The Day My Voice
Filled the Room 🎤

You know that feeling when an opportunity lands in your lap out of nowhere — not because you chased it relentlessly, but because the universe decided you were ready? That's exactly what happened with Team Collectively Curious and our pitch for EmR Play at the IdentityShieldSummit 2025.

It started with a random opportunity through college. Nothing grand, nothing planned. Just my team and I looking at each other and saying — "Should we give this a shot?" We did. And what unfolded was nothing short of a Bollywood plot twist.

"Self-doubt is just fear wearing a suit. I've never let it book a permanent room in my head." — A note I keep reminding myself

Walking Into a Room Full of Experts

The moment we walked in, I felt it — that shift in the air that tells you you're not in your comfort zone anymore. Experienced professionals, industry leaders, people who had been in the startup world longer than I had known what "startup" meant. For a second — just a second — a tiny voice whispered: "Do you even belong here?"

But here's the thing about self-doubt and me: we keep our distance. I've never believed that pedigree is a prerequisite for potential. As they say, "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression" — so I chose to make mine count.

The Blank Moment — And Why It Didn't Matter

Now, let me tell you something that the polished LinkedIn version of this story leaves out: I blanked out right before the pitch. 😅

I had written everything down. Every slide transition, every key phrase, every possible question and its answer. And right before I walked on, my brain decided to hit Ctrl + Z on everything. Gone. Like a browser tab closed without saving.

So when the pitch began, the words just came — imperfect, bold, and entirely mine. My team did mention, with a fond laugh, that my voice was a bit loud. But that's just me — bold and clear by nature. If the back row heard me well, that's a feature, not a bug. 😄

Mastering the Art of Communication — Tips That Actually Work

The power of communication is truly unmatched. It can inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impact. Here's what this experience crystallised for me — not from theory, but from the fire of the stage:

1. 01
   Speak where no one knows you — it's liberating

   In a room full of strangers, you have the freedom to be your most authentic self without the fear of judgment. Treat the audience as people who are genuinely eager to listen and learn. Strangers can't hold your past against you — they see only who you are right now.

2. 02
   Handle stage anxiety like a ritual, not a battle

   Don't fight the nerves — channel them. Right before stepping on stage:

   • Breathe: 4 seconds in, hold for 4, exhale for 6
   • Remind yourself why you are there — purpose > fear
   • Visualize yourself speaking confidently, the audience nodding along
   • Drink plenty of water — it genuinely helps keep your voice steady
3. 03
   If you go blank — pause, breathe, smile

   A short, composed pause feels natural to any audience. Reconnect by repeating the last confident thing you said. If you're truly stuck, own it: "Let me gather my thoughts for a moment" — and transition smoothly. The audience always respects honesty over panic.

4. 04
   Communication is a life skill, not just a stage skill

   It shows up everywhere — in interviews to articulate your vision, in ideathons to make your ideas shine, in daily life to strengthen relationships, and in jobs to build trust and showcase leadership. Your voice is your brand.

The Audience That Made It Magical

Here's something that doesn't get mentioned enough: the audience. People who chose to spend their entire weekend listening to pitches from students, cheering us on, taking us seriously. That kind of energy is a gift.

And then there was Anirban Mukherji Sir, CEO of miniOrange, whose words carried something rare — conviction paired with genuine appreciation. Not the polished corporate kind, but the kind that makes you feel seen. That is what true leadership looks like.

"The measure of a leader is not how they carry themselves in the spotlight — it's how they make others feel seen when they step into one." — What Anirban Mukherji Sir's presence taught me that day

Then Came the Surprise 🏆

We didn't see it coming. None of us did.

When they announced the Special Award of ₹5,00,000 for EmR Play — now renamed to EmR Play (we discovered "EQ Play" was already a registered company name, so we pivoted quickly, which honestly makes for a better origin story) — the room felt like it shifted.

As someone who grew up hearing Mr. Nags talk about that elusive first trophy for RCB — this felt exactly like that. The moment when the wait, the doubt, the hard work, and the belief all collide into one electric second. If I had to pick my "Eureka Moment" of all of engineering, this would be it — no question.

"Some victories aren't just about winning. They're about proving to yourself that you were always capable — you just needed the stage."

The People Who Made This Possible

A heartfelt thank you to NMIET Pune — for fostering a culture of innovation that doesn't just say "go build things" but actually creates the runway for students to do so.

And to GDIOT (Genius Idiot) — the trip to IIT Gandhinagar did something quiet but profound: it normalized the word "entrepreneur" for me. Before that, entrepreneurship felt like something that happened to other, more extraordinary people. Vikrant Patil Dada's impact is immeasurable — if I can achieve even 10% of what he creates in students' lives, it will be an honour.

To Anyone Who Wonders If They Belong

This is for you — the one sitting in the audience, wondering if the stage is for "people like them." Let me tell you plainly: if I could do it, so can you.

You don't need a perfect pitch. You don't need zero nerves. You don't need a flawless closing statement (mine never made it in, and we still won 😄). What you need is belief in your idea, a willingness to show up, and a voice bold enough to say — "Listen. This matters."

Latika Ray Computer Engineering Student · Data Analyst · Full-Stack Developer · Team Collectively Curious