04/16/2026
A few weeks ago, my 15-year-old son was a finalist in a public speaking contest. And he took this very seriously.
As someone who does this for a living, it was enough to have me shouting from the rooftops (with all the joy, of course).
But as a side note....the fact that he took it seriously enough to ask his mom for help, agree to be recorded so that he could better understand how he would look to his audience, and actually *implement* feedback?
Parents of teenagers… You know this is no small victory. 😄
He practiced. And practiced. And practiced some more.
On the day of the contest, yes — I was incredibly proud. Not only was he the cutest, but he was also strong, articulate, and passionate.
And here’s what really stayed with me:
So was everyone else (the strong, articulate and passionate part, I mean).
The other finalists showed up with the same level of preparation, energy, and intention. They spoke with conviction. They were authentic. You could tell this mattered to them.
And the audience?
Fully engaged. Listening closely. Applauding loudly. Supporting each other.
As a public speaking coach, I spend a lot of time helping professionals build these exact skills — clarity, confidence, presence.
So to see a room full of teenagers doing just that?
It was a powerful reminder:
The next generation isn’t just finding their voice — they’re using it.
And if this is any indication, they’re going to be just fine.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s a recent moment that gave you confidence in the next generation?
