What Every Beginner Speaker Needs to Know
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 05:00AM
My consuming love for travel prompted my grandmother to brand me as a girl with “wander-lust.” She’s right! Any airport in the world qualifies as one of my favorite places and a new stamp on my passport gives me heart palpitations. The most exciting journey I’ve ever been on, though, is my journey as a speaker.
You may not qualify yourself as a professional speaker, but with hearts pounding and palms sweating, most of us have to speak at some time or another. You may “just” lead a small Sunday school class or introduce the speaker at the next women’s event. All of it is important when done from obedience to Jesus, and I’d like to share a few things that make the ride more pleasurable.
Preparing for the Journey
Being a messenger of God’s Word carries responsibilities as well as joys. Just like every trip begins by preparing alone before you leave home, every speaking journey begins without a large audience. It begins by cultivating an intimate relationship with an audience of One, God Himself. We’ll never be perfect or become worthy to speak, but we are called to teach out of a vibrant, growing relationship with God.
Packing Your Bags
Preparing an excellent message is a daunting and important task for every speaker. Becoming students of the craft means we are constantly improving our content and delivery. The goal isn’t that we are known but that we make Jesus better known.
Reading books on speaking and communication, listening to excellent speakers, and attending conferences are several ways we can work to improve our messages. Andy Stanley’s book Communicating for a Change, Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath, and The Reason We Speak edited by Marybeth Whalen are some must-reads I recommend.
You can find free podcasts by many excellent speakers online. As you listen to some of your favorites, analyze what makes their messages effective. Some of our Proverbs 31 Ministries speakers have CDs available that you could listen to for this very purpose.
There are some excellent speakers conferences. For example, She Speaks, Proverbs 31 Ministries’ summer conference for speakers, writers, and women’s ministry leaders offers an excellent opportunity to perfect your message, delivery, and more.
Choose topics to speak on that express your God-given passions and speak with your own distinct voice. God has created you uniquely so you can speak into the hearts and lives of specific women, so don’t try to imitate someone else. Your voice and your story are important and need to be heard.
Launching
Marketing is a place of great inner-conflict for most speakers. How do you let others know that you are available without too much self-promotion? This was a huge struggle for me until I realized that I didn’t need to market myself. I needed to market the message God had given me. That’s a whole different focus about which I could get passionate!
Tracie Miles wrote a series of excellent blog posts for Next Step Speaker Services, which are a tremendous resource for speakers desiring to get the word out. You can link to the first post in the series by clicking here. It’s an amazing free resource!
Enjoy the Scenery
As you travel down the road on your speaking journey, you’ll encounter all kinds of challenges, but it’s a joyful journey too. An incredible woman in ministry named Mimi Neighbors told me, “I have a front-row seat to the greatest show on earth!” She’s right. It’s not always an easy journey, but I’m constantly amazed that I am invited by God to join Him in spreading the Word.
Someone asked me recently, “What would your experienced-speaker-self tell your beginning- speaker-self?” I only paused a minute to think before replying, “Relax. Rejoice. And enjoy the journey.” I’d say the same to you!
Giveaway Gifts
I’d love to give a gift to one of you today! Please leave a comment telling whether you love or loathe speaking and why. We’ll randomly choose a commenter to win a copy of The Reason We Speak edited by Marybeth Whalen as well as a CD of Lysa TerKeurst’s “Fear-Less” message. I’ll throw speaker tips into the comments throughout the day to add to the fun!
Amy is a speaker for Proverb 31 Ministries and Director of Next Step Speaker Services. She lives in North Carolina with her three favorite guys and a little, red dachshund. You can find Amy on any given day typing at her computer, reading a book, coaching speakers, or trying to figure out an alternative to cooking dinner. Visit Amy at www.amycarroll.org and find weekly tips for speakers at www.nextstepspeakerservices.org/blog.
photo credit: WilliamMarlow via photopin cc
Reader Comments (59)
I love speaking, mostly because I know it's where God wants me to take risks and stretch myself and grow, but also because He has taught me some things on my own journey of life, and I sense He wants me to share them with others, whether in a Christian setting or in the secular world. Currently I am in and have been in Toastmasters since 2007. I have also attended Carol Kent's Speak Up With Confidence session 1 seminar. I have never attended a She Speaks conference. It sounds interesting. I started out in public speaking teaching Sunday School and sharing testimonies at church when I was 18.
