GEM Talks 2024: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

On July 28, GEM Talks 2024 displayed Japan's youthful eloquence. Ten exceptional high school finalists selected from all over Japan took to the stage at the Tokyo Women's Plaza Hall. The grand finale showcased the culmination of months of dedication and preparation as these young visionaries shared their aspirations for the future with passion and individuality. 

This article delves into the heart of the competition, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their journey to this unforgettable event.

Girls From Japan Changing the Game

GEM Talks is a youth leadership training program focusing on the "power of talks." It aims to strengthen the ability of Japanese girls to communicate. In 2024, as the third edition, more high school students nationwide applied to the program. Ten finalists were selected through a first round of video screening and a second round of interviews. 

In the two-month online workshop, finalists learned presentation basics, logical thinking through debate, and interactive communication to hone their skills. At the same time, the finalists and lecturers also had individual discussions through one-on-one sessions to brainstorm ideas and deepen self-understanding. These sessions also focused on addressing each finalist's concerns and weaknesses.

The climax of this project was the two-day finals held on July 27 and 28. On the first day, the finalists attended a face-to-face workshop where they polished their final performances and bonded with their peers. On the second day, they participated in keynote speeches delivered by global female leaders. Each one then gave a splendid presentation, putting all their experiences into action.

Presentation Theme: 'My Future Forecast'

'My Future Forecast' was the presentation theme for 2024. Given the uncertainty of the future, especially for high school students, this might seem like a daunting task. However, the core of GEM Talks lies not in predicting the future precisely but in igniting a passion for it. 

We wanted them to experience a sense of pride, confidence, and euphoria. Such feelings can only come from discussing their interests and aspirations in their own unique and heartfelt words. We wanted them to consider several things:

• "What ignites your passion?" 
• "Why does that make you feel excited?" 
• "In what direction that excitement will lead you in the future?" 

This journey of self-discovery was the heart of the My Future Forecast theme.

Why High School Students?

High school students are inherently flexible and pure, much like a white canvas. As digital natives adept at navigating phones and social media, they find themselves at a crossroads. They are beginning to question the status quo of Japanese society and the broader world. Yet they are still unburdened by rigid preconceptions. 

GEM Talks endeavors to empower these young minds, equipping them with the tools and confidence to start painting on the white canvas in their unique colors. 

Once they venture into the world, these exceptional youth will undoubtedly realize the fallacy of societal norms. In particular, they will recognize the hollow constructs of "correctness" and "normality." They will also discover how powerful and attractive "individuality" can be. 

By conquering fear and anxiety and delivering their messages with a big smile, even when nervous, we hoped they would feel the audience's warmth. We want them to experience the support that comes from embracing their authenticity.

Polishing the 'Power to Attract'

Since its inception, GEM Talks has been dedicated to its mission: to empower high school girls to shine on stage and unleash their full potential. We aim to help them captivate their families, teachers, friends, and, most importantly, themselves with their sparkling attractiveness. 

By witnessing their own brilliance on stage and leaving a lasting impression that transcends the competition itself, we hope to instill in them a belief in their abilities. Such confidence will fuel their future endeavors.

To achieve this, we have provided personalized training to every participant through both online workshop programs and one-on-one sessions. This comprehensive training extends beyond presentation content. It also encompasses facial expressions, tone of voice, vocalization, breathing, posture, eye contact, and other essential elements of effective communication.

During the in-person workshops in 2024, we also offered personalized guidance on hairstyles, skincare, and minimal makeup techniques.

"We will make every effort to help you look your best on stage," we encouraged them. "Seek advice from loved ones, dress with care, present yourself well, and embrace the opportunity to shine tomorrow."

While there may be hesitation in offering appearance-related advice to high school girls, our goal is to help the finalists step out of their comfort zones. We aim for them to undergo a transformative experience at GEM Talks. 

It has been gratifying to see them express satisfaction with their appearance in photographs or videos taken by their families. They often exclaim, "I look pretty good!" (I am quite certain everyone has experienced disappointment in their own photoshoots.) This newfound sense of self-confidence is a testament to our efforts. 

Purpose of GEM Talks

When finalists reflect on their GEM Talks experience, they all cite workshops, role models, and friendships as the most impactful aspects. All these elements form the core of GEM Talks' mission.

