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Story 9

📘 Lesson Title: “Beneath the Surface”

Level: Expert

VOCABULARIES

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

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

  3. Vulnerable – (VUL-ner-uh-buhl) /ˈvʌln(ə)rəb(ə)l/
    (adjective) – open to being emotionally hurt or affected
    Synonyms: exposed, sensitive, open
    Sentence: Being vulnerable allowed her to form deeper connections.

  4. Restraint – (ri-STRAYNT) /rɪˈstreɪnt/
    (noun) – the ability to control one’s emotions or actions
    Synonyms: moderation, self-discipline, control
    Sentence: He showed restraint by staying silent instead of arguing.

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


IDIOMS

  1. Keep your cool – (to stay calm under pressure)
    Synonyms: stay composed, stay calm
    Sentence: She kept her cool during the heated meeting.

  2. Wear your heart on your sleeve – (to openly show your emotions)
    Synonyms: be transparent, be expressive
    Sentence: He wears his heart on his sleeve, so you always know how he feels.

  3. Bite your tongue – (to stop yourself from saying something)
    Synonyms: hold back, stay silent
    Sentence: She had to bite her tongue to avoid an argument.


TONGUE TWISTER

Instruction: Read the tongue twister 3 times as fast and clearly as you can.


“Tim tried to talk through tough truths tactfully.”


STORY: Beneath the Surface

Mika was known as a brilliant designer, but what made her truly respected was her emotional balance. She always maintained her composure, even when clients were difficult. Behind that calm, though, was a mind that practiced deep introspection.

One morning, her junior designer made a costly mistake. Mika was frustrated, but instead of lashing out, she showed restraint. She remembered how vulnerability had once helped her learn from failure.

Later that day, Mika had a one-on-one with the junior. She spoke with empathy and authenticity, sharing her own struggles early in her career. Her ability to keep her cool and connect on a human level transformed the mistake into a moment of growth—for both of them.

That’s the power of emotional intelligence: what happens beneath the surface often defines true leadership.


KNOWLEDGE CHECK

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

  2. How did introspection help Mika as a leader?

  3. What made Mika’s coaching of the junior designer effective?

  4. What idiom describes choosing not to say something harsh?

  5. What lesson does Mika’s authenticity teach us?


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Have you ever had to keep your composure in a stressful situation? What happened?

  2. Why is emotional intelligence important in leadership and teamwork?

  3. How do you practice introspection in your daily life?

  4. Do you think being vulnerable makes a person weak or strong? Why?

  5. Is it better to express your emotions or hold them back? In what situations?


SPEAK UP

Instruction: Share your opinions about the following moral lessons.

  1. Emotional intelligence is as important as technical skill.

  2. Self-awareness improves how we respond to others.

  3. Being genuine builds trust and connection.


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