Sancy Suraj is a world-renowned memory athlete, trainer, and motivational speaker. He has held multiple world records and Singapore book records for his incredible memory feats, including memorizing the longest color sequence. Sancy has trained over 10,000 people worldwide in the art of memory and motivation, inspiring them to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.
In this exclusive interview with Sancy, we delve into his insights on memory and inspiration, his experiences as a speaker, and his advice for those starting in this field. We also explore how he adapts his speeches to different audiences and cultural contexts, his techniques for engaging audiences, and how he stays up-to-date with the latest research and trends in memory and motivation.
What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned about memory and inspiration throughout your career?
Throughout my career as a memory athlete and inspirational speaker, I’ve learned many valuable lessons about memory and inspiration. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that memory is not a fixed ability, but rather a skill that can be trained and improved over time. With the right techniques and training, anyone can improve their memory and achieve incredible feats of recall. This is something I’ve experienced firsthand through my own training and through teaching others.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is that inspiration is a powerful force that can motivate people to achieve great things. As an inspirational speaker, my goal is to inspire and motivate others to reach their full potential, whether that’s in their personal or professional lives. I believe that by sharing my own experiences and lessons learned, I can help others to overcome obstacles, develop their skills, and achieve their goals.
Finally, I’ve learned that the key to success in both memory and inspiration is practice and perseverance. Whether you’re trying to memorize a long sequence of numbers or deliver a powerful speech, it takes time, effort, and dedication to achieve mastery. But with consistent practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes, anyone can improve their skills and achieve their goals. As an inspirational speaker, I try to convey this message to my audiences and encourage them to embrace the power of practice and perseverance in their own lives.
In summary, my career as a memory athlete and inspirational speaker has taught me that memory is a skill that can be trained, inspiration is a powerful force for motivation, and practice and perseverance are key to achieving success. These lessons have not only helped me in my own career but also enabled me to inspire and motivate others to achieve their own goals and dreams.
Can you share a specific story or example of how you’ve inspired someone to achieve their goals or overcome a challenge?
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had as an inspirational speaker was when I worked with a young woman who was struggling with low self-esteem and self-doubt. She had a dream of starting her own business but didn’t believe she had the skills or confidence to make it happen. Through a series of coaching sessions, I worked with her to develop a plan for her business and to build up her confidence and self-belief.
I remember the moment when she told me that she had finally taken the leap and started her business. She was beaming with pride and confidence, and I could see that she had truly transformed since our first session together. Over the course of several months, I continued to work with her to refine her business strategy and to provide ongoing support and encouragement.
Eventually, her business began to thrive, and she was able to achieve her goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Seeing her transformation and success was incredibly inspiring to me, and it reminded me of the power of belief in oneself and the importance of supporting and encouraging others.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of inspiration to motivate people to achieve their goals and overcome challenges. It also highlighted the importance of providing practical support and guidance to help people turn their dreams into reality. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this young woman and to witness her incredible transformation, and I hope to continue inspiring and supporting others in their own journeys.
How do you approach creating a memorable and impactful speech, and what techniques do you use to engage your audience?
The first step in creating a memorable and impactful speech is to identify the key message or theme that I want to convey to my audience. This message should be clear, concise, and relevant to the audience’s needs and interests. Once I have identified the message, I begin to develop an outline for the speech, focusing on the main points and examples that will support the message.
To engage my audience, I use a variety of techniques and strategies, including storytelling, humor, and interactive elements. Storytelling is a particularly powerful technique because it allows me to connect with my audience on an emotional level and to illustrate key points in a memorable and relatable way. Humor can also be effective in engaging audiences, as it can lighten the mood and make the speech more enjoyable.
Interactive elements, such as questions, activities, and group exercises, can also be very effective in engaging audiences and making the speech more memorable. By involving the audience in the speech, I can create a more dynamic and participatory experience, which can lead to better retention of the message.
