Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/c/ranjithvenkatesh_channel/videos Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:34:52 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/lazy-static/avatars/e793de92-5757-445f-8427-094cd27fc0f7.png https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/c/ranjithvenkatesh_channel/videos All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder. https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/feeds/podcast/videos.xml?videoChannelId=4 <![CDATA[Calm Waters Don’t Make Strong Sailors: Finding Power in Your Roots with Philly Yambo Makora]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/i1g6zTXeXbPzzY1zd8QTKe https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/i1g6zTXeXbPzzY1zd8QTKe Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:05:07 GMT This video podcast episode of Speaker Shine, hosted by Ranjith Venkatesh, features Philly Yambo Makora, a storyteller, professional moderator, and the creator of the YouTube channel "Tales of Yambo". The episode explores Philly Yambo Makora’s transformative journey from growing up in a family of high-achieving academics in Kenya to discovering her authentic voice as a communicator in Germany,. After initially moving to Germany at age 19 to pursue a career as a pilot to satisfy family expectations, she eventually found herself through the arts, public relations, and Toastmasters International, where she successfully reached the district conference stage. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability in success, the power of embracing one’s cultural identity, and Philly Yambo Makora’s mission to provide a bridge of information and inspiration for the African community in Germany.

3 Key Takeaways

  1. Embrace Your Accent as a Strength
    Philly Yambo Makora encourages speakers to keep their accents when speaking foreign languages because they represent identity and roots. While she initially felt self-conscious about her Kenyan accent while studying in Germany, she discovered that it actually made her more interesting and memorable to listeners, fostering curiosity and deeper connection. She emphasizes that as long as there is clarity, a speaker should be proud of their linguistic heritage.

  2. Redefine Success Through Vulnerability
    Drawing from her interviews on Tales of Yambo, Philly Yambo Makora explains that true success involves more than just final results. She highlights the importance of sharing "sleepless nights," doubts, and struggles. By being open about obstacles like cultural displacement or mental health, individuals can create a more authentic connection with their audience and inspire those who are navigating the balance between "surviving and finding themselves",.

  3. Draw Resilience from Your Roots
    A core philosophy shared by Philly Yambo Makora is that "your roots are your strengths",. Using a powerful metaphor, she explains that trees survive the harshest storms for decades not because they are indestructible, but because they draw their strength from their roots,. She advises that while it is important to work on communication "blind spots" in a multicultural environment, staying true to one's origin provides the ultimate foundation for resilience.

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Calm Waters Don’t Make Strong Sailors: Finding Power in Your Roots with Philly Yambo Makora This video podcast episode of Speaker Shine, hosted by Ranjith Venkatesh, features Philly Yambo Makora, a storyteller, professional moderator, and the creator of the YouTube channel "Tales of Yambo". The episode explores Philly Yambo Makora’s tran... <![CDATA[International Speech Contest | District 95 Conference | May 16, 2026 | Essen, Germany]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/eGmXZcRLJQctSzEGiuaUoK https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/eGmXZcRLJQctSzEGiuaUoK Wed, 20 May 2026 13:08:06 GMT Title: "ID, Please"

What? International Speech Contest | District 95 Conference | May 16, 2026 | Essen, Germany
When? May 16, 2026
Where? Essen, Germany

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult International Speech Contest | District 95 Conference | May 16, 2026 | Essen, Germany Title: "ID, Please" What? International Speech Contest | District 95 Conference | May 16, 2026 | Essen, Germany When? May 16, 2026 Where? Essen, Germany <![CDATA[Table Topics Contest | District 95 Conference | Essen, Germany | May 15, 2026]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/cTsA5JN5MDMPgJYN8SQnF8 https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/cTsA5JN5MDMPgJYN8SQnF8 Wed, 20 May 2026 13:03:06 GMT Topic: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

What? Table Topics Contest | District 95 Conference
When? May 15, 2026
Where? Essen, Germany

