3rd place winner of the 2016 World Championship of Public Speaking, Josephine Lee

Toastmasters International

21 Aug 201603:06

Summary

TLDRIn this heartfelt script, the narrator emphasizes the power of commitment and friendship through the simple yet profound phrase, 'I will be there.' The story revolves around the narrator's enduring friendship with Jenna, which spans from grade school to college. Through various scenarios, such as sharing food, helping with emergencies, and reminiscing over shared memories, the narrator illustrates the importance of being reliable and present for friends. The script concludes with Jenna inviting the narrator to her birthday party, to which the narrator responds with the same reassuring words, 'I will be there,' symbolizing a lifelong bond.

Takeaways

🌟 'I will be there' is a powerful phrase that can help forge strong friendships.
👫 Josephine Lee and Jenna's friendship began in grade school and lasted through college.
🍭 Jenna was always generous, sharing her gummy bears and lunch with Josephine.
🍔 Josephine relied on Jenna for support, like going to McDonald's when she was hungry.
🚗 Jenna was there for Josephine even in emergencies, like when she ran out of gas.
💬 The two friends could reconnect easily, laughing and reminiscing about old times.
🎉 Josephine was invited to Jenna's birthday party, showing the depth of their bond.
🗣️ Saying 'I will be there' consistently and following through is key to making lifelong friends.
🤗 The script emphasizes the importance of being there for friends in both small and big ways.
👂 Listening to and remembering each other's stories strengthens the friendship over time.

Q & A

What are the four words that can help make a lifelong friend according to the script?
-The four words are 'I will be there'.
Who is Josephine Lee in the script?
-Josephine Lee is the narrator of the story who shares her experience of friendship.
What is the significance of the phrase 'I will be there' in the context of the script?
-The phrase 'I will be there' signifies the commitment and reliability that are key to building a lifelong friendship.
Who is Jenna in the story?
-Jenna is Josephine's best friend from grade school to college, who is always there for her.
What incident from the past is mentioned in the script involving Josephine and Jenna?
-An incident where Josephine ran out of gas is mentioned, which her father later recounted at her wedding.
Why was Josephine not present at Jenna's wedding?
-The script does not explicitly state why Josephine was not at Jenna's wedding, but it implies that she was still a part of it in spirit.
How does the dinner at McDonald's reflect their friendship?
-The dinner at McDonald's shows that despite time apart, their friendship remains strong and comfortable, as they can pick up where they left off.
What does the script suggest about the importance of being consistent in friendships?
-The script suggests that being consistent and following through on promises, like showing up when saying 'I will be there', is crucial for maintaining and deepening friendships.
What is the main message of the script regarding friendships?
-The main message is that by being reliable and supportive, one can develop lifelong friendships.
How does the script illustrate the concept of a 'potential lifelong friend'?
-The script illustrates the concept by showing how Josephine and Jenna's friendship has endured over time, despite life's changes, and how Josephine's commitment to Jenna has been unwavering.
What is the turning point in the script that signifies the depth of Josephine and Jenna's friendship?
-The turning point is when Jenna invites Josephine to her birthday party, and Josephine immediately responds with 'I will be there', showing her dedication to their friendship.

Outlines

00:00

🤝 The Power of Commitment in Friendship

The paragraph tells a story about the importance of commitment in building lifelong friendships. It begins with the phrase 'I will be there' and how repeating it can lead to strong bonds. The narrator shares personal experiences with a friend named Jenna, who has been a reliable companion from grade school to college. The story highlights instances where Jenna was always available to help, whether it was sharing food, going out to eat, or reminiscing about old times. The narrator emphasizes that being there for each other, even in the absence of physical presence at significant events like a wedding, is what solidifies a friendship. The paragraph concludes with Jenna inviting the narrator to her birthday party, to which the narrator responds with the same commitment, 'I will be there'.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Friend

A friend is a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations. In the context of the video, friendship is portrayed as a lifelong commitment, where one friend, Jenna, is always there for the narrator, Josephine Lee, through various life events. The video emphasizes the importance of being reliable and supportive, as seen in instances where Jenna shares her lunch and goes out for dinner despite Josephine's frequent requests.

