Darren Tay

🎤 National Public Speaking Competition 2026 – Qualifying Rounds 🇸🇬

And that is a wrap for the Qualifying Rounds of the National Public Speaking Competition 2026, which concluded on 25 August 2026!

Watching our young speakers take the stage always brings me back to where my own journey began.

In 2004, I became a public speaking contestant myself.

I still remember what that experience gave me. It was not simply about learning how to deliver a speech or competing for a prize. Standing on that stage gave me confidence. It taught me to believe in my own voice and showed me what I was capable of.

That experience stayed with me.

Six years later, in 2010, I started the National Public Speaking Competition because I wanted to create that same opportunity for other young people — a stage where they could challenge themselves, discover their voices and walk away with greater confidence in who they are.

Sixteen years later, that purpose remains the same.

At this year’s Qualifying Rounds, it was wonderful to see so many young speakers step forward and share their ideas. For some, this may have been another competition. For others, it may have been their very first time speaking on a competitive stage.

Perhaps somewhere among them is a young person whose life will be changed by this experience, just as mine was back in 2004.

A huge congratulations to all our participants, and a heartfelt thank you to the parents, teachers, schools, judges, volunteers and organising team who made the Qualifying Rounds possible.

To every young person who stepped onto our stage: keep speaking, keep growing and keep believing in your voice. You never know where that first step might eventually take you. 🌟

Next stop: the Grand Finals! 🏆

Confidence CommunicationSkills PublicSpeakingAcademy

Just a little over a week ago, we opened up the Public Speaking Society community and made our Impromptu Speaking module available for free as part of our 17-year celebration journey.

Today, we have crossed 35 members in the community.

Thank you to every single person who joined, introduced yourselves, attempted the weekly challenges, shared your thoughts, or simply took the first step to work on your communication skills.

Public speaking is not just about standing on stage. It is about learning how to think clearly, express yourself confidently, and communicate with people in everyday life.

What has encouraged me most is seeing people from different backgrounds come together to learn, practise, and support one another in a safe space.

We are still at the beginning, but I am excited about what this community can become over time.

If you have been wanting to work on your confidence, impromptu speaking, or communication skills, you are welcome to join us here:

https://www.skool.com/public-speaking-society-2454

Let’s keep building — one speaker at a time.

Tried a fortune teller machine yesterday — just for fun.

The reading came out:
Luck: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6/6)
Work: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/6)

I’ll take that 🙂

It got me reflecting.

There is wisdom in understanding timing, energy, and alignment.
Sometimes, when things are in your favour, doors seem to open a little easier.

But even with good luck, the work still matters.

Showing up consistently.
Putting in the effort when no one is watching.
Being ready when opportunities appear.

Because maybe the real edge is this:
when strong timing meets consistent action.

That’s when things start to move.

Health: ⭐️⭐️ (2/6)
Perhaps this is a reminder to myself to work on my health and take breaks when needed.

This is what I’ve been building — Public Speaking Society.

Not a course.
Not a library of videos.

It’s a community where people train together.

In the video, I’m giving you a look inside.

Over the years, we’ve tried different ways to support continued growth — Facebook groups, follow-up sessions, even having overseas clients fly into Singapore to train with us.

And across the board, the message has been the same.

“Is there a place where we can keep practising?”
“Somewhere structured… with guidance?”

Not just one-off training.
But a real practice ground.

So we created this community from scratch — to bring together like-minded individuals who are active, willing to contribute, and serious about improving.

A space where you get guidance from me, and from others walking the same path — beyond just attending a course.

You go through lessons at your own pace.
Rewatch anytime — not just once and forget.

Every week, there’s a challenge.
You practise, share, and learn by watching and evaluating others.

And every week, we train live.
One hour. Real feedback. Real growth.

There’s also a progression system.
The more you show up, the more you unlock — including advanced courses like debate.

The simplest way to think about it?

It’s a gym for communication.

Because speaking well isn’t about knowing more.
It’s about practising better.

Launches on Monday, 20 April 2026.
Stay tuned for the link.

😰🎤 Nervous Before Speaking? Try This Body Awareness Technique 🧠✨

Feeling nervous before a presentation or speech? What if the solution isn’t to fight your fear — but to welcome it?

In this video, discover a powerful body awareness technique that helps you reduce anxiety and regain control when nerves strike. By learning to notice where fear shows up in your body and staying present with the sensation, you can transform anxiety into calm focus.

This simple yet effective method is widely used by confident speakers to manage stage fright and perform at their best.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

Why resisting fear often makes anxiety worse

How to locate nervousness in your body

The step-by-step body awareness technique

How mindful acknowledgment reduces speaking anxiety

A practical mindset shift for confident speaking

Perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to manage stage fright and speak with greater confidence.

💬 Where do you usually feel nervousness in your body? Share below!