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Surprise and impress yourself, at TED

TED is an international organisation created to share stories and ideas that can inspire people. TEDxTukuy is the Peruvian version, which has allowed me to talk about my sporting career and my own life linked to chess.

When, not long ago, the dedicated TEDxTukuy team asked me to be a speaker, I accepted with great enthusiasm as I considered it a good opportunity to spread the word about chess and raise its profile. However, it was not easy to envisage the effort that the whole process would entail: both the preparation of the text and the subsequent speech.

I received valuable help from the organisation throughout, especially in terms of conveying positive messages linked to my experiences and adventures over more than 50 years immersed in the so-called game of science . From the outside, it might seem relatively easy to talk about yourself and tell your own story, which you are supposed to know inside out. The reality is very different, especially if you have to do it in front of an audience of 400 people.

I had polished the text meticulously, but the most important thing was missing: practising it beforehand, whether in front of a mirror or simulating being in front of the dreaded stage.

Time was running out, and I was only able to arrive in Lima on Thursday, 15 August, to do my first rehearsal in front of an expert coach who immediately detected my worrying tension, which prevented me from even finishing a chapter of the speech. Fortunately, I believe that her timely advice had some effect, although it would be of little use if I couldn't get rid of that tremendous pressure that, strangely, had me paralysed.

On Friday the 16th, a final rehearsal was held in front of the empty auditorium, and no matter how hard I tried, I continued to fail miserably.

On Saturday the 17th, the day of truth had arrived, and although I woke up very early, I took the opportunity to meditate a little, and curiously I began to experience mixed emotions: at times I felt happy, then sad, memories that had not surfaced in my mind for a long time came flooding back. I listened to music, took a shower and, after a light breakfast, headed to the venue.

I began to feel relieved of the heavy burden I had unconsciously imposed on myself. Finally standing in front of the audience, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was flowing more naturally, and my speech has that emotional charge with several messages drawn from my own experiences, which I hope will have an impact on all those who wish to appreciate it when it is published in a couple of weeks or so.

From the outset, I spontaneously assumed that, as well as competing, I also had to promote chess, and I believe that the circumstances are more than favourable for continuing to do so with renewed optimism.

GM Julio Granda.

Granda Park in Camaná offers games from head to toe.

In the last century, a park was opened in a residential area that bears my surname, and my two first names were added to it.

It now looks completely renovated, and it is worth highlighting the good judgement shown by the Provincial Municipality of Camaná in organising various recreational activities in the aforementioned enclosure. There is a football pitch where I was even able to play a game, as well as a fronton court for those who wish to play with a racket.

There are many games for children and some interesting new additions, including chess, which could not be left out, and there are several tables available for playing. The more healthy leisure options we can offer the community, especially children and young people, the more it will always be a worthwhile investment.

GM Julio Granda.