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Table Topics Contest | District 95 Conference | Essen, Germany | May 15, 2026 Topic: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" What? Table Topics Contest | District 95 Conference When? May 15, 2026 Where? Essen, Germany <![CDATA[Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/bLVXGAVUe3WNpnPMHLgetT https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/bLVXGAVUe3WNpnPMHLgetT Sat, 02 May 2026 15:08:27 GMT Club: Isar Speak
Pathway: Motivational Strategies
Level: 2

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring Club: Isar Speak Pathway: Motivational Strategies Level: 2 <![CDATA[I was in awe]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/ayJtA1zGsgEAa3bt72y7cK https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/ayJtA1zGsgEAa3bt72y7cK Sat, 02 May 2026 15:03:01 GMT Pathways: Motivational Strategies
Level: 2
Speech title: I was in awe
Speech requirements: Understand my communication style

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult I was in awe Pathways: Motivational Strategies Level: 2 Speech title: I was in awe Speech requirements: Understand my communication style <![CDATA[Meow]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/aJNehgbmMzFR9R4YNm6Nec https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/aJNehgbmMzFR9R4YNm6Nec Sat, 02 May 2026 15:00:32 GMT Club: Munich Prostmasters
Education: Pathway Level 1 - Motivational Strategies

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Meow Club: Munich Prostmasters Education: Pathway Level 1 - Motivational Strategies <![CDATA[Switch to neutral]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/g16gyTYnBKCbGiNZpMe63w https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/g16gyTYnBKCbGiNZpMe63w Sat, 02 May 2026 14:58:31 GMT Speech title: Switch to neutral
Pathways: Motivational Strategies
Level: 3
Elective project: Understanding vocal variety
Club: Munich Prostmasters
City: Munich, Germany

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Switch to neutral Speech title: Switch to neutral Pathways: Motivational Strategies Level: 3 Elective project: Understanding vocal variety Club: Munich Prostmasters City: Munich, Germany <![CDATA[Motivational Strategies | Reflection on Path]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/1AjySVUQSwT3KCAeRR6E4N https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/1AjySVUQSwT3KCAeRR6E4N Sat, 02 May 2026 14:58:00 GMT Topic: Motivational Strategies | Reflection on Path
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Club: Munich Prostmasters

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Motivational Strategies | Reflection on Path Topic: Motivational Strategies | Reflection on Path Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Club: Munich Prostmasters <![CDATA[Where are you from?]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/gb7cXYwP7Rb5tRxySk5SFW https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/gb7cXYwP7Rb5tRxySk5SFW Sat, 02 May 2026 14:55:01 GMT Pathways: Motivational Strategies
Level: 3
Project: Know your sense of humour

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Where are you from? Pathways: Motivational Strategies Level: 3 Project: Know your sense of humour <![CDATA[Understanding Emotional Intelligence]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/knhFQvzJW2vg16Y5hqaUiZ https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/knhFQvzJW2vg16Y5hqaUiZ Sat, 02 May 2026 14:54:17 GMT Club: Munich Prostmasters
Pathways: Motivational Strategies
Level: 3

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Understanding Emotional Intelligence Club: Munich Prostmasters Pathways: Motivational Strategies Level: 3 <![CDATA[Be your self | District Conference - Warsaw 2016 | 3rd place]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/eexWzxjH38pG2bQPDY36hx https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/eexWzxjH38pG2bQPDY36hx Sat, 02 May 2026 14:48:18 GMT Question: What do you need to become in order to be where you want to be?

