🧭 When Words Hold Us Back: My Note to Every DMETian Dreaming Bigger Than Their Tongue Allows

Prateek Khanna
Apr 16
5 min read

I’ll begin with a confession.

Even today, after writing hundreds of blogs, emails, and speeches—and after recording interviews, podcasts, and pitches—I fumble. I pause too long. I mix up my tenses. I spell things wrong. I sometimes get nervous about whether I’m sounding “smart enough.”

I’ve written sentences that made me cringe five minutes later.I’ve recorded voice notes that I deleted right after.I’ve hesitated to speak in rooms full of “perfect English.”And yet—I’ve never stopped expressing myself.

Because here’s what I’ve learned:

If you wait to be perfect to speak, you’ll wait forever.

And for those of us who come from highly technical, hands-on, engine-room worlds like DMET, this truth hits even harder. We’re trained to solve real-world problems, not to speak in flowery metaphors. And sometimes, in the world of business or entrepreneurship, this becomes a quiet struggle.

🌊 The Invisible Barrier: Language and the Fear of Not Being Understood

Over the last few years, I’ve had the chance to speak to some of the most brilliant DMETians—folks working on cutting-edge tech, building startups, creating impact at sea and onshore. But when it comes to communicating their ideas to the outside world, I’ve seen many retreat into silence.

Not because they didn’t have something powerful to say.

But because they worried they might say it “wrong.”

I’ve seen hesitation replace conviction.

I’ve seen English grammar become a mental roadblock in the middle of revolutionary ideas.

And honestly, I’ve felt that too. I still do.

🛠️ We Were Not Trained for the Stage, But That’s No Excuse

We, DMETians, were trained in machinery, navigation, safety systems, engines, and resilience. We were never handed a mic and told how to pitch ourselves. We weren’t taught branding or storytelling. Our communication was sharp, coded, minimal.

But as we enter business, entrepreneurship, and global spaces—where communication is currency—this gap becomes glaring. Not because we aren’t capable. But because we’ve always tied “being fluent” to “being worthy.”

Let me say this as clearly as I can:

Language is a vehicle—not your value.

🚀 To My Younger DMET Friends: Here’s What You Can Do

If you’ve ever hesitated to present your startup, pitch your idea, write that email, or share your thoughts because your English wasn’t “good enough,” I want you to know:

You are not alone.

And here’s what I humbly suggest—lessons I’ve learned by doing, failing, and continuing anyway:

1. Just Start.

Don’t overthink it. Hit ‘record’. Write that post. Speak in that meeting. Fumble. But do it anyway. No one gets it right the first time.

2. Accept Imperfection.

I still make mistakes. In grammar. In tone. In delivery. But you’ll never grow if you’re not willing to be seen in progress.

3. Use What You Know.

If Hindi or your native language gives you more control—start there. Explain your ideas first to yourself in the language you think best in. Clarity starts in your head, not in your accent.

4. Keep Practicing.

Read. Write. Watch. Repeat. Language is like an engine—it improves with use. Just like we learned to run a ship, we can learn to run our voice too.

5. Ask for Help.

Get a friend to proofread. Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly. Don’t isolate yourself. Everyone needs an editor—even the best authors. (Maa kasam, ye blog bhi CHATGPT se thik hua hai!)

6. Focus on Substance Over Style.

Your idea is what people are looking for. Your delivery will catch up. Don't let the form stop you from sharing your fire.

💬 Language Is Power, But Silence Is a Bigger Risk

I’ve seen people with far less experience win deals, simply because they spoke.And I’ve seen far more capable people stay stuck, simply because they didn’t.

It’s painful to watch.

The world is full of noise. But I believe the world needs your voice—especially if it’s rooted in truth, experience, and intention.

And if that voice takes a little time to refine—so be it.

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🙏 In Closing

To all the young (and not-so-young) DMETians dreaming of building something—whether it’s a startup, a consulting practice, or a personal brand—please don’t let grammar rules stop your revolution.

Don’t let a language define the limits of your leadership.

Speak. Write. Share.Even if you fumble. Even if you pause.

Because the more you do it, the more natural it becomes.

We were trained to keep ships afloat in storms. Communicating your vision—even with imperfect words—is far less difficult.Trust me.

You are more ready than you think.

With gratitude and belief,— Prateek Khanna Founder, DMET Club Entrepreneur, Speaker, Frequent Fumbler, and Proud of It And if your voice should tremble, let it tremble proud and free,