The passion that has birthed out of my heart came from my disobedient and self serving years. God has given me a platform to share my heart on His forgiveness and love toward post aborted women. I love speaking to women, sharing my heart knowing that in the audience there are whose holding on to this secret and dying inside. I've read several books on how to prepare as a speaker and traveled to the SheSpeaks conference in 2007. Its my hope to go once again, when finances will allow it but this time for the Writer's Track. Yep, I believe God is calling me to write a book to those hurting women.
~Tammy
Thanks for sharing, Marcia and Tammy!
Speaker Tip: Starting with a personal story helps your audience to connect with you and gives you time to work through your nerves.
Thanks for sharing, Tammy and Marcia!
Speaker tip: Starting with a personal story helps your audience to connect you to quickly as well as helping you work over your initial nervousness.
I had my adorable red-headed, 3 year old nephew (and his adorable blonde-headed 6 year old brother!) over to spend the night recently. Early (and I mean EARLY), this little thing woke up. I tried to get him to quiet down and go back to sleep to which he promptly responded, "But I WOOOOOVVVEEE talking!" (Yes, "Wove" with a "W"!) HOW CUTE IS THAT?!? Well, I "wove" talking to…
I have done quite a few professional presentations, shared testimonies in front of my church, and taught many classes through the years. Yet, I am in a new phase. I am preparing to begin speaking on messages God has placed on my heart to share with women on how they can become more emotionally healthy, improve relationships, and develop an abundant life in Christ. I went to "She Speaks" (LIFE CHANGING!) last summer on the Speaker track, and left feeling more like a writer. Since last summer, I have been published in Extraordinary Women's Magazine with several more publications scheduled. So, I guess I am a writer who may become a speaker?!?
I would appreciate your prayers. This big time extrovert and former "mouth of the south" (as deemed by a fave uncle) may be more of a writer than a speaker. We really have no idea what path God will lead us down, but I am learning to simply. start. following,
Blessings!
I am currently working with Amy Carroll and although I began speaking years ago through ladies retreat's and conferences I find that this journey is brand new and it's an exciting one. I have the full support of my loving husband and after a new season in my life have learned that everyone has a story to tell and it changes because of the grace of God. We have to grow and change with it accepting the joy that comes with the sorrow and the lessons that teach us where to go for the assurance that we are never alone when we are children of God.
Im excited to see God taking me back to the beginning and showing me I still have much to learn and put the right resources and people in my life to help guide me in this new part of my journey. I am blessed with another second chance to serve Him and others just by telling people my story and how God has never let me walk alone.
Thanks for this article is was just what I needed today.
Tracy Boyd
I remember very clearly my first day of public speaking in college, when the professor made it very clear that statistically, significantly MORE PEOPLE FEAR SPEAKING IN PUBLIC than FEAR DEATH! When I realized that I was in the tiny minority of the statistics presented, I opened my heart to understanding that the Lord had taken away the fear of public speaking for a purpose - His purpose, and that I could trust He would be faithful to reveal it one day. The journey so far has had me honing my acting skills in certain seasons, honing my writing skills in others, and further, honing my photography skills (for visuals) in yet other seasons. I sense a coming together of them all and that the Lord is leading me into a new season, one which - ultimately - will include public speaking. And I want to be ready. Thank you, Amy, for pointing the way so gently and so practically - -I can't wait to dive into some of the resources you have recommended! BRAVA for delivering a message which leads to a significant action step! [Aside: I can't close without mentioning that I am now actually "unrepresented" in the statistics my professor presented,: I fear neither public speaking NOR DEATH! :) ]
Amy, this is a great post! Thank you for sharing such great wisdom with us. I will tell you that I LOVE teaching and sharing the message God has given me. But I so dislike the travel and leaving my family. It is a hard balance for me. God has been so gracious to give me friends who believe in what I do and who travel with me. It has been such a blessing because it makes traveling more fun. Plus as busy moms, we never get to spend "alone" time...always kids and husbands around. So we enjoy the girlfriend time as well.
Blessings to you,
Wendy
Hi!
