Describe a time when you encouraged someone to do something: IELTS cue card with sample answer

A couple of years ago, I noticed my younger brother, Leo, was really struggling with his self-confidence regarding public speaking. He had been offered a chance to represent his university at a regional debate tournament, but he was terrified and almost declined the invitation because he feared being laughed at. Knowing he had a sharp mind and plenty of interesting opinions, I felt I had to intervene. I sat him down over a coffee and we went through his notes together. I encouraged him by breaking the task into manageable chunks, helping him rehearse his opening statements repeatedly until they felt like second nature to him. I also shared a few personal anecdotes about my own early failures to show him that making mistakes is simply part of the process. I didn't just tell him to 'be brave'; instead, I acted as a sounding board, listening to his arguments and offering constructive feedback on his delivery. By the time the event arrived, he felt significantly more prepared. The result was truly heart-warming; he didn't just participate, he actually made it to the final round. While he didn't take home the trophy, the shift in his demeanour was immense. He stopped doubting his capabilities and started volunteering for presentations at his workplace. I truly believe that by simply offering him that initial push and a bit of practical support, I helped him unlock a potential he had been hiding away for years, which has since led him to become a much more assertive individual in both his professional and personal life.