Do you enjoy public speaking? I don't really. My "career" started when I was in 6th grade. The Wednesday night program that I attended did a yearly talent contest. I brought home the flyer, fully intending to throw it away, but my parents looked it over and wanted me to do a "reading".
So I memorized a devotional from Keys for Kids, which was a dad and a girl speaking, I believe, and carefully rehearsed my reading.
The program came...my turn came...I got up, said the title...and forgot every single line. I stood on the stage, a lone tear trickling down my face, and wished that the floor could swallow me up. I made my way back to my seat, and my dad took me outside. After I regained my composure, with the help of one of my leaders, it was somehow arranged that I go back up.
So back up I went, and delivered my speech perfectly. Since my lone competition was a girl who stumbled through a story (sounding as if she had never before read it--I've always felt sorry for her, because it was so obvious she didn't have any help at home), I got first place.
My dubious honor for placing first was to repeat my performance in church on Sunday evening. After another perfect performance (no tears this time!), the wife of the owner of the local Christian radio station came up to me and told me what a great job I had done, and that I had been broadcast over the radio station. I'm sure glad that I didn't know that beforehand!
I'm glad that my parents encouraged me to do this performance, but even more so, I'm glad that my dad (and leader) strongly encouraged me to go back up and start over. It would have been so much easier for my mom and dad to hand me a Kleenex and say, "oh, honey, you poor thing." While I don't relish public speaking, I can do it if need be. I've never run off the stage crying again either! *Smiles*
5 comments:
What a cute story!
I don't really like to speak in public but thanks to my 2 years in Speech class at NV I'm not a total clutz at it either.
I am enjoying teaching our Ladies Bible Study.
I like it! BUT it still scares the daylights out of me.
I got to do some speech contests when I was a teenager and I really enjoyed it. Your dad sounds like mine. :)
I was introverted most of my life..my mom even worried about it...haha...NO MORE...about 9th grade that ended...now ...I talk to anyone..anywhere...elevators, grocery lines.
Public speaking...no problem..love to teach or speak BUT if only I am prepared, have studied and know that I know what I am talking about....I get nervous at first but it is over once I start.
~~Deby
What sweet parents to make it sure you were able to do it again AND to encourage you to give it another try!!! Great job to you and your parents!!!
Public speaking has always been my #1 fear!!!!! I don't know how anyone does it!!!
His,
Mrs. U
I do enjoy public speaking and drama. I believe it is a gift God chose to give me (neither of my parents particularly enjoy public speaking though neither of them run from it.)
Now playing the piano in public - *ugh* - I dread it (though I've had the job of church pianist several times. I got over the nervousness after I had the piano jobs for a few months.)
I froze at a piano competition once - in front of a large audience. I finally remembered enough to get through the piece ... but I can totally relate to the pain you felt with your speech! Horrible, horrible moment!
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