Another important aspect of creating a memorable and impactful speech is to be authentic and passionate about the message. If I believe in what I’m saying and convey that passion to my audience, they are more likely to be inspired and engaged. By sharing my own experiences and insights, I can also build a stronger connection with my audience and create a more meaningful and impactful speech.
In summary, my approach to creating a memorable and impactful speech involves identifying a clear message, using storytelling, humor, and interactive elements to engage the audience, and being authentic and passionate about the message. By using these techniques, I strive to create speeches that not only inform and inspire but also leave a lasting impact on the audience.
“Creating a memorable and impactful speech is not just about conveying a message, it’s about engaging the audience in a way that inspires and leaves a lasting impression. By using techniques such as storytelling, humor, and interactivity, and being authentic and passionate about the message, speakers can create speeches that inform, inspire, and have a true impact on the audience.”
How do you handle nerves or anxiety when speaking in front of large groups, and what advice would you give to someone who struggles with public speaking?
As someone who has spoken in front of large groups many times, I can certainly understand how nerve-wracking it can be. However, over the years, I’ve developed a few techniques to help me manage my nerves and anxiety.
The first thing I do is to remind myself that it’s okay to be nervous. In fact, it’s completely normal. I try to reframe my nervousness as excitement and remind myself that I have something important to share with my audience. This helps me to channel my nerves into positive energy and enthusiasm for my message.
I also make sure to prepare thoroughly before any speaking engagement. This includes practicing my speech several times, visualizing myself delivering the speech successfully, and familiarizing myself with the venue and any equipment I’ll be using. The more prepared I am, the more confident I feel.
Finally, I try to focus on my audience and their needs, rather than my own nerves. By connecting with my audience and sharing my message in a way that resonates with them, I can forget about my nerves and focus on delivering a meaningful and impactful speech.
For someone who struggles with public speaking, my advice would be to start small and work your way up. Practice in front of a small group of friends or family members and gradually work your way up to larger audiences. Remember that it’s okay to be nervous and that everyone makes mistakes. The key is to keep practicing and to focus on improving over time.
It’s also important to prepare thoroughly and to know your material inside and out. This can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. And remember to take deep breaths and stay present at the moment. By focusing on the present and connecting with your audience, you can overcome your nerves and deliver a successful speech.
Can you share some examples of how you’ve adapted your speeches to different audiences or cultural contexts?
As an international speaker, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to diverse audiences across different cultural contexts. One of the most important aspects of delivering a successful speech is understanding your audience and adapting your message to resonate with them. Here are a few examples of how I’ve adapted my speeches to different audiences and cultural contexts:
When speaking to an audience in a different country, it’s important to research and understands their cultural norms and values. For example, when I delivered a speech in Japan, I learned that it’s important to show respect by bowing and using honorifics when addressing people. I also made sure to incorporate Japanese cultural references and anecdotes into my speech to make it more relatable and engaging for the audience.
Similarly, when speaking to audiences from different professional backgrounds, it’s important to understand their language and terminology. For example, when I spoke to a group of engineers, I made sure to incorporate technical jargon and use examples that related to their industry. This helped to establish credibility and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Finally, when speaking to audiences of different ages, it’s important to adapt your language and delivery style. For example, when I spoke to a group of high school students, I used more energetic and interactive techniques, such as games and group activities, to keep them engaged and interested. On the other hand, when speaking to a group of corporate executives, I used a more polished and professional delivery style and focused on providing actionable insights and advice.
In summary, adapting your speeches to different audiences and cultural contexts requires research, preparation, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs and values. By taking the time to tailor your message and delivery style, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and deliver a truly impactful speech.
“Adapting your speeches to different audiences and cultural contexts is not only a sign of respect but also a key ingredient for success. By understanding your audience’s needs and values, you can tailor your message and delivery style to create a deeper connection and deliver a truly impactful speech.”
