She Speaks Scholarship Contest!

Ooooo goody! I have a treat for you today, and I’m feeling even perkier than usual!!!!

We have the honor of giving away a full scholarship to our annual She Speaks Conference! The very generous Cecil Murphey is providing the scholarship to this life-changing conference. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Murphey during the conference last year and it was a treat just to talk to him for a few minutes. His breakout session was my take-away from last year. I’ll be sure to post about it one day, because it was transformational for me. Please take a moment to visit his website at www.themanbehindthewords.com.

Cecil Murphey is committed to helping a new generation of communicators. His commitment, combined with his incredible generosity, will allow one of you to attend She Speaks this year!

Here’s what the scholarship includes:

Registration for one person for the 2011 She Speaks conference. The value is $595 and includes two nights in the conference hotel (based on double occupancy), all conference meals, all conference materials, and internet service. It does not include round trip travel to the conference.

The scholarship is non-transferable and cannot be traded for cash or exchanged for other conference options.

You can add a private room, extra nights, or a pre-conference seminar to your registration but this will be at your own expense.

In order to win, all you have to do is help me prepare for my breakout session. (Sorry to mix “selfish” with Cecil’s generosity!) At She Speaks this year, I will be teaching a breakout session called “What Every Beginner Speaker Needs to Know”. To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post answering one of the following questions:

1. Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?

2. Leave a comment telling what you, as a more seasoned speaker, wish you had known as a beginner. What is the best piece of advice that you would give to a beginner?

Comments left through Sunday, April 3^rdat midnight will be entered, and the winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 5^th. Tell everybody you know!

I hope while you’re visiting that you’ll take a look around our Next Step Speaker Services website. You’re always welcome here! If you like what you see on past blog posts, you can subscribe to receive these free speaker tips weekly.

I can’t wait to read your comments, and thanks for participating!!

« He Speaks

And the Winner Is… »

Comments

Unity Faith Miller says
April 5, 2011 at 12:38 pm

I am waaaay to late for this but feel that I should still leave a comment. What is sad about this is Zoe told me about this a few days ago but with life issues I let time slip by anyways I digress. I would consider myself a little more than a new speaker but still in the beginnig stages. I think the biggest thing for me is how to market myself as a speaker and to draw my audience in to waht I am saying and stay interested. I realize that you will never please everyone all the time but I want to reach as many as I can .I also would like to comment on how I feel a speaker needs to vulnerable in her seaking and open but how do you do that without offending others or taking away from your message.

Thank You for lettinhg me share and God Bless,

Unity Faith

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Darilyn Lemky says
April 4, 2011 at 3:25 pm

Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t know about this until today! I have missed your deadline by just hours! May I suggest that I should “qualify” for the scholarship because I will be flying all the way there from Winnipeg, Canada?

I am an intermediate speaker, what I learned recently from The Wealthy Speaker is to make it about them — the audience. When I applied that advice to my last speaking engagement, I had the best response ever, and my audience had a great time! I had them laughing (which is saying a lot because it was a Baptist Church at an event to raise money for terminally ill children!) and I touched their hearts for Jesus. It was my best ever because I made it about THEM — the audience. Wish I had known sooner.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, and whether I win or not, I am coming the conference. I am excited to meet you there.

Darilyn Lemky

PS Did I mention my airfare will be $846.00? 😀

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Christine Jumalon says
April 3, 2011 at 11:33 pm

Where do you begin as a new speaker? Do you make a list of topics you can speak on and hit the pavement knocking on doors? Do you make a demo tape and send it out to vaious women’s ministries asking to be part of their next women’s program? What should your dress attire be? Do you go semi casual or dressed to the hilt? Do you have a fee you charge for each engagement?

Any suggestions or direction would be appreciated……………………

Christine

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Cheryl Sund says
April 3, 2011 at 11:27 pm

As a writer, I find it easy to write the story that God has given me. But to SPEAK it?! How do I learn to make those butterflies fly in formation? And what about marketing?

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Rachel Temple says
April 3, 2011 at 11:10 pm

I spoke at a women’s retreat last year. This was the first time I spoke in public. The advise that was given to me was to pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead.

I am just getting started and have some of the same questions as many of the other ladies.

One question that crosses my mind is how to balance ministry and family life?

Thank you for this opportunity!

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Kimberly M. Walker says
April 3, 2011 at 11:00 pm

I have spoken at a several local churches and secular organizations on different topics areas. How do I address both Christian and secular audiences without offending either audience and more importantly, my King?

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Holly Dvorak says
April 3, 2011 at 10:37 pm

Although I have spoken to groups on a fairy regular basis over the past year and half, I continue to feel like I am always “reinventing the wheel”. It would be so refreshing to learn the simple basics of preparing and organizing your speaking material.

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Susan says
April 3, 2011 at 10:36 pm

From my earliest memory, I was riddled with fears and phobias. When the Lord called me to speak for Him, I was like Moses, “Please send someone else!” (Ex 4:13)
But the Lord answered me – “Who gave human beings their mouths? … Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Ex. 4:11-12)

Fear was a threshold I could not cross, keeping me outside the life God ordained for me. When my Bridegroom carried me past that threshold, I discovered the pure joy of being used by the Lord.
This is not to say that I am no longer afraid. I have learned to fear the Lord only and to allow those other fears to keep me on my knees, depending on God rather than my own limited strength.

I agree with comedian Jerry Seinfeld who said – The #1 fear in this country is public speaking [true]. The #2 fear is death [also true]. That means that at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy. [true for me!! lol]

I am not a newbie, but neither would I consider myself a seasoned speaker. I’m just a girl trying to walk in obedience to the calling He’s placed on my life. But I need to step out in faith…

Thank you so much for the scholarship opportunity. Thanks to Cecil Murphey and to you Amy for the godly wisdom you share in NSSS.
Blessings to you,
Susan

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Alicia says
April 4, 2011 at 1:21 am

Do cultural habits and practices affect our speaking style? Can they be a barrier between us and the current audience we are speaking to? How does one get past that as the speaker to be Godly impactful, influential, and inspiring? How does the urban speaker reach the rural listener? Must the Caucasian speaker adopt the charismatic, highly energetic style of the southern Black preacher to reach Black audiences and congregations? How does the Latino speaker speak to the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian American congregation? Does it even matter? Sure it’s nice to bring a little “flavor” to a place, to mix things up and breathe new life and new experiences into a group but can those styles and experiences hinder our ministry and our audience from hearing GOD through us? GOD made us, each of us, who we are. Our collection of experiences, trials and triumphs has shaped us and shapes us for HIS glory. While I am a person who likes variety and learning from and about others I recognize that isn’t everybody. In fact I think most people enjoy routine and what feels normal to them; me too a lot of times. What should we as beginning speakers need to know about bringing our cultural experiences, habits, and practices to a microphone? If thee are hindrances or potential hindrances what can we do to overcome them to inspire, influence, and Godly impact our audience?

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Laura Boswell says
April 4, 2011 at 1:11 am

When I felt called by God to become a speaker, I just thought that i would go out and speak about what he has laid on my heart. I didn’t realize the “Business” aspect of it. It is a lot of hard work networking. I find it hard “selling myself” when I don’t want the focus to be on me but on the message laid on my heart. My biggest question is ” How do you go about getting your name out there to speak when no one knows you”?

I hosted a FREE event that everyone thought it was a GREAT idea and a much needed message, but
due to me being a “New Speaker and an UNKNOWN” I didn’t get a lot of support. I did a lot of foot work to
personally meet people to introduce myself, and I had a lady ask me “who are you and what qualifies you
to speak”? It was like a stab in the chest, it hurt and all most made me mad, but God gave me the words to say. I replied ” I am a nurse who works in this community and I see young girls come in pregnant. Girls
do not seem to have any self-respect any more. I am from a teen pregnancy and I personally know how
hard it is to grow up with your mom. I want to talk to girls to prevent them from making some mistakes
that will have an impact for the rest of their life. I am nobody famous or well know, but I am somebody who cares”. Some don’t care, they just want someone with credentials.
My question:
How do you get speaking jobs as an “Unknown” and market yourself for the Great message that you have. I feel like I’m doing a lot of work and getting no where. God has opened doors for me, but I feel like I need someone with personal experience to help me through this.

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- Laura Boswell says
  April 4, 2011 at 1:16 am
  
  The time on my posting says 4/4/11 1:11 am. but it is really 9:17pm Sunday night. I didn’t want this to look like I posted it after midnight Sunday night.
  
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Robin Harnist says
April 3, 2011 at 11:25 pm

I have been speaking for Stonecroft Ministries for several years, telling God’s amazing story of how He redeemed my life from the deepest of pits, restored my marriage, and equipped me to not just to live with, but passionately love, my disabled veteran husband. It has only been in the last few years that other doors of opportunities have opened to speak to a wider range of women.

For me, one of the biggest (hardest) lessons that I have learned in speaking is the humbling fact that I am just the vehicle. I am just the mode of transportation that Jesus is choosing to use at that moment to transport His message of love, hope, grace, freedom, restoration and more. I am constantly praying for God to move me out of His way. I can be my own worst enemy. Learning to be sensitive to His voice, sensitive to His leading is a difficult thing for capable women. Oh how I have missed His best at times by running ahead of Him.

So I have to make a daily, conscious, sometimes pre-caffeine choice to lay aside my agendas. I spend hours in the word, not seeking material for talks, but seeking to talk with Living Word. For a gal who loves to talk, I have learned 3 important words from Him… “Shut thy mouth”.

“Morning my morning, He wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.” I come empty, without agenda, with a listening ear and teachable heart, longing to be His instrument in whatever form or fashion that looks like.

I constantly have to examine my heart, do a heart check on my motives and be totally, joyfully satisfied to write, prepare talks and lessons for the audience of the One that I live to please.

He asked once me if that was enough. I answered, “Oh Lord, so much more than enough.”

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Saundra D. Smith says
April 3, 2011 at 9:44 pm

My most pressing issue as I begin my speaking journey is how to construct a talk that will capture, retain, and quicken the heart of those hearing it. I know many women speakers with wonderful testimonies, but some have the ablility to draw you into their world in such a way that you feel as if you are right there with them. If they describe a painful situation you feel their pain and when they get delivered, it’s as if a part of your spirit begins the deliverance process as well. It’s wonderful to hear from God and have Him place a desire within you to speak and help others, but public speaking is a craft/a talent. Just like the parable Jesus shares, we have a responsiblity to invest that talent and watch it grow and florish. I don’t want to just survive my first major speaking engagement, I want to thrive so Christ can be glorified througout the experience.

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Kim says
April 3, 2011 at 9:13 pm

I grew up going to church all my life, but, just two short years ago (after fifty years), fell in love with God. I have this burning desire to tell others about Jesus and pray that God will use me as an instrument, to speak through me that may help others come to thirst for Him, just as He did through others that got my attention at a christian retreat!!!! I am not shy, and feel as though I could learn a great deal from being at the She Speaks conference to learn how to get started into speaking.

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Robin Lawrimore says
April 3, 2011 at 3:55 pm

As with the “writer’s voice”, how do you develop your “speaker’s voice” in such a way that it is genuinely you and still genuinely a way that God can use it to connect to the spirits of the hearers? How is this deposit He has placed birthed and brought out, other than in practice, so that there is an ease, a welcoming, a receiving of what is said? How do you combine illustrations, scripture, and information so that the main point is what is left when people stand up to go home? I want them to take it with them, tucked into a pocket of their heart.

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Deb says
April 3, 2011 at 12:59 pm

My piece of advice…it’s all about the women. Praying for them (before, during, and after), asking God to give you His heart for each one, not being afraid to share your story. Your story makes you real and honest and vulnerable. Those qualities will knit your hearts together. It’s so easy for me to get overwhelmed with all the aspects of marketing. That piece can drive me to a fearful place and stay stuck there! But when I shift my focus back to the women, God works it all out.

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Scooper says
April 3, 2011 at 12:22 pm

I am more of a writer than a speaker, but I used to speak a lot as part of my career and I loved it. As far as speaking to women, however, I’m more of a beginner. As a beginner, I’d love to know the nuts and bolts of crafting a message: how much use of story? how much information is too much? how do you repeat your main points {so that the audience remembers} without redundancy?

As a more seasoned speaker, I wish I’d known to always finish one sentence before starting another, how often I said “um,” and that pauses {just so the audience could catch up} were a good thing. In time I was able to work on those areas but in the beginning…well, I pity those early listeners. : )

Thanks for such a generous giveaway; I’ve longed to go to She Speaks for several years now. {I came here from Chatting at the Sky.}

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Mary Hampton says
April 3, 2011 at 8:44 am

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to trust that if God brings the speaking opportunity, He will also give you the words (even if they seem to come at the 11th hour).

And a She Speaks specific tip–keep things in perspective. It’s easy to get distracted by looking just right, but focus on having the right heart and the right words above all. (In other words, spend more time preparing yourself and your talk than you spend shopping or wardrobe planning!)

God’s best to everyone who hopes to attend!

Mary

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Mari Mayborn says
April 3, 2011 at 6:58 am

While I received the first potted plant a few years ago, I’m by no means an experienced speaker! The miniature Norfolk Island Pine, a sweet reminder of one of my first speaking opportunities, grows little by little just as I do. I love Marybeth Whalen’s advice: “do not despise the day of small things.” We only get to be beginners for a little while. Enjoy the freedom–yes, I said freedom–of this time of small things.

It’s natural to want to race ahead, to be that woman who puts together incredible messages and speaks with ease. Oh to have it all together and to take it on the road! As I look into the lives of women who are experienced speakers, I recognize that life isn’t mysteriously “easier” for them, it’s often more challenging than ever as they prepare, pack, travel and speak while remaining faithful to other important roles (wife, mom, friend, daughter…)

As a beginner, I face new things: scary, uncomfortable, awkward, uncertain. Each is an opportunity to see God working something worthwhile and needed in me. And that’s a gift indeed.

Here’s what I’d love to hear more about: How do we deal with the wide range of thoughts and emotions we experience AFTER we’ve finished a speaking event? Am I the only one who needs a good dose of Mandisa on the car-ride home to fight off a blah feeling or doubts and spiritual attacks?

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- Kelli Wommack says
  April 3, 2011 at 7:25 pm
  
  Oh, Mari, I so connect with you! Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the freedom of this time of small things. And…no you are not the only one who needs a good dose of Mandisa on the car-ride home from a speaking event! The enemy is is full force after we have spoken the truth of God. He wants to bring doubt, insecurity, worry, anxiety, and fear. He wants to render us useless, paralyzed, and ineffective! We will not allow the enemy to have any power in our lives and in the lives of our ministries. Keep praying and singing all the way home!
  
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Carol Wilson says
April 3, 2011 at 6:20 am

When I began pursuing the calling that I believe God gave me, I read and prayed the “Prayer of Jabez”. (Might I humbly add- DON”T do that unless you’re ready for change!) As time passed I put it on the back burner and went on with life. About 2 years later I asked God what ever happened to that prayer? How have my borders been expanded?

There in the middle of traffic on my way to work, my life began to replay in my mind. In preparation to minister to women I returned to school to complete an unfinished bachelor’s degree, so I was doing homework with the kids. I had small children like my 20+ aged friends. I had teenagers like my 30+ aged friends. I had one leaving the nest like my 40+ year old friends. I began caring for my husband with Parkinson’s and dementia like my more mature friends. This was all happening at the same time. I was the primary wage earner, handyman, sitter, homemaker, wife, mother etc. It seemed as if God laughed and questioned, “isn’t that far enough for now?”

As life continued, I was able to attend She Speaks. I hearned how to prayerfully focus on a topic and prepare my 3 primary lessons, and then break them down to be usable to small group studies. I gained experience speaking by teaching a women’s class at church. I also began substitute teaching. Now I’m back in school earning a master’s degree in Christian counseling.

To make a short story long- where do I go from here? I feel a drawing to writing my experiences but I’m not sure how. The writing doesn’t seem to be the end, but part of the process of preparation. Grad school requires a lot of writing, but it’s not focused on ministry. Again, what now? Where next? How do I find open doors for service?

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verbieann Helyger says
April 3, 2011 at 5:54 am

I wished that I’d spent more time in prayer than preparation.
I also wished that I had the confidence to learn about my audience to help me meet their need. After all, my audience is more likely to remember what resonates with them than just well researched Biblical facts. I realize that when the Holy Spirit uses my stories, I can still be professional so I no longer have rigid boundaries between personal and professional.
That said, I grew up in a christian home, tried to follow rules so except for one attack, my life has not been dramatic. I wish that II had known that having a great before and after story is not restricted to folk with great testimonies. God can use anything and folks respond to authenticity.
I wish that someone had advised me that “;you speak because He spoke”.

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Melissa G. Pickens says
April 3, 2011 at 5:30 am

Though I am not completely new to public speaking, I am a beginner in this new realm of ministry that my husband and I embarked on together in the last year. We are just beginning to travel and speak to men and women in other churches/places. What is my most pressing question?? I’m not sure where to begin, but one would be: how do you really drive a message home for the listeners? No rambling, but a solid and powerful ending that leaves them at the feet of Jesus Himself. I’m sure the answers would vary depending on the message, and I certainly trust and seek God to lead in preparation. But maybe there are some tips here as well.

Thank you for this opportunity!!

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Virginia Cradlebaugh (aka greenginger) says
April 3, 2011 at 4:11 am

If you think you’ve heard enough about green, think again. If you’re thinking this is about how we can take better care of our planet…it’s not that. And I don’t want you to think it’s because people associate envy with the color green …Or the Jolly Green Giant…Or even the color of money. I wish I could say it’s about green emeralds. No, but it is about being green… as in…a person that doesn’t know enough about what they’re doing or that they don’t know enough about a particular subject. That is how I feel about the subject; beginning speaking. I’m green. And many times I refer to myself as “greenginger”. I’m a “greenginger” in regards to speaking about the things of God to others and about how to speak to them about God’s plan in a manner that wouldn’t be beating them over the head. How can I be effective and enthrawling in the delivery of my message? I may be a “greenginger” in the realm of speaking specifics, but I am not a “greenginger” when it comes to knowing the Lord and knowing that He called me to be a speaker. God is bringing other women and myself who want to learn about speaking, writing and leading Women’s Ministry to the She Speaks Conference 2011. I’m glad there is such a place in North Carolina. The She Speaks Conference 2011 will help many women draw closer to God and to His plan for their lives. It won’t be long before I am not green in the speaking arena anymore…but I think I’ll keep the name “greenginger”. If you have a deep desire to speak, write or lead in Women’s Ministry, but are a little “green”, come to the She Speaks Conference this July 22-24. You won’t want to miss it! And by the way, I’ll be wearing the color green.

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Lorene Bradshaw says
April 3, 2011 at 2:28 am

Truth for Living
Volume 1, Issue 6 May 1, 2010 By: Lorene Bradshaw

What Are You Thinking?

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

II Corinthians 10:5 “………bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

You know, you don’t fully understand anything until you can explain it to someone else so they can understand it. When you read this true story of how I learned how to control my thoughts, I hope you will understand. It is another truth I learned from God’s Word and believe me when I say, I learned it and learned it the hard way.
We were living in Clarksville, Tennessee where Julius was the pastor of a church there. We were there 7 years and each summer we would take our vacation by coming to Reidsville, NC where our families lived. This particular summer, Julie was 4 or 5 years old, and she and I took the plane and came down a few days early. Julius, Steve and Tim drove down later. I remember so well our first night at my mother’s home, I had never felt closer to the Lord and before going to bed, Julie and I knelt by the bed and prayed that the Lord would help us to be a blessing while there. The next morning my mother went to work.
Something was not quite right at mother’s home, because my brother and his wife had moved in with my mother. Now I have four sisters and you know how sisters stick together. Prior to our coming, I had gotten several phone calls from them telling me how that I should “take care” of this problem while I was here. (Our self-centeredness blinded us as to what mother wanted). Without being aware of what was taking place in my mind, I joined in with them but I had no plans to confront them because I really believed “the Lord would take care of it.” I want to stress the fact that I had no intentions of doing or saying anything. Later that first morning, my sister-in-law and I went to the park and played tennis, had a wonderful time; still feeling very spiritual. Little did I know, that the entire time we were playing tennis, although I was all smiles on the outside, inside I was playing that record over and over in my mind as to what I had been instructed to do. After we returned to my mothers, I was at the sink washing dishes and without my knowledge, Julie went into their room and brought an item out and said, “Look Mommie what I found.” My sister-in-law said in anger, “Julie that is Wesley’s (my brother) and you should not go in our room.” Do you know what I did? Correct Julie? No, I quickly turned around from the sink and in anger said, “That is why you all should not be living here. You should find your own place. I get to come home so seldom and when I do, I should not have to worry about where my children go and what they may find in my mother’s house.” My sister-in-law said in a very sweet tone, “Well, you will have to talk to Wesley about that.” And she left the house.
I was shocked. I could not believe I had said that. I immediately began to question why I did it. I remember thinking, but I felt so spiritual, I wanted to be a blessing, why? What went wrong? I knew that I would have to apologize to her but at this point I could not because I had to understand what had happened. I prayed and asked the Lord, why? – I never in my wildest imagination could have known how Satan would fight against my desire to obey God. However, I am reminded of the story in Mark where Peter had just said to Jesus, “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said, “Thou are Peter and upon this rock, I will build my church.” Shortly after this, when Peter was probably feeling very spiritual, he rebuke Jesus and Jesus said to him, “Get thee behind me Satan.”
After a lot of searching the scriptures and my heart, I came across the verse in Philippians 4: 8 and the Lord showed me the problem. I had not been thinking true, honest, just, pure, and lovely thoughts, and things of good report. Also, in II Cor. 10:5, I began to see that I had not brought my thoughts into captivity. I simply had not learned the truth that what we think about will come out. This is why we need to deal with every thought that comes into our mind. I still could not bring myself to apologize to her because I still did not have victory over this. After returning to Clarksville, God continued to deal with me on this and after two weeks, I sat down and wrote her a letter and told her exactly what I have said here. I explained to her my struggles over this and my surprise that it had happened and asked for her forgiveness. She wrote me back with a very sweet letter and our friendship was re-established. I also had to apologize to my mother because I knew it had hurt her. (My mother would never hurt anyone.) I don’t remember how long they lived with my mother because it didn’t really matter anymore.
Now here is what I learned from this lesson and I hope that it will help you.. We must not allow our minds to run wild while thinking that it will not affect us or others. Just as we do not let our hands or feet do their own thing, nether should we let our mind accept every thought coming into it. A mind can receive more than one thought at a time and from more than one source. We hear from God and Satan at the same time, just as Peter did. We should examine every thought that comes into our minds. If it does not pass a Biblical inspection, we should reject it. If it lines up with the Bible, we pray for wisdom and act on the wisdom God gives. Many thoughts coming through our minds are not our own but are sent out by Satan to snag us and bring us into bondage. If we accept them and think about them over and over we can be led into depression, and into sin. By memorizing the scripture verses given here, and applying them to the situation, we can live in victory .
Last week, the truth we discussed was I Thess. 5:18, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” How could I thank God for what happened to me in this story? Because it brought out what I did not know was there so that I could deal with it.. God is so faithful. He loves us just the way we are, but he loves us too much to leave us the way we are. Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? With my heart I wanted to honor God, but my thoughts deceived me. Had this not happened, I would have gone back to Clarksville, a hypocrite; being one way on the outside while another way on the inside; living in sin. Now, I had learned a lesson in growth and had a clear conscience.
The good news is that if we bring our thoughts into subjection, we can live in continuous joy and fellowship, not only with our brothers and sisters in
Christ, but with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am so thankful for the Word of God which is truth and is unchanging. What is truth today will be truth tomorrow, next year and for all eternity for it was Jesus who said “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Psalm 25:5 says, “Lead me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day.”
How will this truth make a difference in your behavior at home, at work and in your church?.
If you are reading this and you have never received Christ as your Savior, my prayer is that you will know that Christ loves you and died on the cross to pay your sin debt and that all you have to do is repent of your sin, and ask Him to come into your heart. He will save you and give you eternal life now and then when this life is over, He will take you home to be with Him forever.

