Describe a time when you encouraged someone to do someone to do something that he/she didn’t want to do
- Who he or she is
- What you encouraged him/her to do
- How he/she reacted
- And explain why you encouraged him/her
Vocab/Idioms
- Scared – afraid, fearful
- A piece of cake – very easy
- Travel enthusiast – travel lover
- Cold feet – lose courage
- Unwind – relax, rest
- Terrified – very afraid
- Brush off the idea – ignore, dismiss
- Over the moon – very happy
- Constructive feedback – helpful advice
Well, to begin with, encouraging a person to do something he or she is scared of is really not a piece of cake. Here, I’d like to talk about a time when I motivated one of my close friends to try something adventurous that he was not willing to do at first.
Actually, he is a travel enthusiast, but when it comes to activities involving deep water, he gets cold feet or he becomes nervous and scared. Last year, we went to a seaside place during our holidays just to unwind and make the most of our free time. While we were there, I suggested that he should try scuba diving. However, he refused at first because he was terrified of deep water and the idea of breathing underwater. He even thought that something might go wrong, which really made him nervous.
Initially, he tried to brush off the idea and changed the topic. But I didn’t give up. I calmly explained the safety procedures, told him about the professional instructors, and assured him that everything would be done under strict supervision. I also reminded him that such chances don’t come every day. After some encouragement, he finally made up his mind and decided to give it a try.
The main reason I encouraged him was that I strongly believe life becomes more meaningful when we step out of our comfort zone. I didn’t want his fear to stop him from enjoying such a special experience. I felt that if he faced it, he would become stronger and more confident.
In the end, the experience was really positive. After the dive, he was over the moon and even thanked me for encouraging him. When I think about it now, I feel proud that my words helped him overcome his fear and make a beautiful memory.
Follow-ups
1. How could leaders encourage their employees?
Well, in my opinion, leaders can encourage their employees by appreciating their efforts and giving constructive feedback. For example, when a manager praises a worker in front of the team or rewards good performance, it really boosts confidence and motivation. Moreover, providing support, listening to problems, and offering chances for growth, such as training or promotion, can make employees feel valued and inspired to work harder.
2. When should parents encourage their children?
To begin with, parents should encourage their children whenever they face challenges or feel low in confidence. For instance, during exams, competitions, or when a child fails at something for the first time, a few kind words can make a big difference. Encouragement at such times helps children stay positive and teaches them not to give up easily.
3. What kind of encouragement should parents give?
I believe parents should give positive and realistic encouragement. Instead of comparing children with others, they should focus on their efforts and small achievements. For example, telling them that their hard work matters can build self-esteem and reduce pressure. At the same time, parents should guide them gently and help them learn from their mistakes.
4. Do you think some people are better at influencing others?
Absolutely, some people are naturally better at influencing others. They usually have strong communication skills, confidence, and the ability to understand people’s emotions. For instance, a good teacher or a successful salesperson can explain ideas clearly and calmly, which helps gain trust and makes others more willing to accept their opinions.
