"To speak effectively," the digital mentor continued, counting on his fingers, "you need to master three simple rules."

Kabir realized he had been practicing his pitch like a runaway freight train. He practiced saying his opening line about the artisan, and then he forced himself to count to three in his head. The silence felt heavy at first, but then it felt incredibly powerful.

The video ended with Warikoo's signature sign-off, leaving Kabir in the quiet auditorium. The panic hadn't entirely vanished, but it had transformed into a focused, electric energy. He put his phone away, stood up, and walked to the edge of the stage.

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