BeyondBooks: ‘Even something small can bring light to others’

She is a student of Class IV at Apeejay School, Kharghar. She loves reading books, drawing, travelling to different places and learning new things. Reading introduces her to interesting characters and stories, while drawing gives her a chance to use her imagination. She also enjoys taking part in school activities because every new experience teaches me something. Meet Ayesha Pathan.

In a candid interview, she talks about how she chose and prepared for the storytelling event. Among other things.

What sparked your interest in public speaking?

I became interested in storytelling after watching my seniors speak confidently on stage. I liked the way they presented their stories and held everyone’s attention. Seeing them perform inspired me to try storytelling myself. I felt that participating would help me become more confident and improve the way I express my thoughts.

How did you prepare for the storytelling event?

I chose a story that my mother had prepared in her own language. I liked it a lot when I first heard it and felt that I would enjoy presenting it. My mother helped me understand the story and practise it properly. I repeated it many times so that I could remember each part and speak clearly. My Hindi teacher also supported me throughout the preparation.

What story did you present and why?

I presented Chota Sa Diya. I chose this story because it carries a meaningful moral, and I could connect with its message. The story shows that even something small can be useful and bring light to others. I found this thought inspiring.

How did you feel while performing on stage?

I felt confident while performing on stage. At first, speaking before an audience can feel a little difficult, but regular participation in school competitions has helped me overcome that feeling. Once I began narrating the story, I focused on remembering what I had practised.

What did you learn from the experience?

This experience taught me that practice and confidence matter more than being perfect. Practising the story several times helped me remember it and made me feel prepared. I also learnt that mistakes should not stop us from trying.

How has storytelling improved your confidence?

7. Storytelling has helped me speak without fear and share my ideas more confidently in class. I now feel more comfortable speaking in front of my teachers and classmates. It has also helped me express my thoughts clearly and listen carefully when others are speaking.

What would you like to explore next?

I would now like to try anchoring because it will give me another opportunity to speak on stage. I also want to participate in more interschool storytelling and recitation competitions. Such opportunities will help me improve my speaking skills, learn from other participants and become even more confident.