Guest of Honor

Recently, I attended a New Year's party of a medical association near the hospital where I work. It was to be held at the OSAKA Imperial Hotel, and I was to attend as the director of the hospital's Patient Support Coordination Center.

I was asked to give a speech as the guest of honor, and I lightheartedly agreed. I did not prepare a speech, thinking that I would speak as I felt on the spot.

However, on the day of the event, I woke up about an hour earlier than usual for no reason. So I decided to think about the content of my speech, in which I would address the importance of this year for cardiology. I believed that I prepared a good story although I did not think one hour was enough.

At the party, I was surprised to see the guests of honor addressing the audience. They were all very important people and I was very low-ranking; one of them from the House of Representatives was a vice minister of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

I was a little nervous on the stage, but my speech went well...I think. To my surprise, I found how well the politicians delivered their speeches. They spoke like a comedian in a good way. I have learned a lot about how to make a speech in public although it is the contents that matter.