When asked about his key lessons on memory and inspiration, Sancy emphasized the importance of practice, visualization, and understanding the underlying concepts. He shared how he has inspired others to achieve their goals, including a story of a student who was struggling to pass a professional exam, but after training with Sancy, was able to memorize all the necessary information and pass the exam with flying colors.
Sancy revealed his approach to creating memorable and impactful speeches, emphasizing the need to connect with the audience, use relevant anecdotes, and provide practical takeaways. He also shared his techniques for engaging audiences, including using humor, asking questions, and involving them in interactive activities.
As a seasoned speaker, Sancy discussed how he handles nerves and anxiety when speaking in front of large groups and provided valuable advice for those struggling with public speaking. He stressed the importance of preparation, practice, and understanding the audience.
Sancy also shared how he adapts his speeches to different audiences and cultural contexts. He emphasized the importance of understanding the cultural nuances and tailoring the content to fit the audience’s needs and expectations.
When asked about his biggest challenges and failures, Sancy shared his experiences and the lessons he learned from them. He advised aspiring speakers to focus on their strengths, keep an open mind, and continuously learn from their experiences.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in memory and motivation, and incorporate this knowledge into your talks?
As an inspirational speaker and memory expert, it’s essential that I stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in memory and motivation. I am constantly reading academic journals, attending conferences and seminars, and collaborating with other professionals in the field. Here are a few ways that I stay current with the latest research and trends:
First, I make a point to read academic journals and research articles related to memory and motivation. I subscribe to several academic journals in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and education, and I make time to read and analyze the latest studies and findings. This helps me to stay informed about new research and emerging trends in the field and also helps me to develop new ideas and techniques for my talks.
Second, I attend conferences and seminars related to memory and motivation. This allows me to connect with other professionals in the field and learn about the latest research and techniques firsthand. I also make a point to attend workshops and training sessions, where I can learn new skills and techniques that I can incorporate into my own work.
Finally, I collaborate with other professionals in the field to stay informed and develop new ideas. I have a network of colleagues and peers who are also experts in memory and motivation, and we regularly share research, techniques, and ideas with one another. This helps to keep me informed and also allows me to incorporate the latest research and trends into my own work.
In summary, staying up-to-date with the latest research and trends in memory and motivation is essential for any professional in this field. By reading academic journals, attending conferences and seminars, and collaborating with other professionals, I am able to stay informed and develop new ideas and techniques for my talks.
How has your work as an inspirational speaker impacted your personal and professional life?
Being an inspirational speaker has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. On a personal level, I feel a tremendous sense of fulfillment and purpose from my work. Knowing that I have the ability to inspire and motivate others is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful every day that I have the opportunity to do what I love.
My work as an inspirational speaker has also helped me to develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and motivation. Through my research and interactions with audiences, I have gained valuable insights into the ways that people think, feel, and act. This knowledge has not only helped me to be a more effective speaker, but has also helped me to be a better partner, friend, and member of my community.
On a professional level, my work as an inspirational speaker has allowed me to make a positive impact on thousands of people around the world. Through my talks and training programs, I have been able to share my knowledge and expertise with a wide range of audiences, from corporate executives to students and educators. Knowing that I have helped to inspire and motivate others to reach their full potential is incredibly gratifying, and it is what drives me to continue to do this work.
Finally, being an inspirational speaker has also opened up new opportunities for me in my career. I have been able to develop new partnerships and collaborations with organizations around the world, and I have been invited to speak at some of the most prestigious conferences and events in my industry. This has not only helped me to grow my business and increase my visibility, but it has also allowed me to connect with other professionals in my field and learn from their experiences and perspectives.
Overall, being an inspirational speaker has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to do this work.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
As with any career, I have faced several challenges throughout my journey as an inspirational speaker. One of the biggest challenges that I have faced is staying current and relevant in a constantly evolving industry. The field of motivational speaking is highly competitive, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and research. To overcome this challenge, I have made a commitment to continuously learn and grow as a speaker. I attend industry conferences, read books and articles, and stay connected with other professionals in my field to stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.