Truth for Living
4808 Rail Fence Road
Belews Creek, NC 27009
Email address: [email protected]

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Anne says
April 3, 2011 at 2:20 am

As a beginner speaker how do you follow an outline or notes and make it sound natural and engaging without reading your notes word for word?

Impromtu speaking doesn’t come easily for me and sometimes when speaking my mind will go blank and I struggle to find the word that I am looking for. What can I do to try to avoid that from happening?

Also, on the practical side what should or should you not wear when speaking? A wrong outfit on a speaker can really be distracting.

Thanks so much!

Anne

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Lorene Bradshaw says
April 3, 2011 at 2:14 am

In the 7th grade I was very brave and competed in a recitation contest. We had to speak before the entire student body. There were two first place winners, one boy and one girl. I was first-place winner for the girls and went on to the county and won there. In High School I became very shy although I have never lost the desire to speak, have just thought it may never happen. This past year I began writing a newsletter and just sharing truths from the Bible that have just come alive to me. Examples: How to be thankful in ALL things, I Thess. 5:18; How to bring every negative, unkind, unforgiving thought into subjection before it has time to germinate and explode at any minute; how to live in a state of forgiveness;

I want so much to come to the conference. I am trusting God to make a way for me to come. What I think would be great to hear is how to apply what God has taught us in life experiences so that it resonates with the audience with life-changing results. That is my greatest desire to communicate the Truth of the Word effectively to bring change to those who are struggling for answers. I know it is not necessary, but I have attached a copy of one of the newsletters. I hope this is ok.

Thank you for this opportunity.

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Lydia says
April 3, 2011 at 1:53 am

My most pressing question as a beginning speaker is how do I communicate passionately to the audience when I am going through a personal tough time?

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Jennifer says
April 3, 2011 at 1:01 am

How do I relevantly speak to my audience? I find that I feel inadequate to share with more “mature” women. How do I reach various age groups and women of such different circumstances, all in the same audience?

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Melissa says
April 2, 2011 at 10:39 pm

I love to write because it is safe. But I continually get the feeling that one day God may ask me to speak…which strangely makes me terrified and excited at the same time. I think I am much more nervous than most about speaking. I even started doing Toastmasters and found that even though there were only like 9 people in our meetings…it was all I could do not to cry during the hours leading up to my speeches.

Are there any techniques or any way to go from terrified to cool and collected? Have you seen people get passed this…or does it stay with you forever?

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Lisha says
April 2, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I’m still unsure about this whole “Called to Speak” business. A little over a year ago, while attending a women’s retreat, a picture of myself speaking to women popped into my head. I kept it to myself for a long time and just recently have had the courage to share with others. I am also working on my writing skills and have had two pieces selected for publication, the most recent through P31 Magazine. I have substitute taught an adult Sunday school class on a few occasions, but beyond that and a speech class in college, I am a total novice and really unsure of where to begin with this idea. I guess my most pressing question is how to know if I really have an ability to speak and if so, where do I start.

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Kate says
April 2, 2011 at 7:47 pm

I’m a beginner and I have soooo many questions. But one that I keep struggling with deals with ‘women in ministry’. I know the Lord used and cherished and lifted up many women in scripture – and still does today. I know that I have a calling on my life to do some sort of speaking. And I know books have been written on this topic – but I’d love to know how you deal with differing opinions about women teaching and speaking. Have you ever ran into opposition in this area? How do you respond? Going right along with this same topic – how does a lady who speaks juggle her ministry at home/work (kiddos, hubby’s, jobs, etc…) and speaking? I’d love to hear from women who are walking in the Spirit’s leading – by allowing Him to use them in all their roles!

Have a wonderful day!

Sweet Blessings,
Kate 🙂

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Kelli Wommack says
April 2, 2011 at 7:31 pm

As someone who has spoken often, but marketed never, I would encourage beginners to take every opportunity early on to share with others that their message is from God and not themselves. This helps to take the pressure off of feeling as if you are marketing yourself. You are marketing God and His message. It took me years to realize this and I often missed speaking opportunities because I was afraid to tell people that God had gifted me to speak and had given me a message to share! Amy Carroll confirmed this with me recently as I did Biosheet development with Next Step Speaker Services. I still have so much to learn and would love to be a part of the sisterhood that I believe She Speaks Conference promotes. What a blessing that Proverbs 31 Ministries is willing to share their skills and secrets with us!
So…marketing without feeling like you are self-promoting is a topic for beginners and seasoned speakers!
Another topic: Finding balance between speaking ministry and family needs
Just cover it all, Amy! You are terrific!

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Tonya Buck Bennett says
April 2, 2011 at 6:09 pm

The best piece of advice that I would give a beginner is the power of prayer and fasting before speaking.
I have personally found that when you pray and fast the following happens:
F aith is ignited…
A nointing is highlighted…
S ensitivity is invited…
T enacity is relighted…
I ntimacy is incited…
N ewness is united…
G od’s Word is recited…
Prayer and fasting makes one more sensitive to the sweet Holy Spirit and you will follow His leading not your own!

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Michele Travis says
April 2, 2011 at 5:17 pm

As a new speaker/writer, my question is really where to begin. I feel like I should start by writing down the thoughts God has put on my heart. But, where do I go from there? I need the She Speaks conference to give me some direction. It all seems like endless, exciting God possiblities right now. How do I get started?

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Ilene Dirks says
April 2, 2011 at 4:10 pm

If I had know when I began speaking how God would bless me back through my speaking for Him, I would have started years earlier.

It is so important to have prayer warriors praying for you while you are speaking. This allows God to get the most Glory out of what He has laid on your heart to say.

Each time you speak, pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through you. Many times I find that I present things that I had not prepared, but that someone in that group really needed to hear.

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Tricia Heflin says
April 2, 2011 at 3:47 pm

Great Advice: Watch your time closely! If you have been given 5 minutes to speak, your talk is to be 5minutes or less; If 30 minutes, talk 30 minutes or less!
If you attend SHE SPEAKS, participating in the peer evaluations will be a valuable exercise in making the most of your speaking time! Putting your own testimony into a 3 minute talk and a teaching speech of 5 minutes is difficult, but oh so important and helpful! WE all have such interesting things to say…surely anyone would want to listen to us forever!!!;-() I, of course, ‘ran over’ and my leader’s comment was great: “Your calling is evident and sure! Watch your timing. Content well thought out, prepared and delivered. Because you had to rush the ending, I felt like I missed out on something great.”
I was the keynote speaker at an event the very next year. As the ’10 minute’ testimony speaker that preceded, me spoke for 20+ minutes, I witnessed the results of her lack of respect. The event coordinator quietly directed the musician to cut her song count from 3 to 1 and whispered to me, with tears in her eyes, “I’m so sorry!” You bet I stuck to my time!
Andy Stanley in his book, Communicating For A Change, advises, “Boil your talk down to one idea. Ask yourself, what will be the “win” of my talk? Will the audience be smarter, charged, equipped, saved? Andy’s take away line from one talk: “To understand why, submit and apply.” P31 Speaker, Zoe Elmore’s, even more concise and easy to remember take away line: “Pray don’t preach!” Zoe spoke about their son making choices they did not agree with and that he NEEDED to change. He was won over by her “Pray don’t Preach” approach. In 5 minutes she delivered a take home tool all of us can apply and the story behind the lesson. And it was REMEMBERED!
I love above commenter Stephanie Clayton’s likening her speaking habit to the song: She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain …forever circling the mountain, having a hard time getting to the point, losing listeners along the way….Perhaps the answer is in the next verse, “She’ll be driving six white horses.” Drive ONE!
Get that ONE point or catch-line that expresses your message. Back it up with illustrations and stories that take ONE trip around the mountain. You will bless your listeners and keep their attention. They’ll remember more than just those cute ‘little red britches’ you’ll be wearing! 🙂
I would love to attend SHE SPEAKS again and learn and learn and learn!
Thank you Amy!
:-), Tricia
.

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Rebekah Razzano says
April 2, 2011 at 1:06 pm

Question from a beginner:

How do you move past your insecurity about the more mature members of your audience who surely have more wisdom and life experience than yourself?

Thank you!
Rebekah Razzano

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Colleen G. says
April 2, 2011 at 11:13 am

I Love to talk which can get me in trouble when it comes to speaking before a group because I can very easily get side tracked.
So, how do you take a big old story (testimony) within your heart and convey it to a group in a short amount of time and without getting off course?
Thank you 🙂

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Amanda Cottrell says
April 2, 2011 at 5:44 am

How do I organize my thoughts in a pattern that is easy to follow, yet powerful enough for the listener to take home in their heart and mind? I often forget things and back-peddling only confuses everyone – would love some advice! I would love to be able to share what the Lord has put on my heart in order to bless others with his love.

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Jennifer Neill says
April 2, 2011 at 3:59 am

1. Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?

How do I hone in on the giftings God has given me?
How does one define their platform?

God has walked us through many testimonies, and seasons have come and gone. Now it’s time to step out into this new season of speaking and writing.

Thank you very much,

Jennifer Neill

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Deborah says
April 2, 2011 at 3:33 am

As a new speaker I would like to learn more about discerning the call. How do you know your are being called to speak for God. How do I know it is Gods plan for my life. Is it by fate, chance or destiny?
Is it God or my own selfish, foolish desire for attention and a self exalting expression of my faith?

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Tara McClenahan says
April 2, 2011 at 2:21 am

Thank you so much for this opportunity! Here is my most pressing issue as a beginner:

How to craft a talk with a smooth flow and that engages the audience.

Thanks!
Tara

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Kelly Cooke says
April 2, 2011 at 2:05 am

My most pressing question as a beginner speaker is how are body language, gestures, movements and vocal tone decided on beforehand?

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Kristen Loughman says
April 2, 2011 at 12:27 am

I’m excited that the Lord has given me another chance to receive a Cecil Murphey Scholarship to the She Speaks Conference. This is my fourth attempt. I’m hoping the fourth time will be the charm :-). Here is a list of things I’d like to to learn as a new speaker:

1. How to prepare and ready speaking topics
2. How to use your voice tone and animations to help tell your story
3. How to be transparent while sharing your heart with hundreds of people
4. How to market yourself to obtain speaking engagements
5. What to include and not include in your biography
6. The art of answering questions at the end of your sessions
7. Types of visual aides to use with your topics, if any
8. What to do if things go awry
9. How to handle that one individual that continually makes comments
10. Advice on speaker fees, travel costs, driving vs. flying, etc.

Thanks again for this opportunity. These entries are really challenging me and are lots of fun!

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Melanie says
April 2, 2011 at 12:20 am

My most pressing question in speaking is: Where do I begin?
I have felt God calling me to be a teacher/ speaker but I have no experience nor do I know where I should begin in starting this ministry. I’m afraid no one will want to hear what I have to say. God does not call the equipped, he equips the called. He has called me and now I need equipping so that I can do His will.

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Laura says
April 1, 2011 at 11:22 pm

I’m kind of in-between the beginner and the seasoned speaker. 🙂 I have spoken a good bit in front of others but not in the inspirational message type way that I want to grow toward. What I wish someone had told me in the beginning is that it’s okay to be nervous. This leads me to press deeper into dependency on God when I deliver a message. Now, I use those tremors (sometimes even my butt cheeks quiver!) to remind me that this is not about me–it’s all about Him. That is a message I would love for beginner speakers to internalize and grow with.

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Sarah Spencer says
April 1, 2011 at 10:36 pm

Amy,
I am a beginner speaker. I quess something that I deal with and would like to know how to handle is when other ladies (especially the ones that you attend church with) don’t seem to encourage and believe in you and what God has spoken into your heart. I believe that God has so much that he wants women to do and sometimes the people who should be our greatest supporters are our biggest hindrance. We need to encourage and help each other along in this journey.

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Marianne says
April 1, 2011 at 10:19 pm

2. What I wish I knew as a beginner as now as slightly seasoned speaker ( Women’s Ministry Leader), is how important it is to be real. Share your failures as well as successes in relation to what you are teaching. That whatever Biblical truth you are sharing is attainable for all due to Christ, not us.

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Kara says
April 1, 2011 at 9:52 pm

1. The difference between planning what you’re going to say verses being led by the Spirit on what to say. I was so wanting to be Spirit led that I was afraid to have a plan of my own. I needed to learn to combine the two.

2. Learning to be content in plenty and in want. There are times when you speak that it seems as if God Himself formed each and every word that came off your tongue. There are other times you may leave a speaking engagement and think, “what was that?!”. God has a way of providing a perfect balance of confirmation and humility so we will serve in utter dependence and faith.

Thanks!
Kara

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Marletha Booker says
April 1, 2011 at 8:56 pm

As someone who would love to become an accomplished speaker, I have tons of questions! However, I will limit my questions to just one. Are there any practices or methods that experienced speakers use to calm their nerves? When speaking in front of large groups I begin to get extremely nervous, which causes me to sweat and stutter. It’s not from lack of preparation so I know that isn’t the issue.

I look forward to hearing your response.

Have a great day! God Bless!

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Jennifer says
April 1, 2011 at 8:27 pm

1. Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?

How do you get past the nerves? That is my biggest fear when having to speak in front of a group. I get all sweaty and jittery and start stuttering over my own words! It’s quite annoying! 🙂

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Tera Elness says
April 1, 2011 at 8:11 pm

I find myself getting SO excited to Share the Good News that I’m afraid I will come across as some type of “theological expert”……which believe me, I’m not! =) Just a Jesus girl who wanta to effectively share God’s Word in a way that is meaningful & relevant to today’s lives ~ What’s the best way?

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Vanessa Lozada says
April 1, 2011 at 7:33 pm

First things first, thank you for your consideration, and for offering this scholarship! Please forgive my lengthy answer.

To answer question #1. Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?

This question speaks to me because, as a relatively recent traumatic-brain-injury survivor (Nov. 2008), I’ve slowly, but surely, reintroduced myself to the faith and following with which I was raised. Around the time I entered my late teen years, I lost sight of my beliefs, and ended up pregnant. This beautiful baby seemed at the time to be a huge burden, and I was devastated at the thought of A). losing my freedom, B). telling my parents, and C). giving up college in order to raise a baby with a man I felt would probably be little to no help. To make a long story short, I went from an honor student, student council officer, class VP, sports enthusiast and all-region choir member to a teenage mom with an alcoholic for a co-parent. I tried for years to reassure myself that God was with me, but after years of domestic abuse and other hardships many of us share, I came across Isaiah 53:4, and felt myself being granted a breathing space in the midst of such hard times. I thought I’d “found” the strength to leave, and start new with my baby girl, but a few years later, I was hit by a red-light runner, and again, lost sight of God’s vision for me.

Fast-forward to two years later, this former extroverted, experienced public speaker/performer (albeit in high school functions or work-related meetings) has been diagnosed with neuropsychological deficiencies that have turned me into an introverted woman, struggling to sing in public (my passion) all while adjusting to my new short fuse. I liken it to a shy person who, when she speaks, speaks loudly, inappropriately and endlessly.

I’ve recently realized I’d never “found” the strength; I simply opened my eyes to what God was giving me all along. You can’t find what’s not hidden. I just needed a swift kick to show me what I was avoiding all these years.

The only good thing I can say came out of this wreck, and it’s a big one, is that my faith in God has never been so strong. I truly feel that His hand is guiding me through these trials, and that, someday, I might be back at my baseline, with a renewed sense of direction; the direction He wanted for me all along.

My reason for wanting this scholarship is two-sided: I’ve not attended any sort of religious retreat/function as an adult, due to monetary restrictions as a single mom with sole custody, and the other reason is I feel I need help learning to speak in front of people again. My written expression hasn’t suffered much, but speaking at length is really hard, because my brain works as if someone else has the remote and they press pause at will, with no warning.

I’m not sure if you’re at all familiar with TBI survivors, but my story is not all that different from others. Two great books my neuropsych doctor recommended helped me learn that my symptoms/personality changes are normal: I’ll Carry the Fork, and Over My Head.

Now that I’m no longer in denial about my injuries, I’m working on learning new ways to teach this old dog new tricks. I’m only 29, but I need a lot of work to get back to where I was. This is a great opportunity, and if I am not selected, I will work that much harder to get into another retreat in the coming months.

To finally answer the original question, I’d like to ask “How do I learn to relate to my audience, and tailor my presentations to their comfort zone without compromising my own?”

Thanks so much for your consideration. I really appreciate it.

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Lori Hatcher says
April 1, 2011 at 7:10 pm

John the Baptist was a “voice crying in the wilderness, saying ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord.'” His entire purpose in life was to prepare people to receive Jesus. I think this is our ministry as Christians — to help plow up the fallow ground of people’s hearts so that the seeds of the truth of the gospel can take root. Of Jesus, John said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” My question as a speaker comes from John’s comment. How do I decrease, so that He can increase? How can I speak in such a way that it is increasingly more Jesus and less me?

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Sharon Poarch says
April 1, 2011 at 7:05 pm

Thank you for a possible opportunity to attend SheSpeaks! Just reading through some of the above comments opens a world of questions for the ‘speaker’ in all of us to contemplate!

My question is how do you see technology being used as an enhancement / and a distraction for today’s public speaker and how vital is it in the delivery of their message to a new generation?

Thanks again!

Grace & Peace,
Sharon

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Melanie East says
April 1, 2011 at 6:26 pm

As a beginner speaker, I desparately need to know how to use nervousness to benefit me rather than working against me. I always have words to say, but my anxiety keeps them from being portrayed in the way that I believe God wants me to convey them.

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Marilyn Marsh says
April 1, 2011 at 5:10 pm

Amy, as relatively inexperienced speaker my most pressing conversation with God about my ministry is should I go after it or should I wait until God brings the opportunities to me…? I have had been invited to speak at several women’s functions and I can think of nothing I enjoy more than gathering with a group of women around God’s Empowering Word! I have gone through my ‘am I really prepared for this’,’ is this really my gift’, ‘should I have a specific degree’ questions. But I am still stalled at pursuing oppportunites as opposed to waiting for God to provide the opportunity. I attended the She Speaks Conference last year and I was overflowing with God’s mercy and grace through the women I met there. Since then my life has been a mix of mountaintop, miracle experiences to really difficult experiences: my husband and I both lost our jobs. Yet, our hearts are encouraed as we know that God has not forsaken us. We are walking through our season fully expecting and allowing God to be glorified in our lives!

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Shannon Hale says
April 1, 2011 at 4:36 pm

As a beginning speaker/writer, I struggle most with the appropriate balance of promoting my message vs. allowing God to “raise me up” in the eyes of others. I see others marketing themselves and their message aggressively, and it just doesn’t feel comfortable to me, since this is God’s message. But I know there is a balance to be reached here.

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Amy M. says
April 1, 2011 at 4:24 pm

Having been through my own fiery furnace and coming out triumphant, I really, really like to talk to people. I’m good at one-on-one, and I am an educator so I’m not really worried about the stage-fright aspect. However, being the talker that I am–and having so much to say to the world about all the awesome things the Lord has done in my life–I struggle with how to focus. I understand asking the Holy Spirit to anoint our words and to speak through us, and I believe He lays topics on our hearts (He does that for me with blogposts). But I still have a problem with rambling and chasing rabbits…and one thought leading to ten more, but they all need to be said! So…my question is two-fold. How do you hone in on your topic, and then how do you stay focused and be succinct and place limits on yourself as you speak? I am praying for the blessing of a chance to attend She Speaks!!

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Robin says
April 1, 2011 at 4:11 pm

What a fabulous question to ask–reading these comments has been so encouraging and full of helpful information as well! My question is how do you best reach all 3 different styles of learning–visual, auditory and kinesthetic–at the same time? We all process information differently and it is easy to speak to the style that we are, but how do you seek to engage the others well? Thank you!

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Renee' Hines says
April 1, 2011 at 2:59 pm

I don’t know if I fit in either category, a beginner speaker or a seasoned speaker…I believe I fit in the category of middle of the road speaker!! I have spoken locally in my church in front of a small group of teens and I speak to teens individually as needed, however, my desire (and truly believe God’s desire for my life) is that my territory is enlarged!! Whether I am speaking to one teen or a group of teens, my heart’s desire for them is that God would shine through and touch their hearts allowing them to see HIS awesome love/grace/mercy. When I speak that is my prayer from the onset of the thought to speak on a particular subject through the planning stages onto the actual day of the event and beyond. God is seeking us daily and when/because we seek HIM we get to discover HIS love/mercy/grace which is my ultimate goal/purpose anytime I speak, be it to an individual teen or a group of teens. So, what am I saying in all of this, that I can’t wait to see what God has in store for all us as we walk along this journey…enlarge my territory Lord for YOUR Glory!! 🙂

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Kristina Seymour says
April 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm

Currently, I am praying about preparing, planning, practicing, and just stepping out there, letting God say what He wants to say. I want to sound as if I’m in my living room speaking to my small group, regardless of how big the audience is. I want to connect with them in a way that only the Holy Spirit can. Speak to me about being used by God as a speaker. I would also love to hear what the Present You would say to the Earlier Speaking You…. what do you know now that you wished you knew then?