Date: 26 November 2016
Event: Toastmasters District 95 Fall Conference 2016 Warsaw
Contest: English Table Topics Finals

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Be your self | District Conference - Warsaw 2016 | 3rd place Question: What do you need to become in order to be where you want to be? Date: 26 November 2016 Event: Toastmasters District 95 Fall Conference 2016 Warsaw Contest: English Table Topics Finals <![CDATA[Stand up | District 95 International Speech Contest Winner | 2022]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/8PC72iKyVugQEW9ovxF3Lk https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/8PC72iKyVugQEW9ovxF3Lk Sat, 02 May 2026 14:44:33 GMT Speech title: Stand up
Event: International Speech Contest (District 95 - Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway)
Location: Online

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Stand up | District 95 International Speech Contest Winner | 2022 Speech title: Stand up Event: International Speech Contest (District 95 - Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway) Location: Online <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 9/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/9VJyaZP9Muyc1dnxjrU7wM https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/9VJyaZP9Muyc1dnxjrU7wM Sat, 02 May 2026 13:34:00 GMT 22 views 8 Nov 2023
Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 9/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: Why does he use harsh words, who sees the pleasure which sweet speech yields?

Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 9/10 22 views 8 Nov 2023 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 9/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: Why does he use harsh words, who sees the pleasure which sweet speech yields? Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: ... <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 7/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/7yNjKERPefXjubHPWfFBj4 https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/7yNjKERPefXjubHPWfFBj4 Sat, 02 May 2026 13:32:55 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 7/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: That speech which, while imparting benefits ceases not to please, will yield righteousness (for this world) and merit (for the next world).

Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 7/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 7/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: That speech which, while imparting benefits ceases not to please, will yield righteousness (for this world) and merit (for the next world). Author: Thiruvalluvar Book... <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 6/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/sWrrEWihcS5NxkZkfUfan3 https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/sWrrEWihcS5NxkZkfUfan3 Sat, 02 May 2026 13:32:04 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 6/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: If a man while speak usefully, speaks also sweetly, his sins will diminish and his virtue increase
Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 6/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 6/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: If a man while speak usefully, speaks also sweetly, his sins will diminish and his virtue increase Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: Thirukural Translator: W. H. Drew and Jo... <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 8/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/w35247dxW9a8L8UVqgcdBX https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/w35247dxW9a8L8UVqgcdBX Sat, 02 May 2026 13:29:40 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 8/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: Sweet speech, free from meanness, will give pleasure both in this world and in the next
Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 8/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 8/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: Sweet speech, free from meanness, will give pleasure both in this world and in the next Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: Thirukural Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 5/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/iD2xtMMhiToxawXD9EZhpy https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/iD2xtMMhiToxawXD9EZhpy Sat, 02 May 2026 13:24:01 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 5/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; all others are not (ornaments)
Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 5/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 5/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; all others are not (ornaments) Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: Thirukural Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 4/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/nkJhk3grm7FxszBVkqVN13 https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/nkJhk3grm7FxszBVkqVN13 Sat, 02 May 2026 13:23:15 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 4/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: Sorrow-increasing poverty shall not come upon those who use towards all, pleasure-increasing sweetness of speech.

Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 4/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 4/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: Sorrow-increasing poverty shall not come upon those who use towards all, pleasure-increasing sweetness of speech. Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: Thirukural Translator: ... <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 3/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/pjTkfRC6xzySc8VDpq8avP https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/pjTkfRC6xzySc8VDpq8avP Sat, 02 May 2026 13:21:08 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 3/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: Sweet speech, flowing from the heart (uttered) with a cheerful countenance and a sweet look, is true virtue.

Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 3/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 3/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: Sweet speech, flowing from the heart (uttered) with a cheerful countenance and a sweet look, is true virtue. Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: Thirukural Translator: W. H.... <![CDATA[Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 1/10]]> https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/fiZ3C7P1nnRTVQvzXeWxZV https://videos.ranjithvenkatesh.com/w/fiZ3C7P1nnRTVQvzXeWxZV Sat, 02 May 2026 13:17:06 GMT Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 1/10
Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh
Description: Reflecting of the sweetness of speech by bringing in elements of love, deceit and virtue
Author: Thiruvalluvar
Book: Thirukural
Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus

]]> Ranjith Venkatesh Speaks Education nonadult Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 1/10 Kural | Sweetness of Speech | 1/10 Speaker: Ranjith Venkatesh Description: Reflecting of the sweetness of speech by bringing in elements of love, deceit and virtue Author: Thiruvalluvar Book: Thirukural Translator: W. H. Drew and John Lazarus