What Going Live On Air Taught Me

My two firsts on Sunday, 5 April.

“You don’t speak Chinese?”

That was the reaction I kept getting when I shared that I was invited onto UFM 100.3 to talk about my story and my song《心光》in Mandarin.

Honestly, it stretched me.
I do speak Mandarin.
But speaking it casually… and expressing yourself clearly, professionally, live on air, are two very different things.

Thank you to Aaron, the deejay, for the warm encouragement.
It made the experience so much easier to step into.

This was a double “first” for me:
• My first live radio interview
• My first time being interviewed fully in Mandarin

Here’s what I learned from my first time speaking Mandarin on a live radio interview… and no retakes:

Once you speak, it’s out there.
Preparation is key, but it won’t unfold exactly as planned.
Preparation gives clarity. Delivery requires flexibility.

I prepared deeply for every question… but on air, responses had to be shorter.

Staying calm and present helped me respond in the moment and go with what came.

I probably used only 50% of what I prepared.

Growth comes from saying yes before you feel 100% ready.

Was it challenging? Definitely.
But mindset is important. I kept reminding myself: I can do this.

And I’m glad I did.
Because beyond promoting《心光》, this experience reminded me that every new level comes with a new stretch.

So if you’re hesitating to try something because it feels uncomfortable,
maybe that’s exactly the sign you should go for it.

《心光》isn’t just in the song.
Sometimes, it’s in the moments we dare to step into.

Grateful for the experience, and for everyone who tuned in 🙏
And thank you again to Aaron for supporting local music and artists.

I warmly invite you to listen to《心光》here:

With C.A.R.E.®

Founder, Xel Consulting

Contact Xi Ren