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Michele Grissett says
April 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Hi Amy! I felt God’s calling a couple of years ago to begin speaking and writing but wasn’t sure exactly what that meant. Writing seemed a lot easier because I didn’t have to face anyone. I could just share what God was speaking to me through my fingers and didn’t have to worry about the feelings of nausea creeping up. And that was all fine for about a year or so.

But God has brought me to a new season of life. Over the last year, God has developed in me a passion for women and speaking life into them. I’ve been blessed with leading ladies Bible studies, and sharing what’s on my heart with a few seems easy and even extremely exciting. I have such a desire to see other women come to a closer relationship with the Father and helping them in that process by sharing my heart is very humbling.

In late fall my husband was offered a new job in a new city, and we moved December 30th. Fearing that I was losing the ministry God had for me at the church where we were, I prayed harder and sought Him more for how He wanted to use me. When we first moved, I didn’t understand how I could possibly be used in a new place, but God brought us to an amazing church where hearts are hungry for Him. We have gotten plugged in, and through a lot of prayer and talks with the church staff, I’ve been asked to start a women’s ministry.

The staff of this church knows my desire to speak and to serve women by sharing what God has done for me. My story is about revealing His grace to reflect His glory. God has passionately and purposefully instilled in me a desire to speak about how to have a real and active relationship with the Father, how to pick up and move forward after falling flat, and how to arm ourselves with God’s protective power. I know what I want to share! I know what my heart’s desire is.

My struggle and the thing I would love help with is to learn how to give a dynamic talk where my heart is transparent and yet through my transparency I encourage ladies to walk away with a desire to have a closer walk with the Lord. How do I put my outline together to make it come alive? How do I hit all those points that great speakers hit and create in the audience a desire to seek more?

I was honored and blessed to be a part of the She Speaks Conference last year, but on the writer’s track. It was incredible!! At that time that is where my heart was focused (partly out of fear to branch out to speak and partly where my ministry was active at that time). I would love the opportunity to attend this year’s conference to learn how to completely fulfill the vision God has placed on my heart.

Thank you so much for what you all do to help women step out in faith on the journey God has called them to. And thank you, Mr. Murphey, for allowing someone this opportunity to be a part of the conference.

In Him, Michele

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Kristina Seymour says
April 1, 2011 at 2:33 pm

I would like to know what I don’t know, but I don’t know what that is. Basically, I would love to hear what the Present You, would say to the Early Speaking You…. I love to learn from other’s experiences. I believe God does a unique thing every time we speak. We can prepare for weeks, and then He can speak something brand new through us, regardless of what we prepared.. Preparing and then speaking without any notes – learning how to prepare, plan, and then just step out there – these are things I am praying about right now.

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Kim Cordes says
April 1, 2011 at 1:32 pm

I have another set of questions: How do you recommend organizing speaking material? How do you get inspiration for topics? Where do you put these ideas? How do you file them? How do you make a master list so you recall where you put them? 🙂

This blog is such a wonderful resource to us all….thank you all for sharing your experiences!

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Carmen L. Brown says
April 1, 2011 at 1:24 pm

My best advice for any new speaker is to believe that if God called you–He has equipped you. I am reminded of Moses who felt so anxious when asked to lead that he reminded God of his shortcomings. I smile as I am typing this thinking of God, the loving Father, listening with a knowing grin of His servants objections and excuses. After Moses had listed every reason that he should not rise to His appointed calling. Father God asked a simple yet pregnant with meaning question, “Who made your mouth?” By this question, He was not only asking for a literal answer but a faith-filled one. When I am asked to speak or present, I consider this example, and I am encouraged by it. At some point in my journey, I realized that my faith and desire to share my message must be stronger than the enemy’s lies that threaten to close my mouth and offer excuses much like Moses. Does this mean that suddenly all my fear and anxiety is erased like a dirty chalkboard? No, however, I believe that true faith is not the absence of fear, but the acknowledgement that apart from God we can accomplish little if anything, but with God we have an abundance of Holy Spirit power to access, soothe, and comfort us. As a patient and doting Father, God listens to our frustrations, anxieties and excuses, then He wraps His arms arounds us and whispers in our ear, “Who made your mouth?”

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Melanie Walker says
April 1, 2011 at 1:18 pm

I have been blessed to have many opportunities to speak but am still struggling with developing “my” message. I am interested in anything that has to do with helping people have better lives and find myself all over the place when it comes to the topics I speak on.

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Linda Smith says
April 1, 2011 at 11:28 am

Best advice for a beginner: Capitalize on your uniqueness! Do not compare yourself to other speakers and do not try and copy other speakers. Nonetheless…relish the fact that you have the same Father and know that He can work in you and through you, just as He does with those other speakers!!

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Helenann Steensen says
April 1, 2011 at 11:01 am

A sincere thanks for making this scholarship even a remote possibility! ✞ ♥ God will surely spread His blessings on many as a result of She Speaks! My most pressing question? Wow! I have so many! 1) Jesus spoke in parables: Is there a quick way I can gather examples (beyond my personal ones) that aid in getting the point across? 2) Using Notes! UGH! How do I walk away from them and still recall what I need to say AND stay on track? I am good at development of a message, using expression, and maintaining eye contact, but envy (a sin, I know) those who make it so much more conversational…LONG stretches between looking at their notes! I try outlines, but forget the details. Might I add that any and all help you could give at the conference would be welcomed and greatly appreciated!

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Tracy says
April 1, 2011 at 10:59 am

As an aspiring speaker, I have so many questions. Here are a few:
1. How do you know this is even what God is calling you to do? The idea keeps coming to me and I don’t know why. I have no riveting testimony. I have lived an ordinary life but God has touched me and filled me with love for Him and others. And the feeling I should be sharing that love with others through speaking is on my heart. Yet I have never done public speaking. Only led some workshops at our church women’s retreat and been encouraged by those attending.
2. how do I choose from the many ideas which is the topic God is giving me. Sometimes His voice sounds an awful lot like mine in my head-lol.
3. How to let others know I am open to leading. Especially those who know me and would never dream I would do something like that?

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LaughingMouse says
April 1, 2011 at 5:28 am

1. Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?
How do you get someone to ask you to speak? How do you build that reputation? How do you convince someone that you have a message worth sharing?
That’s technically 3 questions, but they are all tangled up in the same idea.
thanks!!

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Leslie Padgett says
April 1, 2011 at 4:40 am

I have a question. Is there TRULY a difference between teaching and testimony. I have a suspicion that if you do not have a testimony – a bit of deep self to offer where God has wrought something new within you – then there is really very little you can teach. In my mega church women’s Bible studies of several hundred women, the leadership encourage the speakers to teach and not give their testimonies. To me, this seems a distracting instruction from potentially the greatest message one has to offer.

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Andrea Chapman says
April 1, 2011 at 4:17 am

The Lord has led me to lead women Bible studies for quite some time. I feel He is leading me to deepen my compassion and ministry by becoming a women’s ministry director. I don’t know how the Lord will have this occur, but I trust that He will open the door when the opportunity arises. He is also wanting me to disciple women of all ages and encourage them to walk in the way of the Lord. As a beginner speaker, I would like to know how to capture my audience, particularly women. How do I present my testimony and other insights the Lord has me share in a clear, precise manner? Since there are times when speaking in front of an audience can be nerve wracking, how do you calm yourself so you can speak? Are there breathing techniques? I do pray for the Lord to speak through me and He does so faithfully. I would like to have the opportunity to learn more.

Thank you for the opportunity,
Andrea Chapman

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ellen stevens says
April 1, 2011 at 4:00 am

First, I have absolutely loved reading all of these comments! I feel as though I’ve gone through some of your sessions simply by hearing the hearts and experiences of my peers. Glad you had this brilliant idea! 🙂

One lesson that I’ve learned is the challenge and power of transparency. While there is always a risk involved with vulnerability, there is a special blessing that seems to fall when we aren’t afraid to reveal our life and heart. Having the courage and grace to allow God to shine through our mess frees others to do the same.

Thank you for this amazing conference and opportunity. I really hope to see you there!

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Jessica Kirkland says
April 1, 2011 at 3:06 am

How do I get started putting my name in the hat so to speak locally? Should I just change the “About Me” page on my blog to reflect my topics and hope someone notices? I have a meager following. I help facilitate ladies bible studies at my church when I can, but I go to a tiny church. Do I need to send out mailers to women’s groups? I don’t want to look like I’m self promoting, but I also don’t want to do nothing. What can I do that is tasteful and gets my name out there?

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sheryl siler says
April 1, 2011 at 3:00 am

As a “beginner” aka beginner researcher wanna be, I would be interested to learn the more business side of speaking works. Of course, How to deliver your best to audience is needed–excellent but I Would want to be professional in fees etc. Thank you for the opportunity.

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Lorie Kaufman Rees says
April 1, 2011 at 2:54 am

I would say my biggest struggle as a speaker is knowing how to read the reaction of the audience. I find myself second-guessing myself part-way through because people’s reactions do not seem to be affirming, only to get several positive questions or comments afterward. I’d like to know how to gauge when something is or isn’t going well, and how to better engage the audience with the material, rather than just talk “at” them.

Thank you!

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[email protected] says
April 1, 2011 at 2:12 am

#2: I find the best piece of advice is knowing your voice, your story has been given to you to use. Don’t try to sound like someone else. Don’t think you need to be verbose or reserved if that’s not who you are. Simply be who you were created to be, no comparing; but, embrace your strengths in your speaking/storytelling ability.

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Brittany Ketter says
April 1, 2011 at 2:00 am

As a beginning speaker, I find myself very note-tied and afraid to go off them. At times I know that there is more that God wants to speak through me, but I tend to stick closely with my notes. How can I reach a place where I leave the notes behind and be able to speak the words that I know God has put in my heart?

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Laurie Moudy says
April 1, 2011 at 1:57 am

I feel called to share my testimony and what God has done in my life. I long to help women learn more about who they are in Christ, find that true peace and help them laugh along the way. I just don’t know where to begin…How do I make my story interesting and filled with God’s word? How do I let people know that I want to speak/get my name out there?

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Natalie at Mommy on Fire says
April 1, 2011 at 1:47 am

Oh my…there is MUCH I want to know about beginning this speaking journey but perhaps the one at the forefront of my mind is how do I select what my main topic will be? Due to several wild life circumstances, there are many topics I could teach, encourage, and equip upon – how do I narrow it down? Does this one topic then become “my brand”? Will I be categorized as a certain kind of speaker?

Other questions – putting together a press kit, who to send it to, how to follow up, etc.

I think there is simply much I don’t know that I don’t know! 🙂

What a wonderful opportunity – thank you!

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Tina Theroux says
April 1, 2011 at 1:24 am

I wouldn’t even say I’m a beginner. I have a burning desire that was birthed from a very difficult time in my life. I am so full of praise for every bit of the story. God’s fingerprints are all over it. Through this new desire I’ve realized that I have always been drawn to encourage others. Now it is to encourage others in their faith. My most pressing question is. How do you begin to narrow down a story? I have a specific story of God’s power, faithfulness, mercy, healing and endless grace as it played out in the lives of my family. I could speak for over an hour on it but need to find a cohesive way to winnow down to the most pertinent parts. I haven’t a clue as to how to begin. He is so good all of the time!

Thanks for the opportunity!

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kari says
April 1, 2011 at 1:17 am

As a beginner speaker one of my biggest challenges is what to do after I finish speaking. After I’ve shared what God told me to, spoken the message, and then people come up to talk to me. I never know what to say to them. I feel like telling everyone I really have no business giving anyone else advice; I only shared what God laid on my heart. So how do you get past that uncomfortable feeling where you feel like people are looking at you and expecting things of you that you know you can’t fulfill?

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Cassie Weller says
April 1, 2011 at 1:14 am

Seeing women become true disciples of Christ is my heart and purpose… this incorporates teaching, writing, counseling, etc. I am finding a new difficulty arise now that I am truly getting into the throws of Women’s Ministry: how do I teach/encourage women to dive deeper into God’s Word and Truth when there are so many ladies on so many different planes? To put it plainly: how do I connect with women from so many different backgrounds, at so many different “spiritual ages”? I’ve been a Christian for many years now and it’s difficult for me to remember that some of these women are just now learning the facts of the faith and can’t be expected to dive as deeply as my heart wants to go. I want to connect with my sisters, on whatever journey they’re on… how do I do that and still stir the passion embers in them to continue growing deeper with God?

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Jenny Hander says
April 1, 2011 at 12:48 am

Two of the best pieces of advice I’ve received are 1) see if your speaking venue has a preferred translation (or perhaps more importantly a translation they do NOT prefer) for any Scripture you include in your talk, and 2) in advance of your talk, identify ways that you could shorten your message if you are asked to do so at the last minute (because the speaker before you ran longer than expected, for example). A question I still have is, when it is appropriate to charge a fee verses just being open to a “love offering?”

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Janet Donithan says
March 31, 2011 at 11:25 pm

As a beginning speaker, I am sometimes not sure if what I am sharing with others is what God is wanting me to share or if it is what I think they should know. I need to be able to consistently step out of the way and let God lead. Sometimes I feel that I get too “preachy” and need some tips to avoid that,because I feel that I am coming across as someone who has all the answers, when I am still not sure about the questions.

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Catherine says
March 31, 2011 at 9:36 pm

I have a fear of public speaking. To which, my God has laughed at. He has since put me in a leadership position of a rapidly growing ministry for military families (I’m a military wife myself) at my church. Recently, I have been given the opportunity to go and speak to groups outside of the Bible study I lead of 40 women. God has been using my fear, my weakness, to reveal His power and has shown me something I enjoy doing far more than I ever thought I would. I guess the question I have as a beginner is I don’t like to “speak at” people, I like to engage them and have them interact with me as I speak. It works fine for smaller groups where I can pose questions and have them reply, but how can you have an interactive feel and dynamic as the group size grows? I want every woman in a room that I speak at to feel as though I am speaking to her and her alone.

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Paula Gast says
March 31, 2011 at 9:25 pm

Listen to and learn from good speakers and, most of all, ask the Lord to direct your steps. Put your insecurities out on the table with Him, invite His healing so you can be a clean vessel. This is a holy privilege to lead others into a closer relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. And God delights in using us all when we are freshly submitted & filled.

I also noticed the first comment with which I wholeheartedly agree. Pray over each attendee by name if you are able to secure the names. Pray for the leadership/ planning team and get a prayer team to cover you and your presentations.

(I still have trouble marketing myself, and would love some accountability in that area
Blessings on you all.

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Connie-Lynn says
March 31, 2011 at 9:08 pm

I read many of the comments, and there’s a lot of good advice, and a lot of good questions there!

People have told me on a few occasions that I would be a good speaker, that that is something that I should do. I have spoken a few times for only a few minutes in front of a group of people, and I really enjoyed it. I am normally a quieter type of person who turns red easily, but find that when I’m in front of a group of people and am speaking about something that I’m passionate about, that I soon forget myself and am focused on the message that I feel in my heart to give.

So my biggest question is, how do I know that God has called me to speak? If He has, how do I start?

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Jamie says
March 31, 2011 at 9:07 pm

So many wonderful nuggets of wisdom! Wow- thanks for sharing, everyone! 🙂

As a middle-experienced speaker, I wish I had known how to handle a retreat coordinator who was dishonest and seems, in retrospect, to have had a personality disorder. She was the go-to buffer between the women’s ministry board and me and caused so many issues that my integrity and professionalism was called into question. I am sad to say that the incident caused so much angst and second-guessing on my part about what I “should-a/ could-a” done that I stopped actively seeking out new opportunities to speak for almost two years.

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Alvesa says
March 31, 2011 at 8:53 pm

My question woul be…as a beginning speaker (spoken twice at women’s conference and once on a mission trip where I was a translator), i would like to know how to pull away from the “”fluff” and be real with these women without offending. Me as a women am tired of fluffy topics and I love that the Proverbs 31 ladies” keep it real”, they talk about real things and real life issues that women want to hear. Please tell me how to do that….short and to the point 🙂
Thank you
Alvesa

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Nicole Martin says
March 31, 2011 at 8:51 pm

I would say that the most pressing questions that I have and advice I would seek as a beginning speaker is, what are a variety of ways to develop a message and what is your favorite way to begin? I don’t believe there is just one way to do something and many times I hear, “just follow these 5 steps”, and I pretty much tune out. I would challenge you to provide a variety of methods that might capture different people in unique and creative ways. I would love to hear more about the variety of techniques you personally use to develop your messages.

Thanks.
Nicole

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Tiffany Stuart says
March 31, 2011 at 8:37 pm

I’ve been speaking for about five years or so, I’m not necessarily new or seasoned. I feel like I’m stuck in the middle. I wish someone would have taught me about how to speak using my signature talk. I still don’t know what mine is. 🙂 I know a few of my passions, but is there a bigger theme in my life? One that when leveraged can influence others more effectively? I don’t know.

I get opportunities to speak, but each time I do I have to develop a new talk. It’s a lot of work to prepare and I don’t get the chance to get good at that one talk. I think the most I’ve given one talk is 3 times. Usually it’s once or twice. It’s both challenging and rewarding.

I believe my speaking would be better if I could figure out how to discover my main life message and then go out from there. And I’d love to get good at telling my life stories for greater impact..

I’m not there yet.

I’d love to be at She Speaks to learn more about speaking and writing. I’d love to meet new friends.

Thank you for this opportunity!

God bless you! I’d love to meet you…

Tiffany

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Julie says
March 31, 2011 at 8:36 pm

My biggest question as a new speaker would be, how do you balance presenting yourself with confidence and being humble. We don’t want to appear like “know it alls” or like we have arrived, but we do need to present ourselves as confident and competent. How do we fine tune that balance?

Julie Donahue
Roswell, NM
[email protected]

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Larie says
March 31, 2011 at 8:24 pm

1. Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?

Good evening! As a beginner speaker, I need to know how to not give the audience too much information at one time, yet not leaving anything out due to time constraints. My most pressing question would be how do I share my testimony verbally in the allotted time in a way that others will be able to relate and truly feel that they are not alone in whatever it may be that they are going through.

Regards,
Larie

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REBECCA HAPES says
March 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I have these ideas…snippets of stories or talks running around in my head. My “what I need” is how to transform those ideas, those nuggets, into a talk, lesson or article that is coherent and draws the listeners/readers closer to the Lord.

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Teri Miller says
March 31, 2011 at 8:16 pm

Two of the most fulfilling, inspiring moments of my life were when I was asked to speak at women’s conferences. The preparation was a gift in itself: pressing into God for His Message to be shared. Then, the opportunity to speak encouragement, hope, and conviction from the Lord, was humbling and inspiring. Honestly, tho? When the moment came, I was so-far-beyond nervous…it was more like, “oh, crud, what was I thinking?” paralysis. That I had something to offer…really? Of value?

So my question is this:
How do you get beyond the “what was I thinking” fear? How do you press through doubts & insecurities…and trust that maybe God has a glorious message, if even for just that small group, in that small setting?
Thanks!
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight

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Wendy Bender says
March 31, 2011 at 8:15 pm

As a beginner in public speaking, I would like to learn how to effectively communicate the passion I have strong enough that enables and encourages women to GO out into their worlds and make Kingdom differences! I have a heart for encouraging and motivating women and would like to be able to speak in a way that excites and energizes others to make significant differences!

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Donna Best says
March 31, 2011 at 7:46 pm

When I began sharing the Word of God with groups of women, I was so nervous that I felt physically ill. But I pressed through, as many of us do, only because of my desire to obey God. As I cried out to the Lord for help, He brought to my remembrance that: “perfect love casts out fear.” He impressed on me that as I focused on truly loving the women He placed before me, they would be set free by the truth of His Word, and I would be also. He has replaced the fear with a heart-felt love and enjoyment of my sisters in Christ, and with joy in speaking His Word into their lives. What a privilege! “Lord Jesus Christ, I ask for nothing less than Your anointing to communicate the truth of Your Word, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

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Kim Sorrelle says
March 31, 2011 at 6:10 pm

What do you do if people are talking? I found that to be such a distraction and could really use advise.
Thanks so much!! Kim

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Jennifer says
March 31, 2011 at 6:07 pm

What I really want to know as a new speaker is do I have to know it all to be able to speak? Sometimes when I blog I feel like that i’m completely unqualified to speak about the Bible or experiences, but is that not the point? We are what our experiences make us aren’t we? I’m no Biblical scholar but I’ve bought my share of lessons and some cost dearly. If I can share that with someone else and be a help to them then that’s my heart’s desire!

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Sherry Poundstone says
March 31, 2011 at 5:58 pm

So much to share, but here are the highlights of what I’ve learned so far!

Age doesn’t matter! It’s true that certain graphics and titles of workshops will draw attention from a particluar age group. But when it come to Kingdom and Biblical principles-age doesn’t matter. Truth is truth and women know it when they hear it.

Prayer for the women attending is critical! Forming my own prayer team, usually through email, prior to an event or teaching has helped me so much. Specific prayer requests can be made for the particular area, church, women, facilities and on and on. God has showered me with peace and focus when my prayer team is involved.

Humor is great–but not always needed. Sometimes God wants to speak in a serious way :).

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Waleska Nickerson says
March 31, 2011 at 5:54 pm

Hi, I do not only enjoy speaking to women, but writing too. I’ve never be in one of SheSpeaks Conference before, but I had heard amazing things. The Lord have bless me with so much and I can feel in my heart the need to share those blessings with others.

I believe in a God that can do many things for us. May the Lord bless any women that might go to the Conference and used them for His glory!!!

By the way, my question is, How do I avoid rabbit trails?? haha

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Sally Apokedak says
March 31, 2011 at 5:37 pm

OK my newbie question is this…Where can I practice speaking? I don’t want to volunteer to speak in front of people I know, because I’m a lousy speaker (terrified and I shake like crazy) and if you get a reputation for being a terrible speaker with people you know, they may never ask you to speak again, so how would they know if you improved?

If I volunteer with people I don’t know, I don’t have to worry if they don’t ask me back, and people I don’t know might be less scary. So maybe that’s a better option, but why would people I don’t know give me an opportunity to speak when I have no references saying I am a competent speaker?

I would just avoid speaking if I could, but writers also have to speak, these days. Or so it seems. So where do we who are not naturally talented with the spoken word go to learn?

Sorry I don’t have a better question for you. I am worse than a newbie. I’m a reluctant speaker who is terrified at the thought of standing in front of people and telling them anything.

I hate this irrational fear, though, and I’d like to conquer it.