💡Lifelong

Lifelong refers to something that lasts or is intended to last for the whole of one's life. The video's theme revolves around the concept of forming friendships that endure over time, from grade school to adulthood. The term is used to highlight the enduring nature of the friendship between Josephine and Jenna, suggesting that true friendship is not just a fleeting connection but one that stands the test of time.

💡Count on

To 'count on' someone means to rely on them or to expect them to be there for you. The video script repeatedly emphasizes this phrase to illustrate the trust and dependability that are cornerstones of a strong friendship. Josephine can always count on Jenna, whether it's for sharing food, providing company, or being there for significant life events.

💡Follow through

To 'follow through' means to carry out a plan or to complete an action that one has started. In the video, the phrase 'if you say it enough times and follow through' implies the importance of not just making promises but also keeping them. This is exemplified by Josephine's commitment to attend Jenna's birthday party, showing that true friendship involves action and consistency.

💡Best Friend

A 'best friend' is a person's closest and most trusted friend. The video uses this term to describe the unique bond between Josephine and Jenna. The concept is integral to the narrative, as it sets the stage for the various scenarios where Jenna proves to be Josephine's best friend, such as sharing her lunch or being there for a dinner reminiscing about old times.

💡Support

Support, in the context of the video, refers to the act of providing help or encouragement. It is a key aspect of the friendship between Josephine and Jenna. The video shows Jenna's support by sharing her lunch and being available for company, which underscores the idea that friends are there for each other in times of need.

💡Gummy Bears

Gummy Bears, mentioned in the script as a type of candy, serve as a symbol of friendship and sharing. When Josephine asks for some of Jenna's gummy bears, it illustrates the small, everyday acts of kindness that strengthen bonds between friends. The candy represents the sweetness and care in their relationship.

💡McDonald's

McDonald's is referenced in the script as a place where Josephine and Jenna go to dinner. It symbolizes a casual and familiar setting where friends can reconnect and enjoy each other's company. The mention of McDonald's adds a relatable and everyday element to their friendship, showing that it can thrive in the simplest of circumstances.

💡Wedding

A wedding is a significant life event that often involves friends and family. In the video, Josephine's absence from Jenna's wedding is noted, yet she is still 'a part of it,' highlighting the idea that physical presence is not the sole measure of friendship. It also emphasizes the emotional connection that Josephine feels towards Jenna's milestone.

💡Afraid

The term 'afraid' is used to describe Josephine's feelings before meeting Jenna for dinner. It reflects the fear of the unknown or the possibility of change in a relationship over time. However, the script shows that their friendship withstands this fear, as they have a pleasant time reminiscing about old times, indicating that true friendship can overcome such apprehensions.

💡Birthday Party

A birthday party is a social gathering celebrating the anniversary of a person's birth. In the video, Jenna's birthday party is an event where Josephine reaffirms her commitment to their friendship by promising to attend. It serves as a symbol of the ongoing connection and the importance of being present for friends during their special occasions.

Highlights

Four simple words can help you make a lifelong friend: 'I will be there'.

Repeating the phrase and following through can lead to a strong bond.

The narrator shares a personal story about friendship with Jenna.

Jenna was always there for the narrator from grade school to college.

A story of sharing gummy bears illustrates the depth of their friendship.

Jenna's reliability is highlighted when the narrator forgets lunch.

The narrator and Jenna share a meal at McDonald's, reminiscing about old times.

The dinner conversation reveals a past incident of running out of gas.

The narrator's absence from Jenna's wedding is mentioned, yet their bond remains.

The phrase 'I will be there' is used by Jenna to invite the narrator to her birthday party.

The importance of being present for friends during significant life events is emphasized.

The narrator's commitment to Jenna's birthday party solidifies their lifelong friendship.

The power of showing up and being reliable in friendships is underscored.

The story concludes with the narrator's promise to attend Jenna's birthday, signifying their enduring bond.

The narrative serves as a testament to the value of loyalty and support in friendships.

The transcript suggests that small acts of kindness can lead to lasting relationships.

The theme of friendship is explored through shared experiences and mutual support.

The story emphasizes the impact of consistent support on building lifelong friendships.