India's Sporting Icon Bowls Over Speech Writers

India's Sporting Icon Bowls Over Speech Writers As a professional communicator and media writer for over 25 years, when I heard India's sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar’s simple farewell-speech in English, I was convinced that nothing can cover up when words come-up from one's heart and emotions. Millions who listened to him could experience the feelings of much revered sportsperson who has been conferred with India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna (Gem of India). Every word touched the heart, as he made his fans cry with his speech. His speech, I am sure will be recycled and played again and again. Its effect has dumbfounded those who specialize in speech writing. You might ask what’s special about Sachin’s farewell speech? It was simple and not written by professional speech writers. The American saying if “it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage” was simply thrown to the wind with thousands cheering him all the way as he spoke at the historic Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai on November 16, 2013. All that the master sportsman had in his hand was the list of people whom he wanted to thank! It was not structured in corporate style and there was little formality. He showed that nervousness could be controlled by overcoming the anxiety, not of his own but those of listeners as well. There were no long sentences but the pauses and deep breadths that conveyed the hidden feelings of the maestro before the words came out! His speech reflected everything. Down to earth man, his childhood struggles, his commitment to the game, role played by his parents, friends and the coach who would take him on his scooter all over Mumbai. The touching tribute he paid to his father by saying every time he raised his bat “it was for him”. He expressed his love openly towards his wife by saying she was the best that happened to him and it was with her he had the best partnership even as his team mates chuckled. He assured his children of his support and not as Dad but as father of grown up kids, seeking warmth and guidance. Sincerity oozed from his words when he paid glowing tributes to his team-mates and all those who mattered in his life including the photographers and the media which was unforgivable at times. Remember, the Indian media even bayed for his blood when the master was going through the rough patch. Sachin’s farewell speech was perhaps one of the finest speeches ever by a sportsperson. Normally I am impressed with the speeches made by the American Presidents in style – of course often aided by speech prompters - but Sachin touched me with his words: simple Indian English with life in it! It brought out the Indian values he cherished. His legacy will live on and his speech will continue to inspire generations.