I’m wondering if this “She Speaks” conference is a place to start, which is why I’d like to go to it.

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- Amy says
  March 31, 2011 at 5:48 pm
  
  Sally, I love your honesty! Yes, She Speaks would be an excellent place to start, and I hope I’ll see you there!
  
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June says
March 31, 2011 at 5:25 pm

Leave a comment telling what you as a beginner speaker most need to know. What is your most pressing question?

For the past few weeks I have been drawn to this scholarship. Every post I see posted makes me want to keep reading about it.

Should I apply?

What exactly will I talk about?

What if I share my testimony publicly, will they laugh at me? There’s so much to share.

Lord I pray, I want to go to this conference! but Isn’t a testimony about what God has delivered you from already?

I need to know how to effectively share the things I don’t want to share so somehow it will help others.

A couple of weeks ago I had every intention on applying for one of these scholarships. My cousin asked me if I wanted to go to her sons school (the evening I was planning on appyling) to listen to a speaker speak on bullying. I went to listen and watch her speak. then when I got home I was supposed to apply. instead, I picked up the book.
The title of the book is Please stop laughing at me. The womans courage to write a book and share her story with thousands of people did inspire me.

I put that book down and then picked up Made To Crave.

God works in mysterious ways. He leads you to places and people you can learn from. He knew i have a fear of public speaking and He’s working on my self esteem issues.

I think the bullying I can relate to the most is satans voice whispering for me to be quiet and remain isolated.
It always has been.

I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from being raped and verbally abused.

My question as a new speaker is, Where do I start? There’s so much I can share I just don’t know where to start. I believe I already know the answer to that question. It will be found by listening and learning from the women at the conference and by taking this step of faith by applying.

Thank You ladies and Cecil Murphey for this opportunity.

Through all the pain and tears, still a voice inside me is screaming out…

SPEAK.

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Jen Thomas says
March 31, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Hi- I’d like to know how to find the right pace for speaking… ideally a rate that will help me to not run out of breath like I so often do!

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Marisa Lykins says
March 31, 2011 at 4:51 pm

Coming from a past radio career I am used to summing up huge thoughts in very short bites. I have spoken at events over the years too but also in shorter chuncks. As someone who also is developing a love for storytelling in writing and being able to expound in that arena (and now gettng requets for onger speaking opportunities) how do I take really rich stories/writing and translate it to speaking without being too short or too long? Is there tried and true methods to the madness that stand the test of time?

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Melissa Finnegan says
March 31, 2011 at 4:23 pm

I am a new speaker. I actually have my first engagement May 1st. I am very excited. My question would be how do you find places to speak if you haven’t written anything that has been published? Most speakers have written a book, which is on my list of things to do. But do I need to wait and branch out after I have written a book or can, and how, do I press forward now?

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Rebekah Lilly says
March 31, 2011 at 4:06 pm

As a beginning speaker, I have two main questions. 1) How do I market myself without coming across as pushy, overbearing, and too bold. I have always set back and waited. I do believe that waiting on God and allowing God to open doors is important. However, I can’t help feeling also that I need to step out in faith and promote my ministry. I just don’t want to be seen as pushy or overbearing… like I really think I am somebody, if that makes any sense. I know that I am only here by the grace and mercy of God and that it is only through Him that I am able to even open my mouth and make a coherent sentence. I want to know how to go about approaching others, advertising, and promoting humbly, yet boldly. 2) Guidance on how to narrow down my lesson so that I make my point and provide the prudent details, without boring my audience. I am a detailed person. I like to know all the if’s and why’s and every little detail. My husband will tell me sometimes that I loose my main point by getting bogged down into too much detail. I feel that lot of those details are important in making / explaining my points. I want to get my point across with sufficient details without being boring. I pray about every sentence. It’s just that I enjoy knowing as much as I can know about a subject.. and I don’t want to overcrowd my topics with “too much”.

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Caitlin says
March 31, 2011 at 3:23 pm

As a beginner, there are so many thoughts circling within my head of what I want to write and express. How do you organize these thoughts, or maybe not even organize… but with everything else going on, what are tips to focus on following your heart to create constructive, well-thought-out material?

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Rachael Young says
March 31, 2011 at 3:21 pm

I am not sure if I am new at speaking, but I am definitly not seasoned. I can tell you I simply speak about my life and what has happen or what is happening to me. My mistakes. My failures. The ones I like the best which they all end up the same the VICTORIES! Ecclesiastes 3:15 says “That which hath been is now and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past” is the basis for my ministry. I have not “arrived” as a Christian I am just a sinner saved by grace who wants to invest in the lives of others to share the fact Jesus is real! God never changes! The Spirit moves! The Lord has taught me to be transparent so the best way others may see Christ in me is by giving my all to Him so He can use it for my good and His glory. Knowing there is a “community” of others just like me whom I can minister to. Realizing I may be strange to some people but always a treasure to God. I learned to drop my rock even when I look in the mirror. It is all about the quality, never about the quantity! I have wanted to go to the She Speaks conference since I learned about it a few years ago however timing or funding never allowed the opportunity. Thank you for giving not just me but the other gals this chance to make a difference……A little encouragement to others would be if your not chosen to go to the conference, you are still chosen by God. Never give up on what you have been called to do!

Living by grace,
Rachael

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Suzie Whitman says
March 31, 2011 at 3:18 pm

My first speaking gig was at my church’s annual Women’s Retreat this past January. It was a wonderful experience and I want to pursue more opportunities like this. My question as a newbie is: How do you keep from crying when speaking about emotional things? This wouldn’t have been an issue for in the past, but I have grown a bit sappy over the years. Thanks! 🙂

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Ronel Sidney says
March 31, 2011 at 1:48 pm

What an amazing giveaway!! I think as one of the lessons I am learning as a beginning speakers is to not worry about what people will think of you when you are sharing about yourself, life or your testimony. I think we we are not transparent we are missing out on opportunities to reach others who are or have struggled with the same things we have or are struggling with right now.

Blessings!!

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Tammy Karasek says
March 31, 2011 at 1:36 pm

What I look forward to most about attending the She Speaks Conference is learning how to get past ME and let HIM be the director. How did the ladies speaking get past the crazy thoughts that races through my head like…”Nobody would want to read what I have to say”, “I’m not trained as a writer or speaker”, “How do I know if this is what God wants me to do”. Then, once I can get past those – “Where do I start!”. I have so many friends who have said when they’ve read my blog or a note I’ve written them or when I talk…”Oh, my gosh – you need to write a book, people see what you’re talking about as you talk.” “You have a way with words.” So, how do I know if this is what I should be doing now for this second half of my life! Another question is – I have so much swimming in my head, how do I slow it down and get it down on paper!! Thanks for letting us share our thoughts on what we’d like to hear at the conference!

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Jamy Whitaker says
March 31, 2011 at 1:03 pm

As a beginning speaker, I find it difficult to narrow it down to what I most need to know. Of course, I believe the calling of the Lord needs to be established first and foremost. After that, I guess my question would be simply, where do I begin? Would you suggest that I have a mentor and if so, how do you go about selecting one? I believe that the Lord has called me into this ministry because it is outside of my comfort zone. I long to see where He will take me with this opportunity.

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Heather Barona says
March 31, 2011 at 12:59 pm

As a teacher, I am a naturally gifted story teller. My friends ask me to tell stories all the time due to the hilarious nature of my personality. Recent events in the life of my family are tugging at my heart and it is obvious that I have a compelling story to tell. With three near death experiences, in four months last year, in our immediate family, there is no doubt our family will be a dynamic force for Christ. People are amazed at how I and my family have taken these tragedies and found God’s hand in them. In some of our families darkest hours, we have laughed together and found humor in difficult times. God has lead us all the way.

My concern is how do you tell your story when it is so personal and so hurtful to share in a speaker type setting. Not that I am ashamed, but talking about the tragedy in my life is painful and difficult to talk about. At the She Speaks conference, I am hoping to have this question answered as well as many others.

I am so thankful this ministry for women is thriving! God is amazing!

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Karen Dawkins says
March 31, 2011 at 12:56 pm

I’m an inbetween speaker, lots of experience but new to speaking in the Christian forum. As a former criminal prosecutor, I had to connect with juries and help them connect with crime victims. Sometimes, that was really hard to do — unsympathetic victims are hard to relate to!

The advice I would give is BE REAL!!! People won’t listen to you if they can’t connect with you. That’s true in all speaking. Real is humble.

Blessings!!!

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Cara @ WhimsySmitten says
March 31, 2011 at 12:19 pm

As a beginner, I’d love information from a more seasoned speaker on two things:

1) Connecting to the heart of your audience. I think as a speaker this is an important skill, so that the messages we’re giving are ones that motivate, inspire, heal, encourage, and mostly, point to Him. I want to make sure that the words I speak are those of truth that will resonate within the listener. I worry that I don’t always know how to connect deeply to the audience in a way that will make a difference.

2) How to overcome self-doubt. We know that the enemy is hard at work to discourage those proclaiming God’s message, and I believe many beginning speakers struggle with the fear that we aren’t good enough, smart enough, talented enough to be in a place to speak to anyone. Personally, I struggle against the need to “have it all together” if I think I can encourage anyone else. I know prayer and scripture is a defense against this, but I’d love to hear how the “pros” deal with self-doubt and discouragement.

Thanks, truly, for holding this scholarship opportunity. Someone will be very blessed by this giveaway!

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Jeannette says
March 31, 2011 at 12:17 pm

Two things to keep in mind for a beginning speaker – to know that you are serving God first, not your audience, and 2 – love your audience as God loves them. Its an extremely important mix. As a new speaker, I planned a message recently and mistakenly weighed a lot of what I was saying against what I thought one person would like to hear. Afterwards I couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say. When she was very critical, I was really hurt, but realized God used her to wake me up to the fact that I had focussed on ‘man’s’ opinion and not God’s.

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Kathleen Langridge says
March 31, 2011 at 12:01 pm

‘Write what you know’ is the sage advice given to newbie writers. I believe the same is true for speakers. I was a speaker, teacher, preacher in England for 12 years and each time God immersed me in the subject matter that became the focus of the event. Also He taught me that central to any speak, teach or preach is Jesus Christ. It wasn’t my humor, or my story, or my perspective, though all might be included. It is always Him, He must remain central so that hearts are touched according to His plan.

Even though you asked for one thing the other crucial thing I learned is to worship my way into the preparation of the subject at hand. Music, prayer and the Word opened my heart to hear His heart.

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Richella at Imparting Grace says
March 31, 2011 at 11:47 am

I’ve done a good bit of public speaking in my life, but not in a long time. I’d love to hear about how to make the jump from someone-who-can-speak to someone-who-does-speak. I’ve finally realized that the ability to speak is a gift, but now I’m stuck at the point wherein the gift feels a bit like a burden. I want to use my gifts for the glory of the One who gave them, but I’m wondering just what to do. I love to hear words that are inspirational, but what I could really use right now is advice that’s intensely practical.

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I visited Mr. Murphey’s website; what an amazing man he is! I appreciate his generosity. And I appreciate your work. How I’d love to meet you and learn from you!

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Susan K. Stewart says
March 31, 2011 at 11:27 am

Although I’m not a beginning speaker, I’ve never grasped the art of storytelling. I would very much like to liven up my talks.

For beginning speakers: Learn the power of three. Have three points to support your thesis and no more than three points under each one of those. Listen to or read the great preachers, you find the power of three.

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Noeleen Henry-South Africa says
March 31, 2011 at 10:49 am

The beginner speaker needs to know most of all that God has to be at center of all communication. He is the source from which all our efforts should flow. This sounds clichéd I know but it is a fundamental truth.
Find a base scripture that gives you inspiration and guides your thinking on a personal level, for example Isaiah 40:31 speaks about waiting on the Lord. Once inner inspiration comes forth, what will follow is a natural flow or progression of thoughts. Remember that you are a walking; living; breathing wealth of information. There is a lot lying dormant in your soul.
I interpret the word ‘wait’ to mean ‘preparation.’ Preparation means going into a time of meditation to prepare spiritually and practically.

Go into a time of intimacy with God where you ask the Holy Spirit what it is that He wants you to talk about. The Holy Spirit gives us revelation when it comes to guiding us to particular topics, according to our individual personalities, for example I would get just a single word that guides my thinking sometimes at the most unexpected of times. You will know it when it hits you! Out of that word the rest of the content flows. Pray about what to say. Get up close and personal with the agenda of the Lord.

The Need Will Determine The Feed :

What is the audience’s purpose for attending?
Remember the souls to whom the communication will be addressed are your primary concern. Ask the Holy Spirit what deep spiritual hunger they have that needs addressing.

Demographics:

Demographically it is important that you research their characteristics. Ask questions about where they come from and what educational and economic backgrounds they come from. This helps the speaker to be sensitive to the overall circumstances of the audience. This is important back ground information so that one can use language and concepts that are ‘audience appropriate,’ fashioned to fit their level of understanding.
Once you have considered a few of the points I have mentioned, you will have a better platform from which to ‘design’ what you wish to say. The verbal; (both written and spoken) and the non verbal communication will flow out of a heart and mind that wants to bless others.

Experience is the greatest guru. I could not have told you this until I lived it. Forgive yourself for not getting it right the first time or not knowing it all. Practice is a true teacher. Be yourself and tap dance in your head; smile; radiate your love for life! We are all just ordinary people. Love the girl in the mirror….God’s marvel! Know that you are a walking example of God’s love. My favourite story is ‘Charlotte’s Web’ I keep the picture of the little pig in my mind. Think happy thoughts!

Be confident and be bold. Know in your heart that you are on your master’s business. Your ‘self talk’ must be extremely positive. Most of all, I leant this about life – be anxious about nothing. Take the focus off from yourself. It’s all about the Lord. Take a few moments to be calm and collect your thoughts. No one from the audience (at least in a room full of God loving people) is going to jump up and bite you. If however they do-during question time- be open to their points of view. We are all learning; just let the Holy Spirit guide your answer. Nevertheless be wholeheartedly sensitive to their perspective.

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debbie bailey says
March 31, 2011 at 6:34 am

When I used to lead women’s Bible studies, I made the mistake of giving too many personal examples. A few are good and keeps interest, but too many are excruciatingly personal. I wish I had known this before I made the blunder.

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Melissa says
March 31, 2011 at 5:14 am

I’m learning that giftedness still needs grooming…That when we are called and blessed it doesn’t mean we won’t have to work. That just because we know it is what we are supposed to do, that every session won’t be perfect, that the whole room won’t fall down and worship…that these results don’t change our calling…That we must take what we learn from each moment and grown for next tlme. And that we should bow and worship that he can even change fumbled words into beauty (I linked a blog post from just such an experience!)

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Tammy Sinclair says
March 31, 2011 at 4:42 am

I can’t describe the quickening in my spirit when I saw this new post for a scholarship to the “She Speaks” conference. Even though my vocational ministry is teaching middle school. God revealed His ministry-calling on my life about six years ago…women. Through leading a women’s ministry, He grew in me an agape love for women…a swelling desire to minister His Word to the lies they are believing and His love to their broken places. God has allowed me the awesome responsibility and humbling opportunities to teach Bible studies and speak at a couple retreats and a women’s function at another church.

My “advice” to new speakers: Feed and meditate on the meat of God’s Word every day; He will give you a specific word or topic to share, and He will lead you to the Scriptures. He may also…okay, most definitely will…require you to walk through the subject matter He gives you to speak on if you have not already. Make an outline of key points and Scriptures to guide you, but don’t get bogged down in the “what to say.” Study up, pray up. God always shows up and is always faithful to bring the “what to say” and “how to say” by His Spirit. Oh yes…I show up extra early to pray over every seat and every name (if I have them).

My two questions as a speaker:

1) I struggle with my closing at speaking engagements. I have a passionate conviction about sharing the message of the gospel at some point in the message and providing some form of an invitation. What is the best method for this, and how do I make that transition from message to invitation or personal “challenge”? (I want women to leave with Christ if they came not knowing Him, and I want sister-girlfriends to leave with tools and authority to use them in their lives.)

2) I feel God’s “positioning” and equipping towards the next level of speaking. What are some effective ways of obtaining more speaking engagements?

Thank you!

Joyfully in His Service — Tammy

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Nyla Gutekunst says
March 31, 2011 at 4:40 am

First of all, thank you for providing this scholarship opportunity. I have spent the last 32 years in Music Ministry for the church and am currently working on a Masters in Professional Counseling. This career shift is motivate by the fact that I find great joy in helping to resource people in areas of need. The most pressing question that I have as a beginning speaker has to do with topic selection. Is it best to pray about topics to prepare and then look for opportunities to present them or is there an effective way to find what topics are most pressing and then prepare based on the presented need. I know that God can lead and guide in both scenarios but value the opinion of veteran speakers.

the opportunity to

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Tiersa says
March 31, 2011 at 4:29 am

I have not had a whole lot of opportunities to speak in front of others. The times I have, I have always apologized up front. I’ve always said something like…”.I’m so sorry…I’m not very good at this. I am nervous and this isn’t really my thing”. One day one of the Mom’s from my class(I am a teacher) came up to me and said,”Will you please stop apologizing. I’ve heard you apologize for 3 years now. You do a good job and that is enough!” It kind of startled me at first but it was also what I needed to hear. I don’t apologize anymore. I go up with confidence(even if I am not feeling it) and say what God has put on my heart. Of course I always pray and ask God for his guidence and wisdom and HIS confidence. I know I am a work in progress and this is all part of it. I love the examples of Moses and David in the Bible. Both are lacking in so many ways and yet God uses them Mightily! I can totally relate! :>)

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Donna Trahan says
March 31, 2011 at 3:55 am

I have spent most of my life dreaming of sharing the heart of Jesus with others through a public speaking ministry. Every time I get close to actually stepping into my calling, I am either waylaid by the enemy or I become paralyzed with doubt and unbelief. How do I move past this fear and enter into the obedience I so dearly desire?

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Jennifer Dougan says
March 31, 2011 at 3:31 am

I have been speaking off and on for about four years, and have been in youth and family ministry for over 16 years. To improve my speaking, I would love to learn how to add better “get you involved into the discussion” questions in my workshops, and not just be mostly lecture. I am working at it, but know I need to get better.

The greatest advice I can give to other speakers? Hmm, I think really cultivating God’s agape love for the people I speak with, and having that show sincerely through my face is huge. God is wonderful at giving that to us and helping that transfer to the people we speak to. And I love that he will open up his Word for us to learn from and teach others.

Thanks for this chance to win a scholarship at random. I am working hard! 🙂

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Kellye Sparling says
March 31, 2011 at 3:28 am

I always want to tell nervous speakers that most of the people in the audience are interested in what they have to say and are pulling for them! The others are thinking about themselves or their grocery lists. So just ask God to speak through you, and trust that everyone is going to get what they need. Blessings to you!

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Deborah Johnson says
March 31, 2011 at 3:04 am

One of the things I wish I had been taught as a beginning speaker was how to find my own voice for speaking. I spent so much time studying other speakers and not enough time praying and trusting the message I was getting from the Lord–especially when it didn’t make sense to me at the time. Now, I am not afraid to be transparent when I speak and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me.

I also wish I had learned more about researching my audience before I spoke. It would have allowed me to be more effective by developing more relevant content.

Thank you for this opportunity to give input!

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Nina Voelker says
March 31, 2011 at 2:43 am

I am seeking God’s guidance in leading a Women’s Ministry. I am part of a small church that started 3 years ago in our pastor’s living room. At the time, God told me my job was to serve by way of hospitality and I have been doing just that. Since that time, I feel God calling me to lead the Women’s Ministry, but I don’t know where to begin and I have always been shy when it comes to talking in front of others. Therefore, I guess my pressing questions are where do I begin and how do I get past this shaking fear of getting up in front of other women and speaking. I would love to attend the “She Speaks Conference” to learn from the more seasoned speakers.

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Krista says
March 31, 2011 at 2:40 am

I felt like someone really “got me” when Wendy Pope shared these words, “God put a dream in my heart that is bigger than the environment I am in.” Since then God has been preparing my heart to respond to His call. Though my passion has become greater than my fear, my environment is still a challenge. My question is, How does someone untrained and ordinary, yet sure of her call, move forward in pursuing that dream?
I am longing for some guidance to the next step.

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Cheryl Fellores says
March 31, 2011 at 1:19 am

I’m a newbie. God has provided three different opportunities for me to speak to women’s groups over the last 18 months. I worked with a message team for my first two speaking opportunities, and I learned so much from them – what a blessing!! Each time I spoke, it was covered in prayer (from preparation thru the delivery) by a number of women. That made a huge difference for me.

The two main struggles I had were:
One: Coming up with an outline. For my first two speaking opportunities, they provided the topic that they wanted me to speak on. And through prayer, God showed me what He wanted me to share. But I struggled with developing an outline. So as I walked in to the first message team meeting, I presented a draft of my talk instead of an outline as they had requested. Fortunately, I knew most of the women on the team, and they didn’t have an issue with that. But I’d really like to learn how to outline the talk then build in the content.
Two: Choosing a topic. On my third speaking opportunity, the women’s ministry leader from another church asked me to select my own topic that I’d like to speak on. She had been at one of my previous presentations, so I wanted something new. My goal was to modify my approach to more of a teaching style. God came through with a topic, but it was a huge struggle to pick something. God used it in a big way, but I’d like to step through that a little easier the next time God provides an opportunity!

And a third question I have is how to obtain more opportunities to speak. God has placed all three of my other opportunities right in front of me. And I know He’s calling me to speak, but I’m not sure how to go about securing more speaking opportunities. I’m willing to go out of my comfort zone, but I’m not sure where to even start with that.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide!

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Philana Rogers says
March 31, 2011 at 1:06 am

Thank you for this opportunity. I am a brand new beginner. God has laid it on my heart to share my testimony. I have taught birth thru age 18, but never adults. However, in the last few years I have felt an overwhelming desire to minister to other women. So, if an opportunity appears for me to attend this conference, this will be my beginning. Therefore, I will have lots of questions and need to know all I can.

I can agree with the comment on attacks of feeling unworthy and how other speakers deal with that? I haven’t even’t even begun to speak and already there are doubts of if becoming a speaker will ever come true. But I’m pressing on toward the prize.

So my question, assuming I would be present in the breakout session:), is how do I get started doing what I feel I’ve been called to do when there seems to be so many obstacles and the goal seems so far away?

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Joyous says
March 31, 2011 at 12:12 am

What a generous offer and a fun contest–thanks for letting me participate!

