Story 9

Beneath the Surface

Expert Level

VOCABULARY

1. Composure – (kuhm-POH-zher) /kəmˈpəʊʒə/
(noun) – the state of being calm and in control
Synonyms: calmness, self-control, poise
Sample sentence: Despite the criticism, she maintained her composure.

2. Introspection – (in-truh-SPEK-shuhn) /ˌɪntrəˈspɛkʃən/
(noun) – examining one’s own thoughts and feelings
Synonyms: self-reflection, contemplation, self-analysis
Sample sentence: After the conflict, he took time for introspection.

3. Vulnerable – (VUL-ner-uh-buhl) /ˈvʌln(ə)rəb(ə)l/
(adjective) – open to emotional harm or exposure
Synonyms: exposed, sensitive, open
Sample sentence: Being vulnerable allowed her to build deeper connections.

4. Restraint – (ri-STRAYNT) /rɪˈstreɪnt/
(noun) – control over emotions or actions
Synonyms: moderation, self-discipline, control
Sample sentence: He showed restraint by staying silent.

5. Authenticity – (aw-then-TIS-uh-tee) /ˌɔːθenˈtɪsɪti/
(noun) – being genuine and true to oneself
Synonyms: genuineness, honesty, sincerity
Sample sentence: Her authenticity made her a trusted mentor.

IDIOMS

Keep your cool – to stay calm in a difficult situation
Sample sentence: She kept her cool during the heated meeting.

Wear your heart on your sleeve – to show emotions openly
Sample sentence: He wore his heart on his sleeve when sharing his story.

Bite your tongue – to stop yourself from speaking
Sample sentence: She had to bite her tongue to avoid an argument.

TONGUE TWISTER

Instruction: Read the tongue twister aloud three times. Increase your speed each time while keeping your pronunciation clear.

Tim tried to talk through tough truths tactfully.

STORY

Beneath the Surface

Mika was respected not only for her creative talent but for her emotional composure. Even under pressure, she remained calm and thoughtful, guided by constant introspection. When a junior designer made a serious mistake, Mika felt frustration but chose restraint. She remembered how vulnerability once helped her grow. In a private conversation, Mika spoke with authenticity. She shared her own struggles and kept her cool. That moment transformed a mistake into growth. True leadership, she realized, lives beneath the surface.

This story highlights how emotional intelligence and authenticity shape effective leadership.

KNOWLEDGE CHECK

Instruction: Answer the questions based on the story.

1. What word describes Mika’s calm under stress?

2. How did introspection guide Mika’s actions?

3. What made her response to the mistake effective?

4. Which idiom means holding back words?

5. What leadership lesson does authenticity teach?

SPEAK UP

Instruction: Answer the questions clearly and briefly. Use complete sentences.

Open Speaking

1. Describe a time when you stayed calm under pressure.

2. How do you usually reflect on your actions?

3. Why is emotional control important at work?

4. When is restraint more powerful than speaking?

5. How does authenticity affect relationships?

Opinion-Based Speaking

6. Some people say showing vulnerability makes leaders weak. Do you agree or disagree?

7. Some people believe emotional intelligence matters more than technical skill. What is your opinion?

8. Some people say leaders should always keep their cool. Do you agree?

9. What is your opinion about sharing personal struggles at work?

10. Some people believe authenticity builds stronger teams. What do you think?