Last Monday, I had the opportunity for the very first time to give a message from up front. In other words, preach. I have been in many setting over the past few years where I have been able to speak to groups of people for the purpose of training, etc... but this was the first time to be in preaching-like setting.
My topic was selflessness, or humility, which some of you will no doubt find ironic considering how well you know me. Anyways, it is actually something that I was asked to speak about by our project directors, as they knew it had been a large part of my own personal growth when I as a freshman student was on summer project.
Preparing was an interesting process. I decided to introduce myself with pictures from my summer project and transition with an excerpt from my journal about all that I was learning about selflessness there. I used a format that started with the heart problem we all have (pride), talked about Jesus Christ as the revealer of pride, ultimate example, and the one who frees us to be humble. I then moved into a few practical steps one could take to cultivate humility and closed with challenges to those who both don't know Christ and know Christ. I ended with a Derek Webb song, I Boast No More, which talks about surrendering our pride before God. I read a poem by Christina Rosetti called "Give Me the Lowest Place" which I had first heard at a Schola Cantorum concert.
I prepared a manuscript with almost the exact words that I wanted to say, figuring I could move out from there. Knowing how I think, I believe that is probably the best method for me. I received a lot of great feedback and encouragement which I am grateful for. Some things I believe I can grow in include preparing the manuscript (getting a feel for timing), maintaining as much eye contact with the whole room as possible, and avoiding saying "Um" as a space filler.
Ultimately, I believe the Lord helped me to maintain an attitude of reliance on him throughout the process. I am excited about all the opportunities I've had to grow in speaking on this project, and I look forward to growing even more in this area. I have no confidence in the sound of my voice, but I do know that God's Word has power when spoken through me.
To listen to my talk, you can download it at this link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=bb25a421e37efc34312dbd5f2bdc5062e04e75f6e8ebb871
Let me know if you have problems getting it and I'll try to help you.
1 comments:
Way to go, buddy. I know that first time can be so nerve wracking.
"Some things I believe I can grow in include preparing the manuscript (getting a feel for timing), maintaining as much eye contact with the whole room as possible, and avoiding saying "Um" as a space filler."
I can tell you that all of these things improve over time. As you speak more and more you realize what you do wrong and make adjustments almost automatically (or by the Holy Spirit...who knows?) ;)
One of the things that helped me the most was to quit trying to fit into a mold of what I thought it was supposed to be like. For instance, I feel more comfortable (and thus more effective) when I sit. Another thing that I've found helps me tremendously is to walk. Back and forth, into the first few rows of the crowd, etc. Whatever helps.
Sounds like you had a great lesson. Did you happen to touch on Phil. 2 any in your talk on humility?
stay salty
>>zack
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