As a beginning speaker, I most want to know when it gets easier. I have done many things in front of groups (singing, introductions and reading) and what ruins it for me is the constant worries about the critical thoughts others might be having of me, the critical thoughts I’m having of myself, and then the nervous tics that set in (hands fluttering, knees shaking, lips wiggling like Elvis). Not pretty. How does one gain confidence, in the beginning, not to look utterly ridiculous?

Thanks again and good luck to all!

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Dawn says
March 31, 2011 at 12:06 am

My biggest question would also center around the “business” of ministry and marketing. How best should I continue to market myself/my ministry to generate ongoing speaking events. Another ‘minor’ question would be how to keep from asking out of frustration WHY I answered the call to minister to women. I have great faith that the Lord will provide the financial means for me to attend She Speaks this year whether it’s through a scholarship or through donations from precious friends. This has been a dream of mine for a couple of years now. Thank you for the opportunity!

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SandieG says
March 30, 2011 at 10:29 pm

I am as Moses – not well with speaking – but great in faith. Knowing God has a path for me and is preparing me for this journey each step of the way. How can I share this temendous faith that God has blessed me with if I am able to share it only through my actions and not through words either spoken or written. Speaking outload what is in my heart never seems to sound the same and the fear of being misunderstood is the greatest challenge that I face causing me more often then not to do nothing. I continue to pray daily for God’s guidance in this and every area of my life and stand on His promise “BELIEVE, REST IN ME and PREPARE”. As I do not always have “Aaron” around to share the things that I feel God leads me to share I seek to PREPARE for those times. I truly believe God is directing me to attend this conference and pray that the door will be opened for this to happen. Help me to learn how to share this TREMENDOUS gift of faith God has blessed me with, with others through speaking and the written word.

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Carla MacLachlan says
March 30, 2011 at 10:13 pm

I would like to know ideas for engaging an audience, and if the choice to engage an audience more or less depends on the size of the audience. Thank you!

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Breeze Bettis says
March 30, 2011 at 10:09 pm

For about 7 years I have had to yearn to speak! Not sure where, when, or to who. Everytime I go to women conferences, or listen to women’s heartbreaking story through divorce, or young ladies needing to know who they are and how much they are worth…I want to speak!! When I saw this opportunity, and joy bubbled up into my being that screamed out that this is something I want to experience and be a part of. As a newbie, I want to know where to start. To learn as much as I can about the process. I have an urgency in heart that there is no time to wait. Women, young ladies, and little girls all ove the world need to know how captivating they are. I want that opportunity to be used by God to share the message He has sent to us. Jer 29 :11!!!! I need to know the process and be encouraged that I can do it.

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Jessie Minassian says
March 30, 2011 at 10:06 pm

As an intermediate speaker/writer, my question would be, “How do you determine whether to market yourself aggressively (when none of us likes to “sell herself”), or to wait for the Lord to provide speaking engagements as He sees fit?”
BTW, this is the best scholarship contest for the She Speaks Conference I’ve seen yet– the chance to win a scholarship to a great conference, just by asking questions! 😉

Hope to meet you in N.C.!

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Michelle Skow says
March 30, 2011 at 9:57 pm

Thank you so much for this opportunity! I think the biggest issue with speaking on behalf of our God and His truth is trying to get out of His way, and making yourself an unobstructed vessel for the Holy Spirit. if you have any practical ways to ensure that….or help us do that better. Also, I would love to hear your advice on audience participation: good or bad? And what about take away? How do we give them something catchy, so that it sticks? Just some thoughts……

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Lisa Fernelius says
March 30, 2011 at 9:57 pm

Okay so I have been speaking for slightly over a year but am definitely not seasoned, so I guess I would like to know the anser to these two questions, sorry I know I am cheating 🙂
1) After you are done speaking and someone wants to talk and the conversation gets long while others are waiting to greet you, how do you politely close the conversation without offending?

2) What is the best way to know if I am called to speak?
Thanks for asking!!! (looking forward to hearing the answers 🙂

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Shaun Estrada says
March 30, 2011 at 9:38 pm

I am passionate about telling my story and sharing the Word of God. I have experienced times when I could discern the moments when I knew the people in the room understood and could relate to the message and were ready to respond. I want to understand how to end well while being sensative to the Holy Spirits leading.

Thanks so much..!

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Renda Olson says
March 30, 2011 at 9:20 pm

Correct Respect is my burning question. During my message it is key to mention events from the past that involve family and friends that are very dear to me. But in order to show how God moved, I need to share certain details that are not so fun and fluffy. So my question is how do I share the story, without completely disrespecting those that are near and dear to me ? I want to make sure that people walk away with the Grace of the story not the disgrace of the story.

Thank you !
Renda.

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Linda Pendry says
March 30, 2011 at 8:58 pm

As a new speaker, how do you know that you know that this is something God wants you to do? Also, How do you get past the thoughts that come to your mind like: “they are not interested in anything you have to say” I am a shy person & don’t like getting in front of people but know that when I do He gives me the words & strengh. Thank you, Linda Pendry Women’s Ministry Leader

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Janine says
March 30, 2011 at 8:57 pm

As a beginning speaker, I would most like to know more about the nuts and bolts of speaking. How do you prepare your speaking and guage the timing of your talks? And how do you work out payments and contracts? Also, how do you balance family and speaking? Thanks, Janine 🙂

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Melissa Jefferson says
March 30, 2011 at 8:56 pm

As a newbee. .I need to know things YOU would have benefit from. Wisdom from a sister in Christ is the best tool available other then manifest wisdom from God Himsellf and a fresh outpour of his Spirit speaking through me so I wont really be the one speaking at all! An instrument of His divine orchestra … while being on display as a trophy of His grace for all to see…that is me

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Aletheia says
March 30, 2011 at 8:23 pm

The greatest thing that I have had to learn as a speaker is that there is so little I am really responsible for and even less that I can control. Yes, its good and helpful to prepare ahead of time, to think through what I’d like to say, where the Lord might like to lead, but at the end of the day, it really is up to Him and what He would have for that time and place. That which I am most responsible for is simply showing up: the power of presence cannot be over-emphasized.

Too often I think we get caught up in the wondering and worrying of whether or not we have been effective and if what we have DONE is good/good enough–have we offered enough truth, enough practical advice? Have we been authentic enough? Has the message met people where they are at?

When I first started speaking I wish someone would have told me that it’s really not that big of a deal, that I’m really not that big of a deal. This talk is just another opportunity. It’s another day, another moment for me to be me and God to be God. Resting in that reality allows me to calmly share what’s on my heart and completely entrust the rest to Him. May the seeds fall where they may.

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” -Robert Louis Ste

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Catherine Strange says
March 30, 2011 at 8:08 pm

I wish, when I first began to speak, that I had been aware of, and held close to my heart, two scriptures.

1. Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
2. James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing. ESV

When beginning anything, we tend to make it more difficult than necessary. Speaking is no exception. We also, as women are far too critical of ourselves, robbing us of the very spirit-filled Joy that makes us fearless vessels of His message!!
The two scriptures above have emphasized for me the importance of being true to who he made me as I speak, along with welcoming the molding process necessary to become a more effective communicator.

Loving the Journey!!
Catherine

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Karen F. says
March 30, 2011 at 7:56 pm

Questions . . . have I got questions!!
One of the many that I have is how exactly do I get started in speaking to other women and other churches . . . what is the best way to “break in” to the local speaking circuit?
God’s put a message in my heart and mind and I long to share it with other women!!

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Carla MacLachlan says
March 30, 2011 at 7:32 pm

After accepting a speaking engagement, I continually go before the Lord asking Him to show me what He desires that specific audience to know about Him. Knowing I am delivering a message God has provided gives me confidence that I am truly following His lead on each journey.

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Toni Ryan says
March 30, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Hello,

I would love to know more about marketing my talents and how do gauge what to charge if anything. I’ve had some tell me they thought speakers should consider it service to the Lord and to not expect to be paid. I’d love to know your thoughts on this.

Thank you so much!

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Carol says
March 30, 2011 at 7:03 pm

I loved Wendy’s idea about praying for each woman coming to hear you speak!! I want to do that next week in preparation for a speaking engagement the middle of April. The Holy Spirit can begin preparing hearts for what He has given me to say. Thanks for the idea!!
Any other ideas about preparing by prayer??

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Kim Teamer says
March 30, 2011 at 6:54 pm

Never lose sight of your own voice. Your message, your tone, and your authenticity are uniquely you. Don’t become Jane Doe, Jr. (insert any name you wish) in an attempt to gain more interest or to get a larger following. Honest sincerity trumps all.

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Merilee Singletary says
March 30, 2011 at 6:47 pm

I have always loved speaking. God began nurturing this in me in high school Forensics. Since then, I have had some opportunities to speak to women in a Bible study setting and LOVED it. I am hooked. The only problem is, we moved cross country and no one knows me well enough in TN to ask me to speak. I guess my big question is related to how do I market myself as a speaker. Must I just wait on God to open doors? I have such a passion for sharing God’s Word (and the spiritual gifting of encouragement and teaching) but, alas, no outlet to use these gifts. Help.

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Janine Igliane says
March 30, 2011 at 6:37 pm

As a new speaker, I would like to know about adding humor to your talk. I’m not a naturally funny person, although I do love a good joke. Are there some tips for adding humor, or is it ok to just go with what you feel led to share and forget about trying to add humor? Thank you so much for this opportunity to win a scholarship.

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Fara Carter says
March 30, 2011 at 6:26 pm

I would like advice on how to gain my “nerve” back. I haven’t been before a gorup to speak in years. It used to be no big deal in High School and even as a young adult to teach. But now I seem to have lost my nerve.

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amber says
March 30, 2011 at 6:23 pm

Hoping to learn tips on successes, effectiveness and failures from more experienced speakers.

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Jen Allee says
March 30, 2011 at 6:18 pm

My advice to new speakers is stick to one point. Center everything around it. It takes so much work to narrow a message to one point, but worth it in the end.

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Shannon Milholland says
March 30, 2011 at 6:17 pm

My hardest learned lesson is that it’s okay to be real. At first I was so fearful of people knowing the “real” me behind the easily observable outside. I wish I’d learned much earlier the power of being authentic about my struggles and victories through Jesus’ grace and power.

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Kimberlee says
March 30, 2011 at 6:05 pm

The few times that I have “talked” I have felt led by the Holy Spirit and felt good about the outcome. My problem is my voice shakes for the first two minutes and it does matter if is 10 people or 100.

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Kat says
March 30, 2011 at 5:58 pm

Hi,
I have so many questions, but I guess the most pressing at the moment would be how to share your story. I’d be curious to hear how others find the balance between not telling enough and giving too much information. And, just how to get started in general.

Have a great day!
Kat

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Joy Olander says
March 30, 2011 at 5:51 pm

2. Leave a comment telling what you, as a more seasoned speaker, wish you had known as a beginner. What is the best piece of advice that you would give to a beginner

Spend more time preparing your heart than your talk. The Holy Spirit can speak amazing things through us if we are faithuful to be well-prepared but more faithful to be vessels for His use (often spontaneous). From The feedback from my talks reveal the things that most affect people are the comments that my response ends up being, “Did I really say that?”!!! God is able to do far exceedingly above what we ask or imagine by His power that is at work in us!!! : ) RELAX and allow God to do the “speaking”!

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Christy Johnson says
March 30, 2011 at 5:29 pm

When I first started speaking I thought that along with the speaking topics I felt passionate about, I should offer the option to tailor a message around the theme of the event….until I did just that. The topic was not something I was passionate about, so my delivery felt awkward and forced. I wish I had realized that God created me with a unique set of passions and He didn’t anoint and appoint me to speak about everything. That would have relieved me from a lot of internal pressure to try to be something I thought I should be, not who He’s called me to be. I still have tons to learn about the call God has placed on my life to speak. It would be a huge answer to prayer to attend She Speaks!

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Hilary says
March 30, 2011 at 5:28 pm

I’m new to speaking and would love to know where to begin. What do I need to know about public speaking? How do I prepare for a talk? How in the world can I engage my audience?

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Ginger Ciminello says
March 30, 2011 at 5:26 pm

I fall somewhere between newbie and seasoned. I have plenty of experience with the same 5-6 audience groups/churches/retreats. If I could ask one question it might center around marketing and self-promotion. How do I walk the line of marketing myself to try and obtain speaking opportunities while remaining humble and dependent upon God for any success? On my own I have nothing to offer- it is only through the working of His Spirit that I can do what I feel I was called to do.

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Erin Taylor says
March 30, 2011 at 5:22 pm

As a beginner, most of my questions centralize around time. This precious resource intimidates me and confuses me both in the timing of marketing myself as a speaker, as well as the timing on stage when presenting my materials.

1. I have that deep desire to communicate with other women and share revelations that God has placed on my heart. But now what? Where do I begin? How do I know the proper timing, location and group of people to share what He has placed on my heart? What are important steps to take to prepare for the time that God does what me to step out and share what He has given me?
2. How do I utilize my time marketing myself to where it doesn’t consume me? As an aspiring writer and speaker, how do I not let the idea of a “platform” consume me? Self promotion seems like a costly, time consuming activity and quite frankly it intimidates me. What if I don’t have a “platform”? What are non-negotiable marketing tactics that every communicator needs? What are some that are unnecessary and can be avoided?
3. Once I finally have a speaking opportunity, how do I not let the ticking clock run my speech? Or dictate my feelings of nervousness? What are ways I can remain within the time constraint, cover all of my points and communicate clearly? What do I do if the time constraint is changed?

Thanks for all the advice! Praying for each woman that will be attending and teachers that share their wisdom.

Erin

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Melanie Williams says
March 30, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Have you ever received a gift and as soon as you opened it you knew you had to share it with someone you loved? You knew you either needed to gift it to them because they needed it more or that it was meant to be shared between you? If this has happened to you, then you know the burden on my heart. God has gifted me with so much passion and conviction about his healing and saving power. In some ways I would be considered a speaker with no experience. However, I have taught high school, college level classes, and different ages of bible classes. There has been so much joy for me in these experiences because I am able to offer some guidance and life experience to young people who are searching. Being a mentor is a yoke that I do not claim because I made many bad choices in my youth. My unlimited blessing, though, is that I have a Father who truly loves, cherishes and knows me. He knows me in a way that is almost embarrassing. And in my bareness, he sees beauty. In my darkness, he casts light. In my desperation, he explodes hope. I love my Lord and God so much for the gift of grace with which he has drenched my life.

I would love to learn how to temper my exhuberance. I fear coming on too strong, overwhelming my audience, and trying to express a lifetime of redemption in one conversation. How do you find the focus so that you don’t just jump up and down and scream “Our Lord is awesome and I am so in love with him!”

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- Melissa Jefferson says
  March 30, 2011 at 8:58 pm
  
  AMEN
  
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Becky Kopitzke says
March 30, 2011 at 5:10 pm

I’ve heard experienced speakers/writers/preachers say that as they’ve gained the benefit of age, growth and increased wisdom, they’ve regretted the immaturity or inaccuracies of some of their earlier messages. How do I prevent my relative inexperience from becoming an obstacle to allowing God to use me where I am?

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Sharmen Oswald says
March 30, 2011 at 5:01 pm

I am being nudged by God to get out of my comfort zone and lead women, but I don”t know how, or at least I think I don’t know how! I just returned from taking 14 women to the Extraordinary Women Conference in Greenville, SC and was blessed beyond measure and tired to match the blessing. Quite some time ago my pastor scared me to death when he told me I needed to be involved in Women’s Ministry. I thought I was involved, but what he meant was to be involved in Women’s Ministry as a leader. I have also lead several Bible studies, building connections and relationships with ladies at my church and in the community and have spoken at various events. Right now, I need prayer for God’s will to be evident to me so that I will know “the next step” on this new path He has for me.

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Cindi says
March 30, 2011 at 4:57 pm

I love reading the previous comments and suggestions. I wish I had known to use a flexible notebook with large print instead of note cards that can be accidently rearranged! I wish I relaxed and realized how much I enjoyed using the gift God gave me instead of being so fearful beforehand.

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Tanya Sterling says
March 30, 2011 at 4:56 pm

As a qausi-seasoned speaker, i would tell beginning speakers that she should simply let go and let God. Make sure you are thoroughly prepared for your speech but you do not have to have every word memorized–instead, relax, be confident with your topic and lead with the Spirit. You WILL communicate what you are supposed to communicate!

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Barbara Koob says
March 30, 2011 at 4:52 pm

Hi! Thanks to Cec for donating this generous gift to a SheSpeak conference attendee! Every year the Lord has blessed me when I have attended SheSpeaks (this will be my 3rd year), as I continue to have faith in this walk where He leads. As a new person who believes that God is calling me to write and speak, I still struggle with just having faith on a day to day basis. I know that none of this happens magically, but sometimes I feel like I’m the only one out there with a vision that the Lord has given me. But then, how do I figure out this vision? Where do I begin? How do I get started? What should I be doing? Or not doing? I started with a book idea, then a book proposal, a few teaching assignments with my book idea, a blog and then so on – but it’s really hard! I sometimes wish the Lord would just spell it all out, but I know it doesn’t work that way. So please help me with defining my vision and the steps that I should be working on that will keep me on my journey with what God has called me to do. Thanks.

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Sasha Carter says
March 30, 2011 at 4:47 pm

As a newbie to ministry I feel like the most pressing issue for me is following God’s path. I tend to get excited about something and want to do it for selfish reasons rather than seeking God first. I think as a speaker it would be good to understand how you overcome the ways you want to take on a presentation, book, or blog in order to do, speak, or write what it is God wants you to do.

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Tracey Brewer says
March 30, 2011 at 4:43 pm

While, as a speaker, our message is conveyed through our words, our appearance, facial expressions and mannerisms also tell an audience much about us. How do you decide how to present yourself physically – including things like making eye contact with people, overcoming nervous habits, standing up straight, smiling on purpose, etc., so that those things don’t detract from what you are saying.

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Cindy Rooy says
March 30, 2011 at 4:37 pm

As a writer who is starting to receive speaking engagements, I’d like to know how you retain your whole speech in your head? Do you memorize? I can easily read my speech well, but how do you transform to speaking with only a note card? I need to learn how to make the transition from writing to speaking and hope this conference might help me!

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Christina Woollen says
March 30, 2011 at 4:37 pm

The electricity I feel when speaking in a small group setting or in front of a larger audience lets me know that God wired my soul with the gift to gab! Now I just need to understand how to let other people know it is my heart’s desire to begin a speaking ministry to teach, inspire and lead other people to Christ. As mentioned by Lysa TerKerust at last year’s SheSpeaks, the art of speaking is one to be practiced and learned. My belief is that God has given me the courage to get up in front of people, however I am hungry to learn how most effective ultilize this gift. At this year’s SheSpeaks, I am looking forward to practicing in front of an audience that will critique my delivery, gain specific direction on how to get started with a speaking ministry and learn professional tips and tricks of the trade straight from the woman whom I admire most. I am very excited to attend SheSpeaks 2011!

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Monica Hawkins says
March 30, 2011 at 4:35 pm

I’m not really sure which category I fall into, but one thing I struggle with is learning how to market myself has a speaker. I have spoken 4 times in the last year and all of these engagements were at different churches in the same area. Word of mouth I guess, but how do I spread that beyond this one area. 🙂

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Lorie Vital says
March 30, 2011 at 4:02 pm

Everyone of us have insecurities. I believe that knowing this helps me, because I know that this fact makes me rely on God even more than believing I can do it on my own. I need Him most when I am speaking. I can sing with utmost confidence because I read music and I love to sing, especially about God and all He’s done for me. I also feel like I can write and take my time and put my thoughts down and I can go back and see if it was written well. Speaking is out there right then. So believe your topic, love your audience and they will feel it, know who is speaking through you and PRAY before you speak. I ask God every time I speak or sing to let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to Him. I am uncomfortable with applause or praise because I want it to touch hearts and reach someone not to bring glory to myself. I most of all just want to share the greatest thing any way I can -through song , through writing , through speaking. I think love for your audience, believing what your sharing, prayer and relying on God are the most important things.

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Renee Denny says
March 30, 2011 at 4:01 pm

When I began speaking a few years ago, I wish I had known I did not need to be nervous because being too nervous is a good indication your mind is focused on yourself and what others think of you rather than on God and what HE is going to do through you.

I realized that if I fell face first and looked like an idiot – if that is what God wanted, then to His Glory I will fall on my face and look stupid. It is so freeing to hand God the results and let Him deal with it and work through you.

I have been out of speaking and wanting to get back in to being used by God again, but need a push now. Thank you for the scholarship opportunity now.

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Lisa Carlson says
March 30, 2011 at 3:51 pm

As a 41-year-old single woman, who has never been married and has never had children, I need to know if I have something to say that is of value to women who probably have different life experiences than I do.

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Lisa Carlson says
March 30, 2011 at 3:47 pm

As a 41-year-old single woman, who has never been married and has never had children, I need to know if I have something to say that would be of value to women, even though our life experiences are probably different. http://www.sparkleisanattitude.blogspot.com

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Jenni says
March 30, 2011 at 3:42 pm

The thing that I needed to know most is to speak slowly – much more slowly than I thought necessary. Also, pregnant pauses are good and important. Listeners need time to think, at least for a few seconds, about what you are saying.

My most pressing question is: How do you say something when you feel it has been said a million times before and you feel that you don’t have any new insight or perspective to offer?

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Rhonda Olshine says
March 30, 2011 at 3:41 pm

Amy, I always approach teaching God’s Word with this in mind….

When Jesus attended the wedding at Canan, he performed his first miracle. Whenever I speak, I approach preparation in a similar way….I fill up the water jars. Advance study, digging deeper, taking the job of preparation seriously…it’s all about filling up the water jars to the brim…overflowing.
But there comes a point in the process of preparation, that I must do the next step…..asking Him to turn the Water into Wine.
There is a paradox at work…it is about me and…. it isn’t about Me. It is about my availability, skills, study, preparation….but there’s oh so much more. For we serve a powerful God – who will and does Speak through our simple human words. I’m more concerned about this second part than the first….I earnestly seek His Spirit, asking Him to transform my simple water jars with that which only He can do. His Spirit is what quickens the Word to become flesh in the heart of my audience.
My prior preparation is vital, but it is just a mere starting place…there’s so more at stake! Through prayer and surrender, He comes and transforms the ordinary, with His extraordinary. Sweet Wine! And amazing at it seems, He is eager and willing to not only fill my mortal words into the Wine of His Spirit, He actually saves the Best until that point. Prior preparation does prevent a poor performance, but it is in reality the offering and surrending of my water jars, that present Him with the useable vessels He desires to deliver His Wine to my dry and thirsty audience.
Hope this can be of help to you in your preparation. May the Lord provide you with the Best Wine 🙂

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Mandy says
March 30, 2011 at 3:37 pm

As more of a dreamer than a speaker at this point, I have many questions. However, my main question is based on the few times I have been privileged to speak. It seems like every time I have sat down to prepare what I was going to share, it was with a fire in my belly, an excitement for what I believed God had given me to share. The difficulty comes in taking that passion and forming it into words that not only convey the message but do so in such a way that fully expresses what God has placed on my heart without beating it to death. It seems like within the first five minutes I have already said the main point, all my fire has died out, and I’m left with 25 minutes to try and fill without digging myself into a hole. I know I have a calling to speak, I know God has placed within me the desire to share what He has shared with me, but I need some more guidance on how exactly to do that effectively. Thank you for this ministry.