I certainly never thought myself to be a group speaker but more of a one on one or no-more-than-3-type of "sharer". However, I am a RN(not a speaker...not even close!) at Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University), and I have been asked to do a women's chapel. I immediately found someone to take my place because I am as shy as they come and I don't want my girls to suffer through anything that I have to say. What I realized is that it was my own fear and I know the fear wasn't placed there by God. After much encouragement, I decided to prayerfully prepare to speak with these ladies. The topic needs to be on health and wellness so I will be sharing from Lysa's book, "Made to Crave". Chapel is this Monday from 10-10:50 AM and your prayers would very much be welcomed. I am nervous, very nervous, but I know that God will put those words in my mouth that He wants them to hear. I can be confident in that. Thank you for sharing your heart with so many!
My daughter is a part of a speaking Gavel club which is associated with Toastmasters Club. I am amazed at 15 that she is learning to speak as I am at age 43. Encouraging our girls to speak about God's word early is such a great idea. I wish i had been speaking at 15! Love this post. Wonderful ideas!
I love the encouragement in the post. What stood out the most was "I didn’t need to market myself. I needed to market the message God had given me." It is so true and remembering this keeps us humble. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips!
I would love to speak to young ladies...the message of Christ!
Alison, we'll all be praying for your Chapel time. I'm so inspired by your story!
Christina, I love hearing that your daughter is speaking at 15. Just imagine how God is going to use her skills!
Speaker tip: Keep your notes in a 3-ring binder so they don't end up on the floor in random order. :)
Amy -- you make some awesome points and give some tremendous resources. Recently I was asked to speak before a congregation in Haiti with only a few minutes warning. I was terrified! But the Lord stood beside me in the moment and many others after that. It reminded me that we have to be ready to speak on Christ's behalf in a moment's notice. We always need to be ready to share the good news when called upon. I wasn't ready that day and it made me want to be a better student and practice my speaking skills more. I want to be ready when He asks. Thanks for helping us to learn more about being ready for Him. Our words are so powerful and can change lives in a moment.
I too so love the idea of marketing the message God gave me, instead of myself. That just changes everything! I am excited to market in light of this! So delighted to have you here at Circles Amy. Thanks!
"The goal isn't that we are known, but that we make Jesus better known." Yes!
What an excellent post, Amy! Chock full of fabulous resources! Thank you!
I love speaking. I know I am called...but I am an introvert and it has definitely been a work of God to develop me into a woman who enjoys going to different places and meeting lots of strangers! I do consider it to a be a privilege to lead women to the footstool of their Savior and to remind them how much He loves them.
Jill
www.jillcampbellfarris.com
Excellent post Amy! Realistic and encouraging!
Hugs,
Sharon
Exciting and encouraging message Amy. I have a bit of the "wander-lust" myself. This message means even more now that I have had the blessing of meeting the author.
I am new the world of speaking. I have attended both She Speaks and She Speaks Intensive and I am so excited about the opportunities God is going to give me to speak and share to see lives of women changed and hearts more in love with Jesus than ever before. I have my first speaking engagement next Wed. and I have butterflies just writing about it. I can't wait to see where God will lead. Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging me to continue on.
Patti
I am writing my story. I would like to tell my story. I want to be a speaker. Thank you for the book suggestions.
Great message! Thank you for sharing. I love speaking! A picture paints a thousand words, but words can also cast a vision. I love communicating a vision with words.
I would love to begin speaking, but I am still waiting on the Lord's timing. I have had a few opportunities in the past. Thanks for this great resource.
I've never been able to sell anything. I've failed miserably each time I've tried. My first commission check of $7.59 bounced twice, costing me $30 in bank fees! However, selling the unconditional love of God is a joy and comes naturally to me. My payment is in seeing people reach an understanding of how special they are to the Lord. I love to share the ways God reached out to me and invite others to reach out to Him. It's the best job in the world!
You asked if we loved or loathed speaking. I love speaking one on one to women or even in a small group. Speaking before an audience is a different story altogether. I am not ruling out the possibility that God will choose to use me that way, but it sure seems a long way off for this girl who even hates to call people on the phone. Texting and e-mail have made me very rusty at vocal communication. I guess I need to start practicing!