[The three pillars of GEM Talks] are to:

1. Help Japanese girls discover, cultivate, and take pride in their unique individualities.
2. Foster lifelong friendships with peers who inspire and support one another.
3. Provide opportunities to meet role models who inspire them to pursue global challenges.

(1) Know, Accept, and Be Proud of Yourself

During our second selection round of interviews, I noticed a recurring theme among the high school students. Many had an underlying anxiety and fear of public speaking, coupled with excessive modesty. It is an indication of imposter syndrome, a common phenomenon among women in Japan. 

These students were already searching for "correct" or "expected" answers instead of showing their true selves. However, I also observed their deep-seated passion and a yearning to break free from their shells. This resilience filled me with hope.

Our role was to support the finalists by offering positive reinforcement, encouragement, and sometimes strict feedback. Of course, online interactions and their physical distance presented some challenges compared to in-person sessions. To overcome the difficulties, I, as an instructor for all GEM Talks workshops, dedicated over 20 hours solely to group and individual sessions. Our executive committee members and study mentors also invested significant time and effort. 

As we worked together towards a common goal, a deep bond formed between us. During one-on-one sessions and face-to-face workshops, many students gradually opened up, sharing their vulnerabilities and aspirations. They would often confess, "I feel I am bad at this," or "I'm scared of this." Others would say, "I want to convey this message, but I don't know how to express it with my voice." 

It was at these specific moments of raw honesty that their drastic transformation began. The fear they once harbored gradually dissipated, and they could confidently present their genuine selves on stage.

(2) Community as a Catalyst for Growth

Witnessing the individual growth of each participant is truly inspiring. Another remarkable aspect of GEM Talks is the strong sense of community it fosters. Our alumni network, "Jewelry Box," serves as a platform for former finalists to connect, support, and inspire one another. 

These young women form bonds that transcend generations, motivating each other to reach new heights. Jewelry Box members actively contribute to the annual GEM Talks finals, traveling from all over Japan to cheer on their younger peers. Their dedication reinforces the value of this community. 

In ten years, we envision Jewelry Box as a thriving network of 100 accomplished young women. This prospect paints a bright future for Japan.

(3) Encountering Role Models

Every year, we are fortunate to have inspiring keynote speakers who share their passion for empowering high school girls. These remarkable leaders in their respective fields deliver powerful and authentic messages that resonate deeply with our participants. 

In our first edition, we were honored to have Naoko Yamazaki, an astronaut, and June Miyachi, President of Cartier Japan. In our second year, Tiffany Godoy, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Japan, joined us. These trailblazing women have served as guiding lights for our finalists, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. 

For our third edition, we invited Akiko Yamamoto, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Japan. Our second speaker was Perry Mao, a female entrepreneur making significant contributions to the education sector in China. Mao is Miss World China 2018. She has a strong academic background and is one of my best friends. 

The opportunity to connect with such accomplished individuals is inspiring. Students might have been overwhelmed by the speakers' charisma and presence. However, they also likely thought, "There's someone so cool out there! I want to be like her someday!"

Passion of the GEM Talks Family

In 2024, we had several finalists who had lost in the preliminary rounds in the past but were determined to make a comeback. When I asked why they didn't give up, they said they were drawn to the unique and positive energy that permeated the event. 

Seeing the past finalists' shining smiles made them realize that this was something extraordinary. They knew that they wanted to be a part of it. It fills my heart with joy to hear from these participants that the genuine enthusiasm and dedication of our finalists, executive committee, and sponsors are inspiring. Everyone involved in creating the GEM Talks atmosphere helps motivate the next generation to apply.

Future Outlook

The presence of high school students who have experienced GEM Talks created a ripple effect impacting the world around them.

We are thrilled that domestic and international companies are interested in collaborating with GEM Talks and Jewelry Box. Witnessing the growing support for our program is truly exciting. 

GEM Talks will continue to provide a platform for high school students to discover, love, and refine their individuality. Furthermore, it will continue to nurture the next generation of leaders. We are currently hard at work planning our next event, scheduled for July 20, 2025, where we will offer high school students another unforgettable experience. Stay tuned!

RELATED:

• GEM Talks 2024: How an English Speech Contest is Emboldening Young Women
• Speak Out in English Japan: Learning to Communicate Logically
• GEM Talks: Polishing In the Self-Confidence of High School Students
  
  

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Kanako Date, GEM Talks, Executive Producer & Founder