Conversation Point

In This Moment

Using Our Words

Did you know that the number one fear of the American people is public speaking? Interesting, and perhaps very telling, that we don't give global warming, crime rates in the cities next door or the increasing number of SUVs on the road a second thought, but mention the possibility of having to give a speech, even a short one, and we go all to pieces. What is it about this activity that causes grown ups to to whine and plead and weep their way out of presenting a reading for a friend's wedding? Why do some of us become ill or faint at the idea of leading a prayer after a Bible or doing a training session for our co-workers?

It is simple really, and can be summed up in three words: accountability, preparation and trust.

When we have everyday, normal conversations with people, be they friends, relatives or the guy down the street who owns the bakery, we usually are aware of what we are saying, and hopefully, are also conscious of the effect our words produce. If we embellish a few facts to fit the moment, or if we forget some pertinent information, we have at least one or two chances to redeem ourselves and set the record straight. If we really confuse our lives with some broad-ranging miscommunication, say, inadvertently insulting a friend's choice in a boyfriend, there may need to be little more effort involved to correct the situation. W are accountable for our words, but in a private venue, one in which we may still feel we have control.

Not so when you are on a stage in front of a room full of people, and all eyes and ears are on you. Everybody is intent on everything you are saying, and if you make a mistake with your facts, your examples or your conclusions, someone, or several someones, may ask you to explain yourself. You may be held ccountable in a very public way. Of course, that may not be a bad thing at all, and in fact could be pretty exciting because it could mean your presentation was engaging and informative. Interesting, though, that so many of us assume the worst about being held accountable, as if we are going to do something wrong, and not be able to pull ourselves out of it. We could just as easily be caught doing something right.

Preparation is key to making your way through the barren wilderness of fear that can precede a public speaking engagement. Rather than remain stuck in the angst of asking yourself why you agreed to do this in the first place, doing what it takes to become familiar with your topic, and organizing how you want to present it, will help alleviate your anxiety, and make you believe in what you are doing. Not preparing means you will be held accountable in all the ways you fear most, and will deserve. It is pointless to short-change your preparation to indulge your fear.

While preparation is key to creating a public presentation, trust is the deep breath you take before you leap into the pool: you will only hit bottom if you underestimate your own abilities and chose the shallow end of the pool. If you believe in what you are doing, know it can turn out well. Prepare to the best of your ability, trust yourself, and know that not only will you survive, but you will also succeed.

But there is also that trust in God that reminds us that not being in complete control of the universe is not a bad thing. "When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time (Mark 13:11)." Although not designed for the Congregation of the Fear of Public Speaking, the scripture reminds us that we are never alone in what we do, even on stage before a live audience, when we trust our words to be God's words.

Until next tine, God's blessings,

posted by Cory L. Kemp @ 7:15 PM