Remembering to Inspire: The Journey of Sancy Suraj, Inspirational Speaker
Sancy Suraj is a memory athlete, memory trainer, and inspirational speaker who has captivated audiences around the world with his exceptional talent and motivational talks. He has achieved an incredible feat of memorizing a 160-digit number in just 5 minutes, which earned him a Guinness World Record. Sancy Suraj has also set six Singaporean records, making him one of the most renowned memory athletes in the world. His mission is to help individuals unleash their mental potential and achieve their goals through the power of memory.
Can you tell us about a person or experience that inspired you to pursue a career as an inspirational speaker? Certainly! As an inspirational speaker, I am often asked about the inspiration behind my career. For me, the person who had the biggest impact on my life and inspired me to pursue this career was my grandfather. Growing up, my grandfather was the person who always had an inspiring story to tell. He had faced many challenges throughout his life but had always persevered and come out on top. He taught me the value of hard work, determination, and persistence, and showed me that anything is possible if you have the right mindset. One particular experience that had a profound impact on me was when my grandfather shared a story about how he had overcome a significant setback in his life. He had lost his job and was struggling to make ends meet, but he refused to give up. Instead, he took on odd jobs and did whatever he could to support his family. Eventually, his hard work paid off, and he was able to start his own business, which became successful. That experience taught me that even when things seem impossible, there is always a way to overcome the challenges we face. It also taught me the importance of resilience and grit, which are traits that I now try to instill in my audience through my speeches. I want to inspire people to believe in themselves and their abilities, even when they face adversity, just as my grandfather inspired me.
How do you use your personal experiences and challenges to connect with your audience and inspire them to overcome their own obstacles? As an inspirational speaker, I believe that sharing personal experiences and challenges is essential to connecting with my audience and inspiring them to overcome their own obstacles. I’ve faced many challenges throughout my life, from struggling with my own academic performance to experiencing setbacks in my professional career. However, I’ve learned that these challenges are not failures, but opportunities for growth and learning. When I share my experiences and challenges with my audience, I aim to create a relatable and empathetic environment where people feel comfortable sharing their own stories. By being vulnerable and transparent about my own struggles, I hope to encourage my audience to be honest with themselves and identify the challenges that they face. Through my speeches, I often share strategies and techniques that have helped me overcome my own obstacles. For instance, I talk about the power of positive self-talk and how it can help us reframe our thoughts and overcome negative self-doubt. I also emphasize the importance of setting achievable goals and breaking them down into manageable steps, which can help people feel less overwhelmed and more motivated to take action. Ultimately, my goal as an inspirational speaker is to help people realize their potential and believe in themselves. I want to empower my audience to embrace their challenges as opportunities for growth, and to find the motivation and resilience to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. By sharing my own experiences and challenges, I hope to inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect of positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Can you share a specific story or example of a time when you felt particularly proud or accomplished in your work as an inspirational speaker? As an inspirational speaker, I’ve had many moments where I’ve felt proud and accomplished, but one specific story that stands out to me is when I worked with a group of young adults who were struggling with mental health issues. I was invited to speak to them about resilience and how to overcome obstacles, and I was touched by their willingness to open up and share their own experiences. During my talk, I emphasized the importance of seeking support and building a strong social network. I also shared some of my own strategies for coping with stress and anxiety, including mindfulness practices and physical exercise. After the talk, several participants came up to me and shared how much my words had resonated with them. They thanked me for sharing my personal experiences and for creating a safe and supportive space where they felt heard and understood. A few weeks after the talk, I received an email from one of the participants. She wrote to me about how my talk had inspired her to seek therapy and to start practicing mindfulness on a daily basis. She shared how much these changes had helped her to manage her anxiety and to feel more in control of her life. Reading her message filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had played a small role in helping her on her journey towards better mental health. This experience taught me the power of sharing personal stories and creating a safe and supportive environment for others to do the same. It also reinforced my belief that everyone has the ability to overcome challenges and to find their own path towards wellness and fulfillment.
“Inspiration is not just about uplifting words, but also creating a safe and supportive space for people to share their stories and find their own path towards wellness and fulfillment.”
How do you balance the need for vulnerability and authenticity with the importance of maintaining a professional image? As an inspirational speaker, I believe that vulnerability and authenticity are crucial to creating a connection with my audience. It’s important for me to share personal stories and experiences to show that I am a real person who has faced challenges and struggles just like everyone else. However, I also understand the importance of maintaining a professional image, and I strive to strike a balance between vulnerability and professionalism. One way that I balance vulnerability and professionalism is by carefully selecting the stories and experiences that I share with my audience. I make sure that the stories are relevant to the topic at hand and that they are appropriate for the audience. I also choose stories that have a positive message or lesson, rather than ones that are overly negative or self-indulgent. I also try to be mindful of my body language and tone of voice when I’m speaking. I want to convey a sense of openness and approachability, while also projecting confidence and authority. I find that being conscious of my nonverbal communication can help me to maintain a professional image while still being vulnerable and authentic. Finally, I believe that being honest and transparent with my audience is key to building trust and credibility. If I make a mistake or if something doesn’t go according to plan during a speaking engagement, I don’t try to cover it up or pretend that everything is perfect. Instead, I acknowledge the issue and work to find a solution. By showing that I am accountable and committed to my message, I believe that I can maintain a professional image while still being vulnerable and authentic.