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Alison Stevens says
March 30, 2011 at 3:31 pm

I am right there with those who have the marketing question. I have had many people the last couple of years tell me I have a story to tell, and they see God moving me beyond just being a worship leader to speaking and sharing that story, but I am not sure how to do that. Marketing just feels like self promotion (in a negative way). How do we get around that?

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Alyssa Woollard says
March 30, 2011 at 3:26 pm

As a beginning speaker I need to know how to effectively communicate the things that God is laying upon my heart and then get out of the way and become “invisible”. So that HIS message and love is all that they see and remember. I want so much to communicate the love of Christ. To be his message to a hurting and tired community of women. Show me how to get out of the way. to forget all my insecurities and hang ups and just allow Him to do what he would do through me.

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Megan Salisbury says
March 30, 2011 at 3:13 pm

As a beginer some of the issues I am concerned with are presentation organization and dynamic communication. I desire to learn how to connect deeper personally with those whom God allows me to minister. One of the most pressing troubles I have is learning how to overcome the fear I have of sharing my personal struggles. I believe these trials were allowed by God that He might mature my faith in order to share with other women how He has carried, delivered and healed me. I am dealing with fear of going into those issues but I realize it is God’s desire to use them. How do I dig deep and open up?

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Shonda B. says
March 30, 2011 at 2:59 pm

Hi, as a women with a story to share. I struggle with wanting to tell every little detail of my personal story without having done “mental editing”, in order , for my audience not to become bored. By attending the She Speaks conference, I am hoping to learn how to tell a shortened (awe-inspiring) version of my personal testimony. Thanks and God Bless 🙂

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Laurie Coombs says
March 30, 2011 at 2:54 pm

As a complete beginner, I think my biggest question that needs to be answered has to do with your process discerning what topic God is leading you to speak on. How do you know that your topic is really His leading or you trying to speak from your own heart/mind, apart from Him. How do you ensure that you stay within the council and guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit? After all, isn’t this our main objective? When speaking, I have no desire to give my opinions/knowledge/etc, but instead, I only want to speak what He would have me speak, and only if I’m called to do so.

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Sandra Shelton says
March 30, 2011 at 2:54 pm

I would like to know how to take the seed of a good idea and translate into a full, instructive, and engaging message.

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Kim says
March 30, 2011 at 2:53 pm

1. As a beginning speaker the embarassing question I have is how to ask to be paid. I hate asking for money or donations in any circumstance! Along with that question is how to build an audience, beyond word-of-mouth, and a friend told a friend…lol.

2. I get a little stage fright, but not too much. What happens to me, though, is that I FLUSH from the neck up. And it’s obvious…it has been mentioned – LOL! Any ideas on that??

Thanks for offering the opportunity for a scholarship!

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Brandi says
March 30, 2011 at 2:49 pm

My most pressing question is, what are the KEY points to be a great speaker? I would like to know more about what steps need to be taken to achieve a great speaking technique. Then, I could go back and check those points off as I prepare myself to talk about different things. This, I believe would give me a baseline to start out. It would help give me the initial direction I need to stay on track. That is my most pressing question at this point. Thank you for this opportunity. God bless!!

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Robin Lee says
March 30, 2011 at 2:48 pm

Find an place to serve the Lord out of the spotlight. A place where you are physically meeting the needs of others, where God can meet you in a different way than He will when you are teaching. Know that pride can be a huge trap; and purpose not to fall in it.

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Sheila Michael says
March 30, 2011 at 2:44 pm

Many years ago at training to become a CBS coordinator, a Christian Sister told me I had a gift for seeing things that the Holy Spirit does others do not see. I returned home ready to let the Lord do with me as He willed. On my knees asking the Lord for HIS guidance, the first devotional I gave with fear and trepidation was received with cheers and applause. I was truly humbled. It was about road reflectors and to this day, many years later, people still remark to me about those road reflectors.

My husband was extremely ill this past year and passed away. Once more, I feel the call to write and tell.
The scholarship would be a great help in furthering this venture but, then again, that is up to HIM.

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Gayle says
March 30, 2011 at 2:43 pm

I am a new speaker, and I struggle with at times I am just plain nervous. It is getting past that to release what is within me and allowing it flow out. It seems to pop up at the oddest times. Last week I was teaching a group of only four, and I found myself feeling anxiety. What is going on, why I am nervous I wondered…

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beth willis miller says
March 30, 2011 at 2:42 pm

One of my favorite scriptures that I re-wallpaper my mind with as I prepare to speak is Habakkuk 2:3 from The Living Bible–“But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” As I am praying about the event, and praying for the people who will hear me speak, I apply this scripture using my creative imagination for inspiration. When I served as the Florida Department of Education State Consultant for Gifted Education, I was frequently asked to provide technical assistance to school districts regarding strategies to improve creative and critical thinking skills for students…some of those strategies can inspire us as we prepare to speak by thinking creatively using our imagination. Imagination is a powerful entity. It can cause the hair on the back of our neck to stand up, our spirit to soar, or our face to blush. Imagination is the power that holds our beliefs together; we believe with our imagination. Imagination is the wellspring of faith and hope. Our biggest and best dreams for ourselves and others rise from the imagination. I apply this to speaking as I prepare to walk in the building, I visualize myself calm, peaceful, a child of the King, filled with the Prince of peace Himself, guiding me, directing me, and smiling…smiling from the inside out, knowing that the people to whom I will be speaking each need the love, the warmth, the peace and the smile that I am about to share with them…thank you for this opportunity to share this with you also 🙂 blessings, beth willis miller

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Robin Lee says
March 30, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Absolutely, unconditionally, without a doubt…if you are pursuing speaking, find an anonymous area to serve. Somewhere in the background, doing what needs to be done, so that God can commune with you and develop your servant’s heart out of the spotlight.

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Tracy Palmer says
March 30, 2011 at 2:39 pm

Having been speaking ‘unofficially’ for years as a business leader and ministry leader, once I began the focused ‘ministry’ of speaking for eternal Kingdom purposes, i struggled with the balance of professional/personal – or revealing too much of myself to my audience. The NEW part of what God is doing felt so new and unfamiar. I felt raw and naked at the podium. It shook my confidence and conviction of my calling. What i wish that someone had told me earlier is that i needed to speak from my brokenness and follow the NEW thing that God was calling me to – NOT rely on my own understanding, my own experience, my past definition of success or effectiveness. The most powerful moments of my NEW speaking adventure have been in what I felt were my weakest moments. The old saying goes… the teacher always learns the most. In our case, God is in the business of training the trainer!

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Pam Gates says
March 30, 2011 at 2:34 pm

I have been following God’s leading in preparing myself to be a speaker. Three years in a row I’ve attended She Speaks. God allowed me to do a few speaking engagements since then, but how do I get more engaements.I so desire to use what God has given me. I’m an artist and wish to utilize this with my speaking. Thanks Pam

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Janet Volpe says
March 30, 2011 at 2:31 pm

I am an experienced speaker both for business and sharing God’s Word. The mosts important thing I learned during my speaking years is to always turn it all over to the Holy Spirit. As Jesus told us the Spirit gives us the words and guides us in our presentations. the Spirit never ever let me down even when I was not able to prepare the way I wanted to. I would love to attend the She Speaks conference. I really want to get back into this ministry if the Lord wills it. Love you all.

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Jennifer Ritter says
March 30, 2011 at 2:23 pm

I am so thankful to my Father in heaven for His transformig work in my broken life! He has been gracious to bring much healing…but I am an emotional girl, and when sharing with other women, I have a terrible time holding back the tears of joy & gratitude. How do I keep the reality alive and the tears at bay?

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K.C. Caley says
March 30, 2011 at 2:23 pm

How do you know if God is preparing you to be a speaker when there is no known audience?

I thought perhaps I might be a writer because I find myself writing so much of what the Holy Spirit downloads in me and I want to shout it off a mountain top for those who have ears to hear what the LORD is saying to His people. I am no Evangelist by any means. As a believer my message to unbeliever’s is to be an example of Christlikeness and to be and do and have all the Bible says is possible in Christ. Here is my roof top shout : “IF I DRAW THEIR ATTENTION TO WANT WHAT I HAVE, GOD WILL HELP ME TO BE READY TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT FOR THE HOPE WHICH LIVES IN ME AND IS WORKED OUT OF ME; I WILL JOYFULLY INVITE THEM INTO GOD’S KINGDOM AS I SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF HIS GRACE AS OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS ITSELF; KNOWING HE IS NO RESPECTER OF MAN BUT OF EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF HIS MOUTH, WHAT GOD DOES IS SHOW HIS GLORY THROUGH MAN. AND WHOSOEVER WILL BELIEVE AND RECEIVE SUCH A SALVATION IN CHRIST WILL ALSO BECOME SONS OF GOD AND WE LET OUR SONSHIP BE SEEN AS SIGNS AND WONDERS FOLLOW AND DRAW ATTENTION TO THE WORLD …

My heart is for the people of God, for value and honor to be brought into marriage roles, for exhortation and encouragement being brought to the body of Christ, so that we can rise up to be all God says we are. to have the confidence in He who is in us.

I thought perhaps the way of sharing would be in book form so I considered self publication but as I began that venue I was not at peace within. I was not sure of format submissions or writing etiquites to persue a writing agent so I have been storing my writings, waiting for the Lord to direct my steps. I saw an opportunity to get feedback with this opened door as the scholarships were offered and I am knocking on each door that opens, so to speak.

I don’t know what to do with all the downloads I get from God and all the writings I want to share, yet I just know the Spirit and the bride are saying Come and as His bride, I am of those making the invitation to COME freely drink in that fresh water of life to overflow God’s goodness as we help one another and spur one another on to love and good deeds.

I trust God will bring about His desired wil. I am His willing vessel, I am Asking, Seeking, and Knocking as He says to do as I personally apply what He shares with me to my own life and marriage.

I continue to write down many visions for His desire to help the body of Christ, especially marriages to line up with His word and see the wonders of His grace bless beyond measure, to show the world He is LORD of all and proves His word true. He will show the world that Christian marriages yielded to Him can line up with His word and be blessed to be a blessing and bring God His due honor, even draw others to desire that which he offers in Christ Jesus.
This message will not leave me. It is as though I have this message within that needs to get out to those who have ears to hear what the LORD is saying.
I am no one of prominance to capture anyone to listen. But He who is in me is.

I trust God will make the impossible possibe as we simply believe Him at His word and yield ourselves to what He is saying to us.
He wants His abiding love, joy, and peace, working in us, as we go about His predetermined works individually and collectively, being His workmanship in Christ, sharing with one another that which is worked out of us, which is His abiding long suffering, kindness, and goodness, and we can know He will stay true to His Blood Covenant between Himself and each believer because of HIs abiding faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, thus keeping us in comunion with Himself. This fellowship with God is the mystery of the gospel of grace at work in the body of Christ… and against such there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23)

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. God bless you with wisdom and make you an instrument of encouragment for those He is calling and equiping to be messengers of good news, for the maturing of his body and furtherance of His kingdom as we all await our bridegroom’s return for us, His bride.

In His graces,
K.C. Caley

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Melissa says
March 30, 2011 at 2:15 pm

As a relatively new speaker, with unexpected opportunities presenting themselves regularly, I feel so inadequate. The enemy really uses fear as a tool to keep me from accepting invitations, even though I know this is what God is calling me to do. I would love to know if others deal with this issue and how seasoned speakers overcame the “there are better than me so why should I bother” kind of feelings?

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Telia Carman says
March 30, 2011 at 2:01 pm

I struggle alot with is this really what God wants me to do? Or is it my idea? I can feel so lead by God to speak to our women and then in preparation to do so, talk myself out of it! As a more mature woman (in age as well as in my walk) I believe in the calling of the Titus 2 woman to mentor and lead our younger women. But to actually get up and speak???? I can do it, but I still get terrified and the enemy tries to convince me it’s my own doing and not the Lord’s. Help in this area would be awesome! Thank you for what you do! God bless you.

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Cindy says
March 30, 2011 at 1:58 pm

Some lessons that I have learned along the way.
S-Start where you are.
S-Student. Be a good Student. Cultivate the gift that the Lord has given you on an on-going basis.
S-Share. Most of my messages come from the Lord has taught me.
S- Serve. Continue to have a servant’s heart.
Be the best you that you can be to the Glory of His name.

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Selynda Vass says
March 30, 2011 at 1:56 pm

I struggle with knowing how to use the connections God has given me to gain speaking opportunities and at times selecting the appropriate message. Prayer has to be a big priority!

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Dana McNamee says
March 30, 2011 at 1:52 pm

It’s funny this question would enter my mailbox today. I was asked a couple of months ago to do a breakout for a women’s retreat this weekend. I have been working, hashing, scratching, adding, rearranging,changing, and hurling myself into the arms of God’s guidance. The struggle I seem to be having is organizing my infinite number of inspired thoughts and laying them out in an orderly, structured format, one that I will be able to remember as I speak. I don’t want to loose my place! It seems that one thing overlaps another. Maybe that’s a good thing. I’m not sure. I’m quite certain this must be the elementary level to being a writer/speaker but for me?… I feel like I’m still in Kindergarten! I know I have passion in my heart for my topic, now it’s just inspiring women to be encouraged and equipped through what I have to say.

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Erika @ More Time With Our Kids says
March 30, 2011 at 1:50 pm

I agree with what so many have listed here! Two of my (many!) questions relate to the following:

1. Being new to speaking, my heart just really longs to be in relationship with and learn from more seasoned and experienced speakers. But how do you meet each other and connect? It is something that I have been praying a lot about.

2. Marketing is another big question of mine — I struggle with the tension that exists between ‘self-promotion and humility. I want God to open the doors. I want to wait on Him and not force open the windows of opportunity, but I also know that there is an element of getting your name out there, etc.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this scholarship! What an incredible blessing!

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heather ristau says
March 30, 2011 at 1:48 pm

i would like to know how to speak to a small group of women and still keep it professional. i don’t have a lot of experience, but most of the time i have spoken in front of more than 50 people and it was easier to be professional. recently i spoke at a mops event and there were only a few women there. i stumbled and rambled and felt less than professional because it seemed so conversational with the small amount of ladies. so, how do i maintain that distance and professionalism while speaking to a small group?

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Natalie says
March 30, 2011 at 1:43 pm

I have spoken at numerous churches over the years but still consider myself a novice. I tend to struggle with giving an introduction that grasps the audience’s attention. Far too often I feel a connection with the crowd about midway through my talk, so I would appreciate some pointers on how to give a powerful opening.

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Cindy Martin says
March 30, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Well, as I have only spoken once…Opening my mouth and letting those first few lines roll off my tongue!!! Wow, I was so scared! So I would say coming up with the right “Opening”??? After that, God just carries you right along it seams. Pray, Pray and Pray~
But it was hard not to lick my thumb when sliding my ages over!!! lol
Thanks and many blessings to all of you!!
Cindy M~from TN

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Elena Marshall says
March 30, 2011 at 1:34 pm

My biggest question is, “How do you write to speak?” I can write on and on and on…. BUT, I want to give (speak) the ‘meat’ of the message at the right time so that I keep the attention of the listeners.
Thank you for this opportunity, it truly is a blessing! :o)

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Stacey says
March 30, 2011 at 1:33 pm

My question is, When you are going through “the fire,” how do you separate what you are going through and still speak to a group of people? Or do you separate?

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Jamie @ Six Bricks High says
March 30, 2011 at 1:31 pm

I’d like to know more about getting started. I have done some speaking, but all within my own church or within my close circle of contacts. How do I branch out? How do I let people know I am available to speak? How should I market without feeling like I’m self-promoting. I want God to open the doors, not me.

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Jennifer May says
March 30, 2011 at 1:31 pm

Although my speaking has been limited to smaller groups, I have found that, by far, the most important tool in my preparation to speak is in praying for those whom I know will be in the audience. As I write my outline, I give the Holy Spirit the eraser and a red pen. “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” (Prov. 16:9) Through prayer the Lord often brings to mind things that might be unintentionally hurtful to someone, considering her particular life experiences; as well as Scripture that can help to connect a hurting heart to the One Who can bring healing.

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crystal sciarini says
March 30, 2011 at 1:29 pm

As a newbie what do I need to know? Umm everything! Lol. Must importantly I would ask how do I get booked? I could have all the words & skills but if there is nobody to speak to…

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Marilyn Nutter says
March 30, 2011 at 1:22 pm

I would advise other women to have God confidence and be who you are. If God has called you to speak, He wants you to speak out of your experiences in your unique way. Be responsible and prepare well, know your audience and your purpose for that particular talk and event and of course, pray, but do not compare yourself to anyone else. You are uniquely designed to be you–wear God confidence, not an imitation look.

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Trina says
March 30, 2011 at 1:18 pm

As a beginning speaker, I know my biggest weakness is letting nerves and lack of confidence overwhelm my message and passion. How does one prepare oneself to stand confidently and speak? Does it just require practicing till it becomes more natural?

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Shelly Cantrell says
March 30, 2011 at 1:18 pm

As a beginner speaker, I feel that I most need to know how to connect with my audience. Is there a formula

that you follow ahead of time? Are there certain questions you should ask the event organizer? Does the

connection come as you become more seasoned? I know it is important to connect with the audience: I

simply need instruction as to how that is done.

Thank you for this AMAZING opportunity! I am praying for every heart that yearns to attend!

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Trisha Freitag says
March 30, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Hi; As a new speaker my biggest concern would be how to draw in the audience and keep their interest. I’m a real newbie at anything like this and I really wouldn’t want to get up and start speaking only to see the person in row 3 on the end nodding off, or the attendee in the back left corner texting their girlfriend, oblivious to the point I’m trying to make, or any other scenario you can imagine that would convey that I’ve not managed to grab the attention of the listeners but that I have, instead, created an atmosphere of apathy. How do I start my testimony? Is there a guide like there is for writing an essay or a story?
Thanks for the opportunity for a scholarship. Without a scholarship I won’t be attending.

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Susan Crouch says
March 30, 2011 at 1:13 pm

I’m not an author or a women’s ministry speaker – I teach watercolor workshops. In these workshops I have the opportunity to not only share watercolor techniques but also the spark that fuels creativity – inspiration from the Master Artist Himself. Although these are not “Christian” workshops, I’ve had wonderful opportunity to share from my personal experience. I guess my question is this: in a “non-Christian” setting, how can I speak in a way that is disarming, winsome – yet authentic?

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Allison Keane says
March 30, 2011 at 1:11 pm

As a new writer and speaker, the one question I would ask is how do you prepare for your speaking engagements and what do your notes look like? This is the difficult for me to grasp. My goal would be to prepare something that makes sense, allowing for flexibility but at the same time having the subject cleary depicted to the audience.

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Olga Griffin says
March 30, 2011 at 1:09 pm

This may sound really simple, but I think it is most important–You cannot give what you do not have. Your relationship with the Lord must be right, your heart must be right, your words and actions must represent the Lord well so the preparation of our minds and heart should be the first step. It should take place before beginning a ministry and before each presentation we give. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

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Amanda Glass says
March 30, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Knowing what t o keep in the presentation. I’ve come to realize that my “short and to the point” tendencies do not paint a picture for the audience. I’ve listened to speakers who struggle with this and those who do not. I’m not even sure that the difference between them is 100% content, but patience and confidence in the speaker’s voice while storytelling their presentation.

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Sherrie McDonald says
March 30, 2011 at 1:07 pm

How do I know how much of my own personal story to share? Where is the line between sharing enough so that the listeners can relate to me and my topic and sharing too much so that it seems to be all about me or so personal that others are uncomfortable?

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Leigh says
March 30, 2011 at 1:05 pm

As a VERY newbie-
1) Not getting nervous & stuttering
2) Having material that will captivate the audience

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Jen Smidt says
March 30, 2011 at 1:05 pm

My burning question: Is it better to let Scripture inform your speaking or support your speaking topic or idea with Scripture?

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Amy Lively says
March 30, 2011 at 12:32 pm

Knowing “WHAT TO LEAVE OUT” is always a challenge. As a beginning speaker, I once awoke on the day of a presentation and added several points of wonderful revelation that I received in my devotions that morning. Big mistake! These parts ended up being a rambling distraction that were disconnected from my tightly organized presentation. I would suggest having a well planned outline that easily transitions from one point to the next. Rabbit trails are more interesting to me than they are to my audience. I keep a file of rabbit trail topics that I may be able to use another time.

Thanks for the scholarship opportunity!

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Lili Richey Willard says
March 30, 2011 at 12:26 pm

I find that my most pressing issue is the fight between doing God’s work…and my own flesh. I want to be a speaker to get God’s message out to hurting women, and women who need encouragement. That is first and foremost, but I also like the idea of being onstage, being my goofy self, connecting with women, and maybe later enjoying some of the praise? That’s not right, and I know it. So while I have enjoyed some successes as a writer, having put myself aside and allowing God full control, I am praying I can learn how to walk that ‘fine line’ between being outgoing, confident, and bold, and being humble and real and meek before the Lord, and before His people. I would not want to harm the message by not being who I am in Christ. Hey, I’m bearing my heart here!

That being said, that is my question. How can I make sure I do what I do for the right reasons, for the cause and glory of my Lord, and not for my flesh? And how can I continue to do so if I enjoy any measure of success?

Thank you for this opportunity. I relish the thought of winning this scholarship, as I cannot find a way to attend this conference without it. If God wants me there, then I will be there!

Blessings!

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Anita Roark says
March 30, 2011 at 12:25 pm

As a fledgling public speaker, I find that the jitters take away from my ability to speak in such a way that it sounds natural and engaging. Seems like I speak too fast, or in a monotone, or this that and the other…. I would love to learn how to give more “life” to my speaking abilities.

