Research = Passion
As I shared yesterday confidence is the key to overcoming your fear of public speaking and preparation is how you increase your confidence. The first step in preparation is research and study. The more you know about the topic you are speaking about the more confidence and passion you will possess when talking about it. The first assignment I was given during a speech course in college was a speech using an object lesson. I used a plastic milk jug and shared how the jug was made. I worked in a milk processing plant and I had experience operating the machine that made those jugs. Therefore I had a whole lot of knowledge about those jugs that the average individual did not possess. I was passionate about the speech because I could share things that would be interesting to my audience. Research is vital to your confidence because it produces passion. When you read and discover a truth that you did not possess before you get excited about sharing it. When I prepare a sermon the first thing I do is read the text that I will be preaching on. Then I usually read the entire book of the Bible it is located in. I want to familiarize myself with what happened before and after the author wrote the section I am dealing with. I read the passage about seven times and make notes each time that I read it. Once I complete this I move on to other sources (books, commentaries, etc.) that tell me more about the text. As I read these sources I record what jumps off the page to me on a note pad. The more I have the better. You often hear people say about a speaker, “he over-prepared.” That is a myth, there is no such thing as over preparation when it comes to public speaking. Its all about what you do with what you prepare that makes the difference. I’ll share about that tomorrow. For now if you have a small group to lead here are some bullets to follow:
- Go to the scripture you are using in the Bible first and read it 7 times (This starts the process of incubation in your mind).
- Go to the lesson next and read it several times (this is the book or curriculum you are using)
- Write down only the stuff that jumps off of the page to you on a note pad
Tomorrow I’ll share what you do with it! For now let me know other things you do while researching.
I see where research/experience/knowledge breeds confidence in speaking about a subject. But I am no less passionate about Christ I am just not as versed. Isnt it the passion that drives us to research and learn the word or anything else for that matter? Guess I am conflicted here Jimmy. OR were you saying confidence breeds passion?
Thanks Deke! I’m not talking about passion for Christ I am talking about passion to teach someone something new about following Christ. I am specifically talking about public speaking about Christ when you lead a group. So if you were asked to lead a group you would need to find something in the Bible that you were going to teach and become “well versed” in it. This research would create confidence and produce passion in your delivery. Therefore, “Research = Passion.”
Okay that makes sense! Thanks.
I am really enjoying this topic, jimmy. In my profession I have to speak in front of a crowd only a couple of times each year and it is very nerve-wracking (if that’s even a word)! Since I’ve become involved with compassion intl. I’ve been asked to speak a few times but turned down the opportunities because of a lack ofconfidence. I will definitely use the information you are providing here to help in these situations. Thanks!