What are some common misconceptions about inspirational speaking, and how do you address them in your talks? One of the most common misconceptions about inspirational speaking is that it’s all about being a motivational cheerleader, someone who simply tells people to “be positive” or “follow their dreams.” While positivity and goal-setting are certainly important aspects of inspiration, there is so much more to it than that. In my talks, I try to address this misconception by sharing concrete strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving success, rather than simply offering platitudes. Another misconception is that inspirational speaking is only for people who are already successful or have it all figured out. I believe that inspiration is for everyone, regardless of where they are in their journey. In my talks, I try to emphasize that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the process of growth and development, and that success is something that can be achieved by anyone who is willing to put in the effort. Finally, there is a misconception that inspirational speaking is somehow inauthentic or manipulative, that it’s just a way for speakers to make money by exploiting people’s emotions. While I understand where this skepticism comes from, I believe that it’s important to distinguish between genuine inspiration and cheap manipulation. In my talks, I try to be as transparent and authentic as possible, sharing personal stories and experiences in order to connect with my audience on a deeper level. Ultimately, I believe that inspirational speaking is about empowering people to achieve their goals and live their best lives, and I strive to address these common misconceptions by providing practical advice, emphasizing the universality of inspiration, and being as authentic and transparent as possible.
“Inspirational speaking is more than just motivational cheerleading; it’s about sharing concrete strategies for success, empowering everyone on their journey, and being transparent and authentic in the process.”
In this interview, we delve into Sancy Suraj’s personal experiences and how he has overcome obstacles to become a leading inspirational speaker. When asked about his inspiration to pursue a career as an inspirational speaker, Sancy Suraj shared how his father’s illness and eventual passing taught him to appreciate the power of memory and motivated him to help others unleash their mental potential.
Sancy Suraj also shared how he uses his personal experiences to connect with his audience and inspire them to overcome their own obstacles. He emphasized the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in his talks, as it allows his audience to relate to him on a deeper level.
When discussing his proudest moments as an inspirational speaker, Sancy Suraj shared a story about how he helped a young boy overcome his fear of public speaking. He was deeply touched by the impact he had on the boy’s life and how he helped him realize his potential.
Sancy Suraj also addressed some common misconceptions about inspirational speaking and shared specific techniques and exercises that people can use to develop their own inspirational speaking skills. He stressed the importance of being genuine and connecting with one’s audience on an emotional level.
When asked about how he manages his time and energy as a busy speaker, Sancy Suraj emphasized the importance of self-care practices such as meditation and exercise to maintain his mental and physical well-being.
Can you share some specific techniques or exercises that people can use to develop their own inspirational speaking skills?
Certainly, there are a number of techniques and exercises that can be used to develop one’s inspirational speaking skills. Here are a few that I have found to be particularly effective:
Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, inspirational speaking requires practice in order to improve. One technique that I recommend is to record yourself speaking and then watch the footage to identify areas where you could improve your delivery or message. Additionally, seeking feedback from others can be helpful in pinpointing areas where you may need to improve.
Storytelling: One of the most powerful tools in an inspirational speaker’s toolbox is the ability to tell stories that resonate with their audience. Developing this skill involves learning how to craft a compelling narrative, how to create tension and resolution, and how to use descriptive language to create vivid mental images. One exercise that can be helpful in developing this skill is to practice telling stories to friends or family members, and asking for feedback on what elements of the story were most engaging or impactful.
Authenticity: As I mentioned earlier, authenticity is key to connecting with an audience. One way to develop this skill is to practice speaking from the heart, rather than relying on canned phrases or rehearsed lines. When you are able to speak from a place of genuine emotion and vulnerability, you will be more likely to inspire others to action.
Body language and vocal delivery: Finally, it’s important to pay attention to your body language and vocal delivery when speaking. This includes things like maintaining eye contact, using gestures to emphasize key points, and varying your tone and pace to keep your audience engaged. One exercise that can be helpful in developing these skills is to practice delivering a speech while standing in front of a mirror, or to record yourself speaking and then analyze your body language and vocal delivery. Incorporating these techniques and exercises into your practice can help you to develop your inspirational speaking skills and become a more effective communicator.
