Walk the Talk: An Uphill Task

Several years ago, NDTV aired a program called "Walk The Talk," hosted by the renowned journalist Shekhar Gupta. The guests were typically public figures and political personalities. What captured our attention was the unique style in which the interviews—or conversations—were conducted. Throughout the shoot, the host and guest walked in an outdoor location while discussing various topics. While there may have been a few

exceptions, we are not aware of them. However, the purpose of this article is not to discuss the famous TV show but rather to address the phrase "Walk The Talk."

In those days, we naively believed that "walk the talk" simply meant talking while walking, as was evident from the show. We later learned that the actual meaning is "doing what one preaches." ‘Walk the talk’ phrase is quite popular in corporate circles. Almost everyone seems ready to offer advice on it or claims to embody this principle at work. If that were truly the case, the term "corporate jungle" likely wouldn't exist!

This brings us to the next aspect of our discussion: why is the gap between walking and talking observed quite often? 

We are well aware that talking is a relatively easier act to perform compared to walking. After all, effective talking requires some reading, knowledge assimilation, and the ability to convey thoughts clearly. Impactful speaking, while challenging, can be achieved through persistent efforts. On the other hand, walking — practicing what one preaches — is a different challenge altogether. 

Walking, in this context, involves demonstrating what one talks about. This requires significant discipline and commitment. While it is easy to impress others with intellectual discourse (or "gyan"), at the end of the day, what make the difference is whether the preacher genuinely follows or adheres to those principles in their professional and personal life. After all, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

The difficulty of translating knowledge into action was beautifully illustrated by Duryodhana when he spoke to Sri Krishna before the great war of Kurukshetra. Duryodhana said, “I know what is right, but I cannot follow it. I know what is wrong, but I cannot stop doing it.” This highlights the increasing difficulty of moving from knowing to talking to walking and also be assured that this is not a knew phenomenon. It is a perennial problem.

As we realize, walking in this context signifies a live demonstration of one’s words. Consequently, the effort (purushakar) required to translate words into action is several notches higher as compared to reading, assimilating and talking. Hence, we are inclined to opt for an easier route. An eloquent speaker can instantly impress others but the impact of words is usually not long-lasting. However, a person who walks the talk not only commands respect but also inspires generations. To name a few, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Swami Vivekananda, Bhagat Singh and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Such personalities left behind a legacy worth emulating. A mere talker does not stand anywhere in front of such towering personalities.

We must admit that even in current time, many such men and women from different fields of human endeavour have been silently practicing their preachings far away from the gaze of the public eye. But those who know and work with them are an inspired lot.