Usher, one of the world’s most renowned musicians, was in the midst of preparing for a momentous occasion at Emory University. After hours of meticulous editing and refining, he sent his publicist an audio file titled “My Commencement 2025” at 5:04 a.m. last Monday. Despite the imminent deadline, Usher was not satisfied and continued to make adjustments even after arriving at Emory.
Away from the glitz and glamour of his world tour, Usher found himself in the quiet of his bedroom, surrounded by darkness as he fine-tuned his commencement speech. The pressure was on as he faced a larger and more diverse audience at Emory, ranging from physics majors to future Methodist ministers.
The speech was not just a mere address for Usher; it was a reflection of his life experiences and a message of perseverance and resilience. His team brainstormed various themes, from leadership to personal anecdotes, to create a speech that would resonate with the audience.
As Usher grappled with the weight of delivering a meaningful and impactful speech, he drew inspiration from iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Quincy Jones, and Desmond Tutu. The speech at Emory held a special significance for Usher, as it was a homecoming of sorts to the city that kickstarted his journey to stardom from a church choir in Chattanooga.
Despite the challenges and pressure, Usher was determined to deliver a speech that would leave a lasting impression on the graduates and attendees at Emory University. With his passion for storytelling and his commitment to sharing meaningful messages, Usher’s commencement speech was set to be a memorable and inspiring moment for all in attendance. Speaking in a city where he had become something of a landmark himself would bring a different sort of pressure. Usher, the renowned musician, was preparing to deliver a speech at a hotel in Amsterdam in late April. Despite his successful post-meeting murmurs in London, he felt that the speech was still in its infancy.
Usher, known for his clear and concise language in his music, was determined to maintain that style in his speech. He wanted to ensure that his audience remained engaged and connected throughout his address.
As he worked on crafting his speech, Usher expressed his desire to showcase his depth beyond just entertainment. He aimed to evoke a range of emotions in his listeners, from laughter to tears to motivation. He understood the importance of tone in delivering a powerful message and was diligently refining his speaking voice for the occasion.
The looming question of whether politics would find its way into his speech weighed on Usher’s mind. While he wasn’t seeking a political platform, he acknowledged the significance of the current political climate and contemplated addressing it subtly without directly attacking anyone.
Collaborating with his speechwriter, Ms. Kanuga, Usher delved into personal experiences that had shaped his perspective on education. He shared a story of feeling misunderstood and underestimated by his school, a narrative he had kept private until now. This personal anecdote would become the focal point of his speech, adding a layer of vulnerability and authenticity to his message.
As the days leading up to the speech dwindled, Usher continued to fine-tune his script, seeking to infuse it with more authenticity and relatability. He grappled with balancing corporate language with gritty, humanizing elements, aiming to strike a chord with his audience on a personal level.
After a series of late-night edits and revisions, Usher finalized his speech with Ms. Kanuga’s assistance. The script, now bearing his personal touch and heartfelt anecdotes, was sent to Emory officials for the upcoming commencement ceremony.
The night before the speech, Usher attended a reception in his honor, allowing him to unwind and feel more at ease. Over Japanese food, he made final adjustments to his script, ensuring that every word resonated with his intended message.
Despite the late hour, Usher found himself unable to sleep, his mind consumed with thoughts of the speech. In the early hours of the morning, he accepted that sleep would not come easily, knowing that the weight of his words would soon be felt by all those in attendance at Emory University. In the final hours leading up to his speech, Usher took command of the situation. He delved into the script, reading and rewriting, recording and rehearsing to ensure that every word he spoke would resonate with his audience. His wife, Jennifer, observed quietly as he meticulously assessed the script from his bed, focusing on the beats and nuances of his delivery.
Despite his background as a renowned singer and songwriter, Usher admitted that he felt more at ease with speechwriting than songwriting. However, he approached the process with the same level of dedication and precision, treating it like a carefully choreographed dance. He paid close attention to the flow of the speech, slowing down certain parts to make them more personal and injecting humor where appropriate.