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Jessica Lindsey says
March 30, 2011 at 12:25 pm

As a beginner, my biggest question would be how do you get over stage fright? I’ve had people to tell me that old saying of picturing everyone in their underwear, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea nor do I want to do that. So how is it you stay calm? Or do you?

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Deborah Rabern says
March 30, 2011 at 12:24 pm

I believe the vital keys for a successful speaker are: prayerful preparation, practice, passion, establishing a connection with the audience, engage their intellect, and conclude while they want to hear more.

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Linda Hargrove says
March 30, 2011 at 12:24 pm

My biggest challenge is making my speaking topics (infertility, adoption, and racial reconciliation) engaging on both a humorous and serious level.

I’ve spoken several times (though I feel like a newbie) but always go away feeling like I was too academic. My audience has this dazed look. I leave frustrated and spent, feeling like I wasted their time (and God’s).

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Tonia Harrison says
March 30, 2011 at 12:23 pm

SO MANY great comments, questions and suggestions. I would have to say the biggest help has been your encouraging blogs. I especially benefited from your Marketing your Ministry with Tracie Miles.

In order to put together an effective and focused talk, I’ve gained great insight from Andy Stanley’s book – Communicating for a Change…another GREAT resource you suggested.

Thanks for all you do!

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Amber Eaton says
March 30, 2011 at 12:23 pm

For me, the biggest struggle I have right now as a beginner is exactly how to write a message. The nuts and bolts. How do I write a message? Do I make an outline and then fill it in? Do I start at the end and work backwards?

I attended SheSpeaks last year and got so much helpful information, but this is one thing that I found lacking, the nuts and bolts of writing a message. I loved Whitneys’s “Delivery That Delivers” and Micca’s seminar on fear, and all the others I attended, but I still have no idea how to write a message.

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Kate Vacanti says
March 30, 2011 at 12:15 pm

I am naturally an introvert and would have never thought I would stand in front of people and speak. In the recent years, we started a humanitarian organization working in Africa. It exploded and God has blessed it. As much as I would willingly pass the speaking on to others as the leader of this organization often people need to hear from you directly in order to understand your heart and catch the vision. After stretching myself and speaking at our events I am actually starting to enjoy it. I especially enjoy the opportunity to share the vision passionately. I do find myself though (usually right before) doubting and saying “I can’t do this, I’m an introvert and everyone knows it.” But I know God is calling me to this and is stretching me.

My question is can an introvert be an effective speaker?

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Shari says
March 30, 2011 at 12:05 pm

I would like to know as a beginner speaker how to pick a subject to speak about. How do you know when to speak about a certain subject, or how do you choose a subject..

Thanks,
Shari

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Rebekah says
March 30, 2011 at 12:04 pm

My question is similar to Hope’s. I have spoken at events in small roles but I feel God is preparing me to do more speaking. Should I focus on fine tuning one talk, a series of talks on a similar subject or a varied list of topics? I realize my personal experiences are a springboard for speaking but I’m not sure which direction to go. Do I focus on what I’ve learned as a mother? as a wife? on my work in Africa? I’m just not sure.
thank you for this opportunity! I LOVE P31 😉

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Jackie Brown says
March 30, 2011 at 12:01 pm

I’ve spoken to small intimate groups before, but recently the Lord called me to speak to others outside of my church and comfort zone. I would have to say I’m a newbie too, in the aspect of reaching out to large crowds and beyond the comfort blinds of a blog. I love to share on my blog, but I find it more challenging when I see multiple eyes before me. I’d like to know the best way to prepare and memorize a “talk” when I present a topic to a large crowd.

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Jennifer Dow says
March 30, 2011 at 11:59 am

As a new speaker, my most pressing question is how on earth is it possible and how do I transfer the depth of the life changing lessons the Lord gives me that is all wrapped up and intertwined on so many levels in me. I feel like I have to constantly compartmentalize and I just don’t feel like it articulates clear enough when I do that. I want to have confidence that First and foremost that what I am saying is truth of course, but that also what I am saying doesn’t get lost in the all consuming emotions that come with speaking about my Lord and how he has redeemed me.

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Fiddledeedee says
March 30, 2011 at 11:52 am

I attended She Speaks a few years ago on the Writer’s Track, as I very much enjoy keeping my fingers on the keyboard. It has been on my heart to go through the Speaker’s Track, since God obviously enjoys pushing me out of my comfort zone.

My question as a beginning speaker would be: “WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?”

I tend to speak using wild gestures, often resembling someone in a day-glo orange vest guiding a large 747 into a hanger. I cannot imagine that would translate well in front of an audience. {{{Distracting.}}}

My second question: “When I’m nervous, I generally say something inappropriate. Am I alone?”

Now you know why I’m most at home behind my keyboard. Letting my freak flag fly in private. 🙂

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- Amy says
  March 30, 2011 at 12:05 pm
  
  Oh, yours made me laugh this morning!!! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Recently my sweet husband (when pressed) told me that I looked like I was about to take flight with my wild hand motions. I’m working on it too!
  
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  - Danielle Jones says
    March 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm
    
    I think alot of people talk with their hands and they don’t realize it!
    
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Joy says
March 30, 2011 at 11:42 am

Best advice for any speaker, novice or seasoned, PRAY! Prayer must be in, through, and around every word you prepare and share. I always remember hearing a Pastor telling a story once about a young man who came into his office convinced He wanted to spend His life speaking and sharing God’s message. The Pastor sat and listened to the young man’s heart, and then responded to him saying that unless the young man felt he could do nothing else except join the ministry, the call on his life that strong, otherwise he suggested he run from it as fast as he can. Speaking requires vulnerability, and that can bring hurt. You can receive attack for saying some of the simplest things and for the silliest reasons. Being a speaker isn’t a glamourous road, but it is a glorious road if God is the center. It won’t bring fame, but fulfillment as you walk in obedience with God. There must be a willingness to surrender our message for His and a longing for Christ to be seen and remembered…not self. It’s a humbling calling, but a blessed one when walked in obedience to God.

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Chris K says
March 30, 2011 at 11:37 am

I recently went on the P31 site and noted that registration was up for SheSpeaks. I felt a gentle nudge to register despite having no money. As I was registering as a writer, I felt a less than gentle nudge to go back and register as a speaker. I argued with this nudge … I am NOT a speaker. (so I say) But I obeyed – eventually. And God’s peace was there.

As a very green speaker – the first shoot hasn’t even popped up yet – some of my questions are, where do I start? What are the first steps I need to take on this terrifying journey? How vulnerable do we make ourselves to the audience?

… A gal learning to practice immediate obedience …

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Korine Martinez says
March 30, 2011 at 11:21 am

My biggest question is how do I get started? I have spoken at a few trainings and other very small events through my mother and I’s ministry, however I don’t truly know how to move past that point. How do I let people know I even exist or that God has placed the desire on my heart to share with others?

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Debbie Wright says
March 30, 2011 at 11:08 am

I have discovered with my God he doesn’t leave out anything. He is a detail oriented teacher. I am a detail oriented learner. How do I take what He has taught me in such increment detail and pull out the power points that He can use to teach others in a concise period of time? I feel when I take some things out I am shortchanging the person on the other side or not revealing just how specific my Father is. Too much to share and not enough time to fully share what He has taught me in a particular stuation. That is the question I wrestle with the most.

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Kim says
March 30, 2011 at 10:46 am

Thank you for offering this opportunity! The graciousness and love shown by the P31 team is amazing!

I have never spoken before, nor felt the “call” to be a speaker, until the last few years. Lately, it seems that I just can’t help but share the hope and promises of God, especially to others who are hurting! At this time I don’t have a formal speech or even a plan, so my biggest question is where do I start? I want to bring honor and glory to God in all that I do…so the fear of letting Him down burdens my heart.

Thanks again!

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Hope says
March 30, 2011 at 9:24 am

The most pressing question I have as a new speaker is, Should I work on one ‘talk’ only, or should I try to have a couple or several ready to begin with?

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Emily Moore says
March 30, 2011 at 8:00 am

Although I have spoken before some very large groups, I wouldn’t call myself an experienced speaker. I’ve never been a keynote speaker. I guess my struggle is knowing whether this is my calling…I feel a tug toward it and I know God has gifted me with the ability and willingness to speak, but I’m not sure I have a “story”.

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- Jennifer Dow says
  March 30, 2011 at 12:04 pm
  
  Beloved, it would be impossible for you to not have a story.
  
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Darlene says
March 30, 2011 at 7:17 am

I so desire to gain confidence and courage as a speaker. I want to encourage women by sharing my stories and how God through his love and Word has brought me through and continues to bring me through trials.
I feel so inadequate so much of the time. I guess that’s how Paul felt when Christ said His strength was sufficient for him and that His power is made perfect in weakness. Also, how can I get more opportunities to speak and possibly make at least some income from it?

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Laura B says
March 30, 2011 at 5:12 am

I would love encouragement and advice on what to do during transition – leaving a steady platform and waiting on the next one to be revealed. We recently relocated to another city and left behind all our friends and church family. We are currently still looking for a church home and have not really made friends here yet.

I know God has a plan for us to be here, but I have no idea of what to do in the waiting, except pray. It SEEMS like it will be forever before I find that place again – like starting back at square one, with no platform or audience in sight. How do I keep my speaking skills sharp while I’m waiting on God to show me the next step?

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Libby Forrester says
March 30, 2011 at 4:45 am

Dear Amy, Hello & thank you for this awesome scholarship opportunity!

As a beginner i would really like to know how to prioritize/ organize my thoughts in a cohesive manner that is easy to listen/follow. Topics that i feel strongly about — *Fear & Trust*
I took the time to read some of the previous posts (which were very helpful) and want to thank: Kim C, Stephanie H, Lee B, Shelly B, Tammy F and Hannah A for your wise counsel. It made sense to me. I loved what you all said! : )

If i’m selected i’ll be the happiest gal in Georgia… i’ll be singing & praising all the way to North Carolina!

Continued Blessings for ALL at Proverbs 31 Ministries~ : )

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Elizabeth says
March 30, 2011 at 3:57 am

As a writer who has hidden her light under a bushel until fairly recently, I have felt some tugs on my heart to speak as well. How? About what? To whom? I must – I MUST – confess my feelings of inadequacy and know that if the Lord makes the call, He is certainly preparing the way!

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Elizabeth Johnson says
March 30, 2011 at 3:49 am

I struggle to find the balance in adding light hearted subject matter to a very serious talk. So I would appreciate learning more about that.
Thanks.

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Becky Wetzler says
March 30, 2011 at 3:44 am

Where can I get a burning bush?

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- ellen stevens says
  April 1, 2011 at 7:47 pm
  
  there needs to be a “LOVE” button for this question. 🙂 i would hit it over and over.
  
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Cheryl Scribner says
March 30, 2011 at 3:34 am

I am the new Ladies Ministry Director at our church, and I know this scholarship is geared toward public speakers, but as a Ladies Ministry Director I am finding, I am a public speaker! And, honestly, I need help and support on both counts! When I am home preparing for what I will be saying at an event, I can hear that voice inside me and all my thoughts flow and the message is so clear. I make my notes. I read over my notes, I pray before the event and even during, yet I seem to lose that clarity in my delivery. . What are ways to hear that still small voice within and deliver a clear message even when you are giving the message in a crowded room with all it’s distractions?

Thank you for offering the opportunities for the scholarships, what a blessing!

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Cheerleader for Jesus says
March 30, 2011 at 2:48 am

As a new speaker (just a couple of “appearances” under my belt)… I would love to know how to turn my stories into themes. Love sharing what Jesus has brought me through in hopes it helps others; even through their laughter and tears ….in all the right spots.

I would love to learn how to create different themed messages from stories that are real life and sometimes real tough; but making every woman in the room feel at ease and among friends.

I have never been to She Speaks but four of us are making the trip from Michigan this year.

The world says “Where there is a will there is a way”. The Father says, “Where there is a heart that is desperate to follow hard after me, I can make a way.” (……written in comments of my friend’s blog that has already won a scholarship and has become our She Speaks motto).

Pack your suitcase Jesus…. we’re headin’ to North Carolina. =)

Gidget

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Josie Valley says
March 30, 2011 at 2:45 am

My greatest frustration lies in the fact that I am 100% aware of what He has put much on my heart to share and 0% able to stand up and utter it without my over- analytical self, getting in the way and talking me out of what may have been a very awesome Spirit -filled moment! I know the nudge, I’ve heard the still small voice, and yet…my craZy brain beats the boogers out of me, causing me nerves so bad that I feel like I may pass out, and doubt so powerful that I retreat, thinking that ‘that’ opportunity was meant for someone else… When I do accept the opportunity, it often takes me a good ten minutes to get comfortable in my skin, and by that time I only have 5 minutes left to share what He had put on my heart. I often walk away a bit defeated- I suppose my question is, how can I battle and defeat my worst enemy??? ME!

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Donna Sumrall says
March 30, 2011 at 2:31 am

As a beginning speaker, I have no idea where or how to start! I have had the opportunity to speak at my own church, and more than once at Bethany Christian Services Adoption banquets. I know that this is something God is leading me toward, and I am waiting for direction. Hopefully this will be where I find that direction.
Oh, and since you’ll be announcing the winner on my birthday, it sure would be a nice present and a great way to celebrate my 52nd year of life!
Donna
anotherbattlewon.blogspot.com

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Kris says
March 30, 2011 at 2:20 am

I have been reading posts about the upcoming conference and realize I have such a hunger to be encouraged so I can encourage others. I have taught Bible studies, Sunday School classes, College courses and short term missionary training sessions. And, yet, I am always so overwhelmed by my inadequacies. God is using this imperfect vessel But I long to be able to bring Him glory by being equipped to speak HIs truth with grace, that I might help others grow and glow for Him.Some would say I am an experieced speaker, but I feel like a novice. So much to learn. I am leaving this prayer request in my Sovereign Father’s hands. He knows best!

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Heather King says
March 30, 2011 at 2:14 am

As a beginner, I’d like to know how you connect with a large audience and how that’s different from connecting with a small group. How do you even begin to step out of speaking just in your church and community into other arenas?

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Karen Sweeney-Ryall says
March 30, 2011 at 2:09 am

As a somewhat beginning speaker, my question would be what are some methods you recommend to draw the audience into your subject and have them connect with you?

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Glenda Worrell says
March 30, 2011 at 1:58 am

As more of a beginning speaker, I’d really like pointers on drawing out an audience. Doing that one-on-one or in a Small Group is easy for me, but doing that with a crowd is a completely different animal! Would love to benefit from your wisdom!

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Nancy Young says
March 30, 2011 at 1:24 am

I can hardly call myself a seasoned speaker, however, in those opportunities that I have had ,I believe the best advice I can offer a beginner is transparency. I believe one should never speak on sensitive subjects unless you are able to empathize with the audience. There is no secret in empathizing, other than to have personally experienced the topic of which one speaks. In the process the speaker must make themselves vulnerable in order to choose to be transparent. Transparency with your audience makes the necessary eye and heart contact that connects with the hearers. It becomes not just a message but an encounter.
What I wish I had know from the beginning and remain desiring to learn is how to keep the topic consolidated without compromising its content.

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Niccol says
March 30, 2011 at 1:05 am

I spoke a lot before becoming a Christian as a law professor and appellate lawyer. When I became a Christian, the last thing I wanted to do was speak because I thought a gift was something new God had for me, not what I thought I was already good at. But when I finally agreed to speak, I learned this big lesson – that I’m not so great as a Christian speaker if it’s just me up there – the gift was in relinquishing my strength for His. Letting His voice be heard instead of mine is still something I struggle with and I think a session addressing how to allow God to plan your talk and then letting Him give it through you would be helpful.

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ET @ Titus 2:3-5 says
March 30, 2011 at 1:03 am

Never apologize. Don’t comment on little mistakes or make the “mistake face.” Even the slightest apology makes your audience uncomfortable; they begin to feel sorry for you instead of hearing the message God’s given you to share. Instead, keep on keeping on. Chances are, 99% of your audience won’t even realize there was a glitch!

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Lynn Hookway says
March 30, 2011 at 12:26 am

As a beginner, I need to know how to organize my thoughts on paper to present to a group. What I think are organized thoughts may not sound all that organized when speaking! I have the passion to speak but lack confidence as I am always second-guessing HOW to present my message. Any insight on this would be wonderful. I also fear running out of things to say and that is a stretch for someone who loves to talk!! How do you come up with topics to talk about? I thank everyone at P31 for all the support and wonderful generous opportunities (thank you Mr. Murphy!!) for new and seasoned writers/speakers to attend the conference. I haven’t heard of any other type of support for women writers and speakers. Wow!!

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Melissa Morgner says
March 29, 2011 at 11:48 pm

As a fairly unseasoned speaker, I want to know how to find that balance between confidence and humility. I think when you have a message, it’s easy to share it with too much confidence, which can come off as a know it all. Also, I’d love to know how you determine how much really personal story to share without it becoming discouraging. If that makes sense!

Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! I would love to attend and seem to keep missing the deadlines on these great gifts from Cecil! Thank you Cecil! Love your blog and follow it!

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Kandee says
March 29, 2011 at 11:45 pm

I’m not sure “What Every Beginning Speaker Needs to Know”, but what this one needs to know is exactly how do you get started speaking? God has given me a very specific message to share in the fact that I was a teenage single mother who later came to God and has since helped my daughter who is now a very young single mother. I have a strong desire to help others in the same situation or to help them prevent getting in the same situation. So, I know the message He has given me to share, yet, I have no idea how or where to find the speaking opportunities. What Every Beginning Speaker Needs to Know is one of the sessions that I have signed up for at She Speaks. My prayer is that this question is covered in the session. I am attempting to raise the funds to attend so this scholarship would be amazing! Thank you so much for this opportunity and thank you to Mr. Murphy for his generosity.

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- Deb says
  April 3, 2011 at 12:44 pm
  
  Hey, Kandee! Praying for you!! Can’t wait to hear how God gets you to She Speaks. 🙂
  
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Charlotte says
March 29, 2011 at 11:35 pm

As a beginner speaker, I think I most need to learn when to speak and when to be silent. 🙂

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- Susan says
  April 4, 2011 at 1:12 am
  
  Not just in speaking, but in all walks of life, I need to know when to speak and when to be silent. So I memorized 2 Scripture verses:
  “Let your speech always be full of grace …. so you will know how to answer every person.” Col. 4:6
  AND
  “Even a fool when he keeps silent is considered wise.” Prov. 17:28
  When I am unsure whether to speak or keep silent, I pray and ask the Lord to bring one of these 2 verses to mind.
  Then I obey 😉
  
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Celeste Barnard says
March 29, 2011 at 11:07 pm

Some really good questions here! Okay, as a newbie- How do you balance self-promoting or just waiting for an open door? I feel like I’ve been in preparation for a very long time, and would love more opportunities to speak if the door was opened. I would love the opportunity to come to She Speaks!!

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Sharon Odongo says
March 29, 2011 at 10:57 pm

As a beginning speaker, I think what I need to learn is how to prepare material so that it reaches all levels of maturity in the audience. I also would like to know techniques for overcoming fear and also how to prepare myself and my material in such a way that I can be “in the moment,” sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and not feel compelled to stick to a “script” or “notes.”

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Amy P Boyd says
March 29, 2011 at 10:24 pm

As a beginner, I would like to know how you come up with the topics to speak on. Do you just pull from past experiences, past jobs, or are these topics that God has laid on your heart to share with others? I have so much to learn!!

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Sylvia Basham says
March 29, 2011 at 10:17 pm

My advice to beginning speakers: Make every word count! Don’t use pointless humor as an icebreaker, but use pointed humor (if you use it at all) to introduce or reinforce your topic. Also, research, research, research. Pass along only truth!

As for what I wish I had known: It’s better to be 10 minutes under than 2 minutes over the alloted time 🙂 But I learned that lesson quickly!

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Ruth J Leamy says
March 29, 2011 at 10:16 pm

I’m a writer who is just beginning to do some speaking. I’d like to learn about how to find opportunities to do more speaking. That’s my question: how can I do this more often, because I love it!

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Laurie Wallin says
March 29, 2011 at 9:59 pm

Great to find you through Suzie Eller! I’ve been speaking 7 years and one thing I wish I’d known sooner was the idea of knowing my take home value points and sharing that up front with my audience. Now I make a promise when I speak, I tell them what they will take from the day/event. Then I have them reflect what they learned or what they are curious about more info about as a group at the end and it makes the times so valuable – to them and me!

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Zelda Luke says
March 29, 2011 at 9:46 pm

Perhaps the most important lesson for me was to “Be Polished, Not Perfect.” As a beginner speaker I needed to understand others who had mentor me, held many years of experience. They were polished, not perfect. Jesus doesn’t want me to be perfect, He only calls me to minister, with that there is a level of expectation. Being polished can be as simply as expressing your uniqueness in the way you are groomed, the manner you carry yourself and and the way you enter a room. Remember that Jesus is the focal point of any event not you.

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Cindy says
March 29, 2011 at 9:46 pm

Public speaking is the thing people fear most. I would encourage any brand new speaker that she has something valuable to share with her audience. Whatever she is speaking about, each person may glean a different tidbit, but that God will give her the words she needs to remember and help her leave out what isn’t important. Smile, speak slowly, and know that God is directing you because you are willing to serve him in a powerful way!

Now, personally, I am always impressed with stories and life experiences that are used for lessons. It often makes me think, why doesn’t anything like that happen to me that I can use to teach from.? That would be where prayer comes in, asking the Lord to bring to mind something that has happened to you and how you can relate it to your topic.

Thanks so much for yet another opportunity at a scholarship to the conference.

Be blessed,
Cindy Hannon

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Tasha says
March 29, 2011 at 9:45 pm

I have been speaking to ladies for several years but I haven’t had a lot of opportunities.

How does one go about getting her name out there for speaking engagements? I have continued to teach and lead ladies studies and speak when the opportunity presents itself, but I have not pursued speaking in and of itself.

Thanks for the entry for this scholarship.
Tasha

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Leslie Uhler says
March 29, 2011 at 9:28 pm

I have had very few speaking opportunities up til this point. I know that I have a message that I want to share with young women about purity, modesty, and Godliness but I am unsure how to begin. Where does one start when one has a subject but no audience?

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Kim Cordes says
March 29, 2011 at 9:26 pm

Thank you for this opportunity! I trust the Lord will lead your preparation and delivery at She Speaks to help many women. The comments so far have been fabulous, what a great idea!

