2017 World Champion of Public Speaking, Manoj Vasudevan

Summary

Manoj Vasudevan's speech 'Pull Less, Bend More' is a heartfelt narrative of his journey through marriage and relationship dynamics. At 24, he was single and sought his mother's help to find love, leading to his marriage to Sindhu. However, differences and arguments soon arose, prompting advice from his divorced friend Jay and his mother's wisdom. She emphasized the importance of compromise and flexibility in maintaining love, using the metaphor of Cupid's bow and string. Embracing this advice, Manoj and Sindhu found harmony, celebrating their 19th anniversary still holding hands. The speech concludes with a broader reflection on unity despite differences, inspired by the diverse audience of Toastmasters.

Takeaways

• 💑 The speaker started with a seemingly perfect life but faced relationship challenges, indicating that external success doesn't guarantee relationship harmony.
• 🤔 The speaker questioned the reasons behind the failure of his relationships, highlighting the importance of introspection in understanding relationship dynamics.
• 🏹 The speaker humorously mentioned Cupid not living in India, using a cultural reference to express his initial unsuccessful search for love.
• 👵 Seeking advice from his mother, the speaker demonstrates the value of family wisdom and support in personal matters.
• 💃 Meeting Sindhu, the speaker's initial attraction and subsequent marriage illustrate the excitement and optimism of new relationships.
• 🔄 The emergence of differences post-marriage between the speaker and Sindhu underscores the reality that compatibility issues can arise over time.
• 🤝 The concept of 'pull less and bend more' introduced by the speaker's mother serves as a metaphor for compromise and flexibility in relationships.
• 🧘‍♂️ The speaker's personal growth in the relationship is exemplified by his willingness to participate in activities he previously resisted, like outdoor activities and swimming.
• 🍳 The improvement in Sindhu's cooking as a result of the speaker's positive changes reflects the reciprocal nature of relationship dynamics.
• 🌐 The speaker extends the 'pull less and bend more' principle to various types of relationships, emphasizing its universal applicability.
• 🎉 Celebrating 19 years of marriage, the speaker's story ends on a positive note, reinforcing the effectiveness of the 'pull less and bend more' approach in maintaining long-term relationships.

Q & A

How old was Manoj Vasudevan when he felt the need to find a partner?

Manoj Vasudevan was 24 years old when he was looking for a partner.

What was Manoj's initial approach to finding a partner?

Manoj initially relied on Cupid's metaphorical arrow to find him the perfect partner.

Who did Manoj turn to for help in finding a partner?

Manoj turned to his mother for help in finding a partner.

How did Manoj's mother plan to help him find a partner?

Manoj's mother offered to introduce him to some good girls, and arranged for him to meet Sindhu.

What was significant about the day Manoj and Sindhu got married?

Manoj and Sindhu got married on the 4th of July, which is America's Independence Day.

What differences emerged in Manoj and Sindhu's relationship after marriage?

Differences in their preferences for activities, such as being outdoors, swimming, and cooking, started to emerge.

What advice did Manoj's friend Jay give him regarding his marriage?

Jay advised Manoj that life is short and suggested separating, offering to introduce him to his lawyer.

What metaphor did Manoj's mother use to explain how to maintain a relationship?

Manoj's mother used the metaphor of Cupid's bow and string to explain the importance of compromise and flexibility in a relationship.

How did Manoj change his behavior in the relationship after his mother's advice?

Manoj became more flexible, joining Sindhu in her activities and appreciating her efforts, which led to improvements in their relationship.

What is the main message Manoj conveyed in his speech about relationships?

The main message is that in relationships, one should 'pull less and bend more' to maintain harmony and understanding.

How long have Manoj and Sindhu been married according to the speech?

Manoj and Sindhu celebrated their 19th anniversary, indicating they have been married for 19 years.

What is the significance of the phrase 'pull less and bend more' in the context of the speech?

The phrase 'pull less and bend more' signifies the importance of compromise, flexibility, and mutual understanding in relationships.