By 5 a.m., Usher had made significant changes to the script, tweaking the text, tone, and timing to perfection while staying true to his original intent. He quickly shared his latest edits with his team, hoping to incorporate them into the teleprompter before the 8 a.m. event. Dressed in academic regalia, he made his way to the campus, making last-minute adjustments on his phone backstage.
As he heard the bagpipers play, Usher’s mind drifted to the movie “Sinners,” inspiring him to craft a line about vampires on the spot. Despite the flurry of changes and the pressure of the moment, he remained focused and prepared as he stepped onto the stage.
During his 17-minute speech, Usher captivated the audience, earning one of the morning’s longest rounds of applause. Reflecting on his performance afterward, he noted the moments that resonated most with the crowd. From animated reactions to his discussion of education to the somber silence that followed his personal anecdotes, he carefully gauged the audience’s response and adjusted his delivery in real time.
In the end, Usher expressed no regrets about his speech. He embraced the authenticity of his words, appreciating the honesty and conversational tone that defined his message. Even the last-minute adjustments reflected his true self, showcasing his genuine connection with the audience.
As he walked off the stage, Usher knew that he had delivered a speech that was not only impactful but also a true reflection of who he is. And in those final moments before leaving the podium, he felt a sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that his words had left a lasting impression on all who had listened. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations being introduced all the time. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize industries across the board, from healthcare to finance to transportation.
One area where AI is making a particularly big impact is in the field of robotics. Robots are no longer just clunky machines that perform repetitive tasks in factories. Thanks to advances in AI, robots are now able to learn, adapt, and even make decisions on their own.
One company at the forefront of this revolution is Boston Dynamics. Known for their innovative and lifelike robots, Boston Dynamics has been pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of robotics. Their robots, such as Spot and Atlas, are able to navigate complex environments, perform tasks like opening doors and carrying objects, and even do backflips.
But Boston Dynamics is not the only player in the game. Companies like SoftBank Robotics and Hanson Robotics are also making strides in the field of AI-powered robotics. SoftBank Robotics’ Pepper robot, for example, is designed to interact with humans in a natural and engaging way, while Hanson Robotics’ Sophia robot is able to hold conversations and express emotions.
The potential applications of AI-powered robots are vast. In healthcare, robots could assist with surgeries, provide companionship to elderly patients, and even help with physical therapy. In agriculture, robots could help with planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops. In manufacturing, robots could streamline production processes and increase efficiency.
But with these advancements also come challenges. There are concerns about the impact of AI on jobs, as robots could potentially replace human workers in certain industries. There are also ethical considerations to take into account, such as ensuring that robots are programmed to act in a way that aligns with human values and morals.
Despite these challenges, the future of AI-powered robotics looks bright. With continued innovation and collaboration between tech companies, researchers, and policymakers, we can harness the power of AI to create a more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected world. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is our imagination. The world is currently facing an unprecedented crisis as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on economies, healthcare systems, and daily life. With millions of people infected and hundreds of thousands of lives lost, the need for a global response has never been more urgent.
Governments around the world have implemented strict measures to slow the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates. While these measures have been effective in some countries, others have struggled to contain the virus, leading to a resurgence in cases and overwhelming hospitals.
One of the biggest challenges in the fight against COVID-19 has been the lack of a coordinated global response. Countries have acted independently, leading to confusion, misinformation, and a disjointed approach to tackling the virus. This has resulted in a patchwork of policies and strategies that have made it difficult to control the spread of the virus on a global scale.
In order to effectively combat COVID-19, experts agree that a unified approach is needed. This includes sharing data and best practices, coordinating travel restrictions, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments. However, achieving this level of cooperation has proven to be a daunting task, as countries grapple with their own domestic challenges and priorities.
Despite these obstacles, there have been some positive developments in the global response to COVID-19. International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts and providing guidance to countries. Additionally, collaborations between governments, scientists, and pharmaceutical companies have resulted in the rapid development of vaccines and treatments.
As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that a united front is essential in overcoming this crisis. Governments must work together to share resources, expertise, and information in order to protect the health and well-being of all people. By fostering solidarity and cooperation, we can ensure a more resilient and sustainable future in the face of global health threats.