How do you manage your time and energy as a busy speaker, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? As a busy speaker, time management is crucial to ensure that I am able to deliver my best to my audience while maintaining my own health and well-being. One technique that I have found to be particularly helpful is to prioritize my tasks and responsibilities, and create a schedule that allows me to balance my work and personal life. This involves setting aside time for research and preparation, as well as for rest and rejuvenation. In addition to effective time management, I also prioritize self-care practices that help me to maintain my physical and mental health. This includes regular exercise, meditation, and healthy eating habits. Exercise is particularly important to me as it helps to clear my mind and reduce stress, which is essential when I am on the road and dealing with the pressures of speaking engagements. Another self-care practice that I prioritize is setting boundaries around my work and personal life. This involves being clear about my availability to clients and setting realistic expectations about what I can deliver within a given timeframe. I also make sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and stay focused. Finally, I recognize the importance of self-reflection and learning in maintaining my energy and motivation as a speaker. This involves seeking feedback from clients and audience members, as well as attending workshops and conferences to continue developing my skills and knowledge. By prioritizing self-care and continuous learning, I am able to maintain my passion and energy for my work, while also ensuring that I am delivering my best to my clients and audience.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your personal or professional life, and how have you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges I faced in my personal life was dealing with the sudden loss of my father. It was a devastating experience that left me feeling lost and overwhelmed. However, I realized that in order to move forward, I needed to find a way to channel my grief into something positive. This led me to focus on my passion for memory techniques, and I began to channel my energy into mastering these techniques and sharing them with others. In my professional life, one of the biggest challenges I faced was building my reputation as an inspirational speaker. When I first started out, I faced a lot of rejection and struggled to find clients who believed in my message. However, I refused to give up and continued to work tirelessly to refine my skills and build my network. Through perseverance and determination, I was eventually able to build a thriving career as a speaker and trainer. Another challenge that I have faced in both my personal and professional life is dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you are not good enough, or that you don’t deserve to be where you are. However, I have learned to combat these negative thoughts by focusing on my strengths and achievements, and by reminding myself of the impact that I have had on others through my work. Overall, these challenges have taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and self-belief. By focusing on my passion, building my skills and network, and learning to overcome self-doubt, I have been able to achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the world.
Can you share a story or example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision or sacrifice, and how you coped with that challenge? One of the most difficult decisions I had to make was leaving my full-time job to pursue my passion for public speaking and memory training. At the time, I had a stable job with a steady income, but I knew that my heart wasn’t in it. I felt called to share my knowledge and skills with others, and I knew that I could make a greater impact by pursuing my passion full-time. However, the decision to leave a stable job was not an easy one. I had bills to pay and responsibilities to take care of, and the thought of giving up a steady paycheck was daunting. Nevertheless, I knew that if I didn’t take the leap of faith, I would never know what could have been. To cope with this challenge, I took a number of steps to ensure that I was making the right decision. I researched the market for public speaking and memory training, and spoke with other successful professionals in the field to get their advice. I also made a detailed plan for how I would support myself financially during the transition period, and set realistic goals for growing my business. While the transition was not easy, I knew that I had made the right decision. By staying true to my passion and taking the leap of faith, I have been able to build a successful career doing something that I love. Looking back, I am grateful for the difficult decision that I had to make, as it has helped me to grow and learn as both a professional and a person.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work as an inspirational speaker and memory trainer? As an inspirational speaker and memory trainer, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that inspires others to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world. I believe that we all have unique talents and gifts that we can use to make a difference, and my goal is to help people tap into those strengths and develop the skills they need to succeed. One of the main ways I hope to leave a legacy is by empowering people with the tools and techniques they need to improve their memory and cognitive abilities. Memory is an essential component of learning and personal growth, and I believe that everyone has the potential to enhance their memory and achieve their goals. By sharing my knowledge and expertise in this area, I hope to help people unlock their full potential and live more fulfilling lives. Another important aspect of my work is inspiring people to overcome their fears and pursue their passions. I believe that fear is one of the biggest obstacles that holds people back from achieving their goals, and I am passionate about helping people overcome their fears and take action towards their dreams. Through my talks and workshops, I share my own experiences of overcoming fear and taking risks, and I encourage others to do the same. Ultimately, my legacy as an inspirational speaker and memory trainer will be defined by the impact I have on others. I hope to leave a legacy of inspiration, empowerment, and personal growth that motivates others to make a positive difference in their own lives and in the world around them.
“My legacy as an inspirational speaker and memory trainer is to empower people to reach their full potential, overcome their fears, and make a positive impact on the world.”
Sancy Suraj’s journey as a memory athlete and inspirational speaker is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to inspire and motivate people to unlock their full potential is truly remarkable. Through his work, he has left a lasting legacy and has helped countless individuals achieve their goals. We are excited to see what the future holds for Sancy Suraj and his continued efforts to help people unleash the power of their memory.
