I've spoken in a variety of situations over the years. I don't mind teaching, or presenting in a seminar, or speaking as an invited guest at some function. But if you really want to feel inadequate and at a complete loss, preach somebody's funeral. I always come away feeling that it didn't quite measure up.
Geezers uncle bob that must have been really uncomfortable. :O! My Grammie died almost a year ago and one of her wishes was for us to get up and read a few of things out of the bible. We did and that was scary and emotional enough. What a hard position to be put in.
My daughter is a minister and she is called on for funerals that are so very hard for her. She has already done her grandmother's and her sister's. I don't know how she does it, but she does.
My sister also is an ordained minister. We've assisted each other on a couple of occasions. Her delivery is smooth as silk and if she's struggling, no one detects it. Some have the inclination for it I suppose. Where there's an emotional bond to the deceased, then it only makes it more difficult to carry out. I often think that one problem is that you want to try and do so much for the family, yet you're limited by time and circumstances.
Is this before or after happy hour? ;) No. I really don't mind speaking in public as long as I am knowledgeable on the topic and have passion toward it. I certainly don't need to be the center of attention. However, if I were asked to support a cause I believed in, I most definitely would. To get up and start doing the Hula, No. Not even after Happy Hour! ... I don't think I would. I would hope I wouldn't.
This post was edited by Merlin at February 9, 2018 7:09 PM MST
Thank you for your response. I used to be the go to person at work to give a speech or say a few words if someone retired. I didn't mind it if I really respected the person because the words came easy. I did have to say a few words at a wedding once and I had no idea that it was expected of me. I had to just get up there and wing it. LoL! I just spoke from my heart, I think it went ok?
This post was edited by Summer at February 9, 2018 2:36 PM MST
You're welcome and speaking at a wedding is much different than wishing a warm farewell to a retiring co-worker. Having to speak at a wedding, on the bride's always-to-be-remembered and video tapped for forever would have been brutal!!!! Did you know the now married couple well or were they acquaintances and you were the perfect guest to speak? Either way, it would have been hard not knowing the crowd you were speaking to. You must be good at it! CHEERS!!! I applaud you for being able to "rise to the occasion!"
It was my brother's wedding and they just told me that after the ceremony I would have to say a few words at the wedding reception. It was only the second wedding I had ever been to in my entire life. I really didn't mind talking in front of a crowd back then it was almost fun for me kind of like a challenge. I just told everyone that I had just found out that I would be speaking. They kind of laughed and then I went on to say how much I loved my brother and his wife and how I was so happy that they were able find each other. Then I raised my glass and toasted to the bride and groom. It wasn't a long speech, but I did it. : )
This post was edited by Summer at February 9, 2018 3:53 PM MST
I would be quaking in my boots.. i hate any attention or being observed.. but i don't let that stop me. I've done it.. will do so again..I wish I could lose the absolute panic i feel when doing it... but I guess I have to learn to live with that too
Not afraid and don't love the attention. It is a lot of work as a rule and I don't aspire to fame unless it leads to something more positive. Like a good message that will help aid something or money. I would speak for money. Lots of money.
It depends on what I have to talk about and who I have to talk to. If I had to go before a senate hearing and explain my view on socialism, I would be a wreck. On the other hand, if I had to talk to a bunch of boy scouts about nature and why environmental conservation is important, I would be very confident.
Benedict Arnold 