I'm to be the guest speaker

[Bob Wright]

Next Saturday morning I'm to be the guest speaker at my church for the Men's Prayer Breakfast. As I searched for a subject and tried to prepare a brief talk, this story came to my mind.

A young man, preacher student, was called upon to be a speaker. Now he had yet to do this, and sought the advice from an older and more experienced preacher.

"Sir, could you give me some hints on how to make a devotional talk?" asked the younger man.

"Yes, Sir, I can." replied the old gent. "When you get up to speak, tell your audience what you're going to tell them. Then tell tell them. Then tell them what you've told them and shut up and sit down."



Bob Wright

 

[dwayne]

Good advice. I was coached by “The Circuit Rider” of B&W TV fame. His advice to me, over 40 years ago, regarding ANY public speaking was this: Always abide by these two rules … 1.) Only speak about subjects that you are passionate about and KNOW to be true; and, 2.) Never speak more than 15 minutes. I never forgot his advice. It has steered me well throughout my career and life. Good luck at the breakfast. Your audience is on for a treat.

 

[Dave P.]

Do you have a pink shirt?

 

[turd]

Bob, I'm sure you will do well. You always have great stories to tell, and easily insert life lessons into them. I'd like to be there when you speak.

 

[hittman]

Like many I was nervous at the thought of giving a speech. My boss ( in the 80s ) put me through the 16 week Dale Carnegie Course in Human Relations and Public Speaking. Helped me a lot. I made a list of “reminders” that included;

1. You’ve been asked because they consider YOU to be an authority.
2. Everyone there is glad THEY are not the one speaking! LOL
3. Memorize or write down 3 or 4 bullet points to remind yourself of the content.

You’ll do fine.

 

[blammer]

Just make sure to double-check your fly before you go on stage. And look at different parts of your audience throughout the presentation. Telling a few on-topic jokes is always a good idea. Quick real-life stories, even about yourself are good. Be super prepared and practice on a sympathetic, yet critical person.

Your audience is already on your side so stand up, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy yourself.

Good on you.

 

[jimbo1096]

Smile, It always makes people wonder what you're up to.

 

[Kevin]

I too would love to be in the audience. Good luck! And let us know how it went.

 

[turd]

You haven't asked for advice, so take this with a grain of salt, but I had to make many presentations and spoke before groups several times for work. I always tried to remember that I was the only one there that knew what I was going to say, so if I forgot something or it came out a little differently than intended, just move on and don't worry about it.

 

[wolfsong]

You'll do fine, sir.

 

[black1970]

Bob-make sure there is a guard posted in the parking lot of that church and don’t leave a gun in your vehicle. There have been over 2,000 vehicles stolen to date this year in Memphrica. Not to mention the number of firearms stolen out of them. Tennessee leads the nation in gun thefts from cars. BTW this might be a good topic for your talk, vehicle and personal safety. Good luck.

 

[Bob Wright]

Bob-make sure there is a guard posted in the parking lot of that church and don’t leave a gun in your vehicle. There have been over 2,000 vehicles stolen to date this year in Memphrica. Not to mention the number of firearms stolen out of them. Tennessee leads the nation in gun thefts from cars. BTW this might be a good topic for your talk, vehicle and personal safety. Good luck.

Rest assured that I will not leave my Ruger in my vehicle. I will be armed, as likely about half the men in the audience will be. And, yes we do have armed guards at my church.