Another challenge that I have faced is connecting with diverse audiences with different cultural backgrounds and experiences. As a speaker who works with a global audience, it can be difficult to tailor my message to resonate with everyone. To overcome this challenge, I have taken a collaborative approach, working with interpreters and cultural advisors to ensure that my message is culturally sensitive and relevant to the audience.
Lastly, I have also faced the challenge of balancing my work with my personal life. As an inspirational speaker, my schedule can be demanding, and it can be challenging to find time for my family, friends, and hobbies. To overcome this challenge, I have learned to prioritize my time and set boundaries. I make time for self-care and prioritize my relationships, which helps me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Overall, these challenges have helped me to become a better speaker and a more resilient person. By overcoming these challenges, I have gained new insights and experiences that have helped me to grow both personally and professionally.
Can you share a story or example of a time when you failed, and what you learned from that experience?
One of the most significant failures in my career as an inspirational speaker happened early on in my journey. I was invited to speak at a high-profile conference, and I was incredibly nervous about the opportunity. Unfortunately, my nerves got the best of me, and I stumbled through my presentation. I lost my train of thought, struggled to connect with the audience, and ended up cutting my talk short. It was a humiliating experience, and I felt like a failure.
However, looking back, that experience was a turning point in my career. It taught me the importance of preparation, practice, and confidence. I realized that I had relied too much on my natural talent and had not taken the time to prepare properly. From that moment on, I made a commitment to approach every speaking opportunity with the same level of preparation and dedication.
I learned the importance of practicing my talk multiple times and visualizing myself delivering it successfully. I also started incorporating mindfulness techniques to manage my nerves and stay focused on the task at hand. By doing so, I was able to regain my confidence and deliver impactful speeches.
That failure taught me that setbacks can be valuable learning opportunities. It taught me that with hard work and perseverance, I can overcome any challenge. As an inspirational speaker, I often share that story with my audience to remind them that failure is not the end but a stepping stone toward success.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out as an inspirational speaker or memory trainer?
To anyone starting out as an inspirational speaker or memory trainer, my advice would be to focus on building your skills and knowledge first. This means dedicating yourself to learning as much as you can about your field of expertise, practicing your speaking skills, and finding ways to improve your message delivery. Attend workshops, read books, and listen to other speakers to learn what works and what doesn’t.
It’s also important to find your unique voice and message. Discover what sets you apart from other speakers and focus on developing that unique perspective. Whether it’s a particular skill or experience, your unique voice can help you stand out and make a lasting impression on your audience.
Another key piece of advice is to never stop learning and growing. Be open to feedback and willing to take risks to try new things. Keep track of your successes and failures, and use them as learning opportunities to refine your skills and improve your message delivery.
Finally, I would encourage new speakers to focus on building relationships with their audience. Whether it’s through social media, email, or in-person interactions, taking the time to connect with your audience can help build trust and create a loyal following. When people feel a personal connection with you, they are more likely to remember your message and be inspired to take action.
In summary, my advice to anyone starting out as an inspirational speaker or memory trainer is to focus on building your skills and knowledge, finding your unique voice, never stop learning and growing, and building relationships with your audience. With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a successful and impactful speaker.
“Success as an inspirational speaker or memory trainer comes from a combination of building your skills and knowledge, finding your unique voice, and building relationships with your audience. Never stop learning, practicing, and refining your message delivery, and you can inspire and impact others in powerful ways.”
Sancy Suraj is a true master of memory and inspiration, and his insights and experiences in this field are truly remarkable. He has inspired countless individuals to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges, and his advice for aspiring speakers and trainers is invaluable. We hope that this interview has provided you with a glimpse into the mind of a true inspirational speaker and memory trainer, and that you can use his insights to improve your own skills and impact your audience.