that I couldn’t even go to work that day.

My wife, being the supportive soul she is, took the day off to help me prepare. We rehearsed, visualized the hall, and imagined success. Everything seemed perfect… until I stepped onto the stage.

The bright lights hit my face. My hands trembled. The notes I held shook so badly the paper sounded like thunder in my ears. My heart was racing faster than I could think. If someone had placed a mic near my knees, they would have heard them knocking together!

Five minutes in, my mentor stopped me mid-presentation. He whispered, “What are you doing? Just be natural. Take a deep breath and share from your heart.”

That night, I failed miserably, but it became one of the best lessons of my life. Because every master was once a disaster.

Quran & Hadith Insights

The Qur’an reminds us that clarity and confidence come through preparation and sincerity:

“And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:4)

Effective communication isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. It’s about sincerity and the intention to deliver truth clearly, in a way that hearts can understand.

And as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Indeed, Allah loves that when one of you does something, he does it with excellence (itqan).”
(Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi)

Excellence in communication comes from effort, from practicing, failing, learning, and trying again.

Lessons & Reflections

That failure taught me that public speaking isn’t a talent, it’s a skill. It’s something anyone can develop.

Later in my journey, I discovered practical techniques that can transform any nervous speaker into a confident communicator.

The infographic “11 Public Speaking Strategies NOT Taught in School” by Heather Maietta offers powerful methods like:

The 5-5-5 Rule: Make genuine eye contact with five people, five seconds each, every five minutes.
The Power Pause: Let silence strengthen your message.
The 2-Minute Story Rule: Keep your stories short and memorable.
The Palm-Up Principle: Use open palms to appear more trustworthy.

These aren’t just presentation tricks; they’re tools to build authenticity and connection.

When combined with ikhlas (sincerity) and itqan (excellence), they turn fear into strength.

Call-to-Action

If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking in public, remember, so did I. Start small, speak sincerely, and never stop learning. Because every master was once a disaster. 💪

👉 Read more inspiring insights and resources like this on my blog.

#PublicSpeaking #PersonalGrowth #IslamicWisdom #WorkSmarterNotHarder #YayasanWibaPrima

🖼️ Credit: “11 Public Speaking Strategies Not Taught in School” by Heather Maietta.