“To the Quiet Ones” — A Letter That Changed Everything

When I was in primary school, my teacher Mr Fisher wrote me a letter. It wasn’t long. It wasn’t fancy. But it has never left me.

Here’s what he wrote:

“I guess you will always be one of the quiet people – that's good, the world needs more quiet thinkers. You must try not to be too shy about your own abilities. There will come a time when you need to sell yourself a little more. If you can do that, I know that you will make a great success of whatever you do.”

I didn’t fully understand it back then. I was quiet. Shy. I didn’t raise my hand unless I had to. I had ideas, but I kept them to myself. Speaking up felt like standing on a cliff’s edge — thrilling and terrifying all at once.

But Mr Fisher’s words planted something in me.

He didn’t tell me to be louder or to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. He reminded me that being quiet was okay — even valuable — but that one day, I’d need to find a way to let the world see what I was capable of.

It took me another 20 years…But eventually, I did sell myself.

I became a World Champion of Public Speaking Semi-Finalist, a professional Auctioneer, and a Podcast Host — all things the shy kid in school never would have imagined.

And I truly believe it started with that one letter.

So, thank you Mr Fisher. Your words lit a spark that helped shape my future.

Now, through Tannen Talks, I help others do the same.

If You’re a Quiet Thinker

If you’ve ever been told you’re too quiet...If you’ve held back your ideas because you didn’t want to sound “full of yourself”...If you’ve doubted whether your voice could ever belong on a stage...

This is your sign.

You don’t have to change who you are — but you can grow the confidence to speak. You can learn how to tell your story. You can show the world what you bring — not by shouting, but by standing tall in your truth.

The world still needs quiet thinkers. But it also needs quiet leaders. Quiet voices who choose to speak.

And if that sounds like you — I hope I get to help you on that journey.

Because if I can do it, you can too.

— Mark

Tannen Talks