My suggestions based on my experience are:

1) Trust in the Lord’s perfect timing for your calling. In other words, He gives seasons for learning from Him, spending time in His Word, all as preparation for the calling. If you are not getting calls weekly to speak it does not mean that your calling has expired! In His perfect timing He will lead you to step out seeking engagements, or bring the opportunity to you.

2) Seek a prayer warrior or team to pray with and for all aspects of the ministry (preparation of materials, spiritual growth for you and the audience, Spirit lead, creative inspiration, spiritual protection,etc.).

3) You may experience spiritual attack before and/or after doing the Lord’s work. Be prepared with scripture(s) of truth to put on the Armor of God in prayer rather than getting caught up in the emotion of the battle.

May we lean not upon our own understanding but in all of our ways acknowledge Him when we speak. 🙂

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Stephanie Haynes says
March 29, 2011 at 9:05 pm

The one thing I always try to do both as I prepare to speak, and in front of the audience I am speaking to, is ask God to step in and speak through me. I have come to accept that on my own I am nothing, but with Him and His words speaking through me anything is possible.

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Edwina Cowgill says
March 29, 2011 at 8:51 pm

There is so much I still need to learn, I don’t even know where to start! I think I need more help in marketing at this time than any other area. I don’t know how to market my ministry. I am not comfortable “promoting” myself. But I know that marketing is the major way of letting people know I’m available to speak. How can I market my ministry without sounding like it’s all about me?

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Lisa Milstead says
March 29, 2011 at 8:43 pm

Oh, I such a beginner, I don’t know how to even begin! I don’t know what questions to ask, or on topics to speak about! I am interested in HOW to go about sharing my experience(s). I have it to share, and want to, but also need to know how to let Him take over and let it flow.

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Karlee Rauschenberger says
March 29, 2011 at 8:38 pm

TOP TWO THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW AS A BEGINNING SPEAKER:

#1 – How to re-engage the audience if I have lost them during my presentation.

#2 – How to connect one-on-one with individuals in the audience (especially if I can see someone is hurting).

Thank you! ~ Karlee

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Sarah Nutter says
March 29, 2011 at 8:36 pm

How do you stand on a platform and not secretly, in the dark places of your heart, desire glory?

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- Kim Cordes says
  March 29, 2011 at 9:28 pm
  
  Ah, such a wise question, for which I know only prayer to be the answer.
  
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Shannon Davidsen says
March 29, 2011 at 8:35 pm

How to start… not just the speaking but everything. Where do you start??? I know how to speak to people… I know how to write a decent presentation but how do I start doing anything from that point. Where do I begin, who wants to listen to what I have to say and how do I find them??? How do they find me???

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Jill Hart says
March 29, 2011 at 8:33 pm

I wish I had been brave enough early on to be vulnerable with the audience. I tried to use illustrations or examples that didn’t really dig deep, but unfortunately that left things feeling “flat.” As I grow as a speaker, God has really challenged me in this area – to lay it all down, give it all up for Him and be the “most authentic” I can be.

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Marybeth Whalen says
March 29, 2011 at 8:20 pm

A piece of advice for a beginning speaker?? I would say do not despise the day of small things. We all begin with small audiences… those “potted plant years” where all you get paid with is a potted plant. But those are the building block years, the training times where we learn what ministry really means, the practice time we need to be better. When I look back I want to go squeeze the necks of every person who politely sat through one of my beginning messages. I am sure it was not easy and yet they managed to smile and say encouraging things. I treasure those potted plant years now and know they helped shape me as a speaker.

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Lee Blum says
March 29, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I have been speaking for many years, and what I wish I would have known and what continues to help me now is advice my husband always gives me. He encourages me to…no matter what the subject to speak from my heart. That when I am speaking from my heart the message is more powerful than any snazzy power point, video clip, or funny story I tell. So often I think it is about my credentials or how much I know but really people want to connect with me. To know I am real. To know that they can relate with what I am saying. My husband recently also sent me a text one time before I approached a very large crowd of women and encouraged me with:
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

As long as I have prepared in the ways I need to do my best work, then speak from my heart, my final job (and most important) Is to trust that God has prepared me for this and if I listen He will do the work through me. That is so empowering!

Both of those things have helped me soooo much! Hope they help you!
Blessings!
Lee Blum

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Heather Manuel says
March 29, 2011 at 8:13 pm

I hesitate to use the work “market” myself, but as others above have already mentioned, I struggle, as a beginning speaker, to find the most effective way to fulfill the desire God has given me to share the gospel in a broader way. As a pastor’s wife I have opportunity to share with our women on a regular basis and have been given the opportunity here and there to speak elsewhere, but I would love some dialog on marketing yourself (there’s that word again!) or just waiting on God to bring those opportunities to you. When do you know which is appropriate? I struggle with this, as well as guarding my own heart from pride or selfish ambition.

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Tammy Fletcher says
March 29, 2011 at 8:10 pm

The greatest lesson I have learned as a speaker is to “rest in the Lord.” During some of my early speaking engagements, I would become so overwhelmed with the thoughts of whether I had prepared and prayed enough. Through some difficult and painful lessons, God assured me that He was more jealous for His glory than I could ever be. He taught me that even my ability to glorify Him depended on Him. By reminding myself of this glorious truth, I am able to enjoy the pleasures of participating in His work for His glory.

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Kim de Blecourt says
March 29, 2011 at 8:04 pm

As a beginning speaker, I would most like to know ways to promote myself and the subjects I speak about. Thank you for your continued inspiration!

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Robin says
March 29, 2011 at 8:02 pm

I consider myself an intermediate speaker. My experience has been business/professional speaking and I volunteer as a religious education teacher.

When I think about sharing my testimony as an inspirational speaker, I get stage fright. Not because I’m nervous to speak in front of people, but because I’m afraid of sharing some of my testimony. Some of my most powerful experiences of God’s love have occurred during some dark times in my life and I wonder how to share. I feel like a bit of a coward. And also, my story is tied to others in my life and I don’t want to expose/embarrass them.

So, in a nutshell, my question is: How do you share personal testimony without feeling too vulnerable/exposed?

Many thanks!
Robin

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Erika says
March 29, 2011 at 7:59 pm

As a new speaker I need help understanding how to
Develop different topics to present that will inspire listeners in
their daily walk in the Lord. I would like my messages to be an encouragement
that equip my audiences to have a closer relationship with the Lord. Thank you!

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Bethany LeBedz says
March 29, 2011 at 7:54 pm

Just one question? Really? I’ll try to narrow it down. How do I market myself but still maintain a gentle, humble attitude (please, if anyone reading this knows me personally, don’t say I don’t have this to begin with!!). I am DYING to come to She Speaks! I entered every single contest y’all had last year and didn’t win. I didn’t enter all of them this year, but I’d still like to win1 🙂

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Kathy says
March 29, 2011 at 7:47 pm

Boy is this hard to write! There is so much to learn about speaking and/or being a speaker. I find comfort in knowing that Jeremiah and Moses were both scared at first when God called them to service. Because anytime I have ever spoken i have been scared. Maybe that is just one of the keys to speaking. Be humble. It is not just you up there – it is God working through you. If God can move a mountain with faith as small as a mustard seed, if He can feed the birds of the field, then I know He can give us courage to carry His message. I am so glad I have learned to rest in Him and know that He has a plan for each of us that is unique and blessed.

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Kori Yates says
March 29, 2011 at 7:43 pm

Amy –

My questions in this process would be where to start. For example, do you need a website when you start and if so what needs to be on it to start with? What about business cards, necessity or extra expense? My challenge is knowing what I “need” as I start out, because I obvisouly don’t “need” everything nor can I afford it all. Narrowing these things down would be hugely helpful! Thanks for asking! Would love to hear the talk!

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Jennifer says
March 29, 2011 at 7:39 pm

As a new (less than a year) blogger I just want to know that what I have to say is real and relevent and I desire so much to be a help to someone else because of the trouble and trials I have gone through in my life. What I most want to know is how to keep my writing real and genuine and heartfelt. That’s my goal and the only way I know to do this is to be honest. I haven’t arrived and I have certainly felt less than “normal” or ordinary reading some blogs that make it sound like these women have it all together. I don’t! I don’t know if I ever will but I strive nevertheless.

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Kimberly says
March 29, 2011 at 7:25 pm

Question #1 – As a beginner speaker I really need to know…How much is too much to share? I was a “late save” I call it – coming to Christ at the age of 27. I attend a great church where alot of the people my age have been attending their whole lives. I know that the trials and experiences God brings us through are to (1) to humble us and make us more like his son Jesus and (2) so that we may comfort others from the comfort we have received. My question is – “How much of our personal experience can we share?” Some of those ladies at church – (who I respect very much) live under the “if you are having a hard time – don’t talk about it” motto but to me that just seems like telling people to wear a mask and not be authentic. I know when I think of all the ladies I have had the priviledge to hear speak – it was when they shared their imperfections and struggles, that I felt the most connected to them. At the same time – I know there has to be a balance because we can’t dishonor the people in our lives…I guess I just wonder what a seasoned speaker thinks about this 🙂

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Karen Deborah McGivney says
March 29, 2011 at 7:17 pm

My only speaking has been in church to share my salvation story. I have also spoken to classes about going on short term mission trips. I love to inspire others. I am an inspirational speaker when I have the opportunity. It is hard for me to structure what I give. The responses from those who listen are positive. It amazes me that God can use me. I desire for Him to use me more. I give “speeches” in my head to nobody. My calling is to serve and God has completely uprooted me from what I have been doing to a place of emptiness and waiting. Waiting for Him to reveal the new path. Surely if my life was over He would take me home. Something else is ahead.
I have found that there is a common thread in our experience as believers. What I am going through, is not unique to me. The messages on the radio will relate, the books I read, the living Word of God, are all connected.
I think the most important part of speaking is to listen. Listen to the common connection. What is the Holy Spirit revealing to us? Where are the people? What does God want them to hear? The struggle is to touch the heartbeat of each one. To stir up, not only to feel, but to be transformed.

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Teresa Janzen says
March 29, 2011 at 7:15 pm

One of the most revolutionary things that I learned about speaking in the last few years had nothing to do with words. It was about gestures and stage movement while speaking. Often we spend so much time working on the words of our presentation, then we think abot our voice, and often we forget about our body. Favorite speaking gesture to avoid was titled “the fig leaf” and its cousin “the flashing fig leaf”.

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Deanna says
March 29, 2011 at 7:11 pm

I don’t know how to start. It feels like inviting myself to the party to contact someone and say, “I’d love to come speak to your group.” I need more ideas on who to contact ie MOPS, individual churches? who else? What do I absolutely need to have (bio sheet, business cards, blog/website) before I start contacting people? Or will those things come as I’m speaking????

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Amy Waddell says
March 29, 2011 at 7:10 pm

As a ministry wife of ten years Ive been speaking on a pretty regular basis within my own circle but my concern and question seems to be that each time I speak…i feel as if what I said didnt make sense…im nor sure if its a confidence thing…a preparation thing…even though I prayerfully putthe talks and lessons together I just am not satisfied the message was conveyed…..HELP….

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Denise Schuster says
March 29, 2011 at 6:54 pm

I am going to answer the first question…
As a beginner speaker, I would say I would most need to know how to overcome the tendency toward people pleasing so that the LORD can speak through you. I would like to hear the things that you have learned over the years to allow the LORD to use you in this way to reach other women and not let yourself get in the way.

I believe learning to submit to the LORD to allow him to use me would be the best thing that would help me grow in areas of leading other women. Please share how the LORD has worked in you to let go of yourself and listen more to Him to be His tongue and hands and feet.

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Lisa Van Wyk says
March 29, 2011 at 6:43 pm

My biggest concern as a new speaker is dwindling down my information so that it is concise and to the point. It’s hard for me to see the needed from the unneeded and I have a hard time making my “talk” within the allotted frame time. Do you have any outline or “template” suggestions that would help me prepare and deliver a concise yet passionate and powerful speech?

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Lisa Smith says
March 29, 2011 at 6:41 pm

As a beginning speaker, I would like to know how you take your story and boil it down to a message with a two or three catchy points. I would like to have a message I am passionate about birthed from my life story and struggles but I’m having trouble getting it out. I feel like I have so many messages, I don’t know where to start. As a result each time I am invited to speak, I find myself writing a new message and it’s getting tiring. 🙂

As a slightly seasoned speaker, I wish I would have believed God’s call on my life and run with it immediately instead of waiting for someone else to recognize what He had already put inside my heart. God taught me, over the course of 20 years, 1. He says it. 2. I believe it. 3. Others see it.

Thank you ladies!!

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Cary Tabares says
March 29, 2011 at 6:31 pm

As a beginning speaker, my greatest concern is how to add value to others. I remember reading the first sentence to Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, which opened with: “It’s not about you.” I believe that any ministry done in service to God, speaking or otherwise, must first be other-centered. After all, Jesus himself commanded us to love others as we love ourselves. As someone who is a mere beginner, I am challenged to demonstrate that love through speaking and story telling. So the question becomes, how do I maintain my finger of the pulse of the needs of the audience to demonstrate the love of Jesus?

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Danielle Jones says
March 29, 2011 at 6:30 pm

I know that prayer is the most important thing in any situation in life and definately before a speaking engagement, but… what are some techniques people use to calm themselves before an event? I’ve heard deep breathes–but then I think of getting light-headed and passing out.LOL I’ve heard of picturing your audience nude… uh, NO!

So, what are some things that work for other people?

I love reading some of the other questions and hope that some of them get answered… but wow! There are so many already, I can’t imagine how many by Sunday!

I do praise God, though, that so many women have a heart for reaching out to others!

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Kat says
March 29, 2011 at 6:29 pm

Lots of questions:

How do you accurately tell your story with all truth and transparency and respect/protect the privacy of people in the story? I have struggled with this for some time, as I feel called to write a book and have started it, but am very concerned about that issue in particular.

God bless you for this much-needed conference!

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Allison says
March 29, 2011 at 6:28 pm

As a beginning speaker, I need to know:
1) How to make my story flow verbally in front of an audience without “ummm” or other fillers
2) Tips for working humor into my presentations
3) (This is an obvious one!): How not to be so nervous. I turn red in front of audiences!
4) How to slow down when speaking and enunciate each word/thought
5) What are the best visual aid tools to use?
6) Should you walk around or stand still?

So, I guess a lot of my questions involve logistics of actually speaking in front of a group. I have my material…now I need the speaking skills!
Thanks,
Allison

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Stephanie's Mommy Brain says
March 29, 2011 at 6:25 pm

As a new speaker I need to know SO many things!! How do I get started? How do I transition from speaking to secular audiences to speaking to Christian audiences? I’ve been sharing my story for about 3 years in a secular environment that required me to skip over the “God parts” of my story. How do I put the “God parts” back in without it sounding forced or cliche’? Where can I get training to speak that doesn’t cost a lot, take a lot of time and is local? I live in New England so CHRISTIAN opportunities are limited. What questions should I be asking, but am not because I’m so new?

I could go on and on with my questions but I’ll stop there. I’m really hoping I’ll make it to She Speaks this year and be able to attend your session!!

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Jennie says
March 29, 2011 at 6:20 pm

I am a beginner speaker and always feel uncomfortable, but my pastor said to me you are speaking to people that love you and care for you, otherwise they wouldn’t be listening. Which helped a little but I still struggle with feeling comfortable, maybe because I am so new to sharing the Word of God to others. I like to be able to learn how to share my thoughts and my faith easier without have to prepare in advance. Thanks for offering this scholarship, I know it would be very beneficial for me as I am sure for many others.

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Mel @ Trailing After God says
March 29, 2011 at 6:19 pm

How to keep your nerves from making your voice shaky 🙂

Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God

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Amanda Smith says
March 29, 2011 at 6:17 pm

I am wanting to learn how to let go and let God! To not put him in a box and expect Him to go along with MY talk, but instead to allow Him to show up and speak THROUGH me!! I have a story waiting to be told inside me and I just want to make sure that I present it in a way that leads people closer to Him and not just use it to become a “great” speaker! This is about Him not me!:-)

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Melissa H says
March 29, 2011 at 6:17 pm

As a new speaker, I would love to know the best way to release pre-speech jitters to ensure that I can make it through!! Prayer, of course, would be my first course of action – but what other techniques to successful speakers use before they hit the stage?

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Angela Richter says
March 29, 2011 at 6:01 pm

Pray for your audience before you even show up, if you can pray for the empty seats before they are filled. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use you for HIS glory, don’t be fooled by people’s expressions either while you are speaking. The ones I have thought in the past were not interested ends up always being the ones coming up afterwards sharing what God is showing them. It is amazing! Speak from your heart and be real!

Angela

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Leah Cullen says
March 29, 2011 at 5:57 pm

I just have two simple questions (I know, you said one…I’m failing already!): Should I? And How do start? The complexity behind those questions is: Am I supposed to share my “ah hahs” in more ways that just writing them? Is it just vanity or the desire to meet and touch women’s lives that motivates this secret wish? And if it is an unselfish motive, how do I reach out in love and hopefulness with little to no experience behind me except my rocky road to relationship in Jesus? Simple, eh? 🙂

Thank you to everyone at Proverbs 31 Ministries for all your hard work and enthusiasm for the spiritual growth of us ladies out here in the world!

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kristen marie says
March 29, 2011 at 5:56 pm

As a BEGINING SPEAKER(and I mean never spoken as a “speaker” but have spoken for various ministries, etc.) I would love to know basics of how to successfully begin-build a platform, how to refine your topics/areas of speaking, how to get the chance to speak if you feel that God is leading you there… I went to school for english/comms and journalism and have begun to break out in my writing(trying to) and feel that God has given me a voice and experiences that I need to share..

Would love to hear about this…like a “speaking for dummies” if you will…::smiles::

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hannah anderson says
March 29, 2011 at 5:44 pm

The foundational element that the beginning speaker must grasp is nothing more than what God told Moses:

“Who has made man’s mouth? Is is not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:11-12)

In this one simple lesson, the LORD offers confidence to the inexperienced, humility to the gifted, and a calling to the hesitant. So what the beginning speaker must learn, what we all must learn is this: He who made your mouth calls you to His work and gives you His word to speak.

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Gina B says
March 29, 2011 at 5:28 pm

Bascially, I have a book of questions! lol
Really though, I need to learn so much…1) How to discern what God wants me to pull out of my story and use it for His Glory, 2) How do I tell the story without making it sound like it’s about me, and deliver it as God’s story, and 3) How do I break into such a tight-knit group of ladies.

Whomever receives the scholarship – I know it will be God’s will for that lady to expand the minstry He has called her to do – so, good luck to all!

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Marne Wittung says
March 29, 2011 at 5:23 pm

I have been leading a Women’s Group for a couple of years now, and I feel like God might be calling me to share my testimony to other groups. Within the last year I have had a major loss in my life, that of my beloved husband to a car accident. I know so many others have suffered great losses and it can be helpful learning from one another how to trust in God through it all and lean into those waves of grief. I want to be able to share my story with others, even if it’s one on one. The thing I would like to know how to do is to be able to do so without going on and on and losing their attention. I want to allow them the opportunity to share too. How much of my story should I share and how should I begin to organize it into either a presentation or a conversation. I also feel God leading me to write a book about my grief journey. I’m most certain the “She Speaks” conference would be a good starting place. Thank you.

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Kelli says
March 29, 2011 at 5:16 pm

As a beginner I would love to learn about getting organized in my message preparation…taking a great thought or idea & turning it into a message. Thanks for this opportunity!

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Amy P Boyd says
March 29, 2011 at 5:09 pm

Another lesson I would like to learn I how to move on past just my testimony. I have give my testimony a few time and would like to have something new to share if/when I get asked to speak at the same places again.

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Amy McCollister says
March 29, 2011 at 5:08 pm

For me, the biggest question I had when I was preparing the first time was how do I make my point, support it and explain my position without boring the audience in front of me.

With that, I think every new speaker should know that it is okay to seek advice from other speakers around you, after all, nothing in life is meant to be taken on my yourself. We all need help, in almost every area of life.

That and if you really feel God is calling you to speak about a certain topic, then you should just go for it, write out the big points, but also leave room for the Holy Spirit to insert what needs to be said, if giving the same speech multiple times, don’t get thrown off if they aren’t the exact same to each audience. We never know who needs to hear what in the audience before us.

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Carolyn says
March 29, 2011 at 5:01 pm

How to I overcome the doubt, fear and the feeling of being unworthy to share what God places in my heart? How do you overcome the feeling of inadequacy that I am not good enough to do this? I have some experience in teaching and speaking and while I have always been nervous this is so much greater.

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Jeanette Yates says
March 29, 2011 at 4:47 pm

I wish I had understood the importance of networking. Even after I honed my speaking skills, began to feel more confident in my calling, and developed a specific process and focus for my ministry, I still lacked the knowledge and skills to market myself. I was confused by how to market without making the focus “me” instead of Christ. As I continue to move through my ministry efforts, it is the biggest struggle I face. How do I market my message with humility?

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Heather says
March 29, 2011 at 4:47 pm

As a beginning speaker, one of my biggest questions is how to prepare so I don’t feel like I’m going off on non-related tangents and coming across as self-centered. I am currently preparing for my first speech and I’m terrified that the words will not come to me.

Along with that, I want to know how to find topics that will engage the audience and make an impact on their lives. My desire is to help others see that once you completely submit your life to Christ and follow His path no matter what you think the consequences are He will reward you greatly. I feel too many people think they can’t live a life wholly for Him because of their past or because of material obligations. I want to gain the knowledge to know how much of my personal story to use and how much reference from Scripture.

Bless you for doing this scholarship. May the Lord guide you as you read the contest entries and select the participant He has chosen to attend this year.

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Kathy Kurlin says
March 29, 2011 at 4:40 pm

I’m ashamed to admit that my thoughts, worries and fears mirror nearly all of the previously listed comments! I am an inexperienced speaker but feeling that stirring in my spirit to step out beyond my comfort zone of writing to actually speak in public. The problem is I’m the most ordinary of women in a world of Godly, competent, gifted women. How do I follow God’s urging and get myself noticed when there already exists so many capable women? I believe we all have a voice and a story to tell, but how does an “ordinary” woman become “extraordinary” enough to be sought after to share those stores? I need a recipe for success beyond simply trusting God to open doors. Because of my inexperience I don’t even know which doors to knock on!

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Leanne Parsons says
March 29, 2011 at 4:39 pm

I am a writer wondering if maybe God wants to also use me as a speaker someday. My biggest question is how do I know it is God wanting me to speak for Him and not me wanting to do something to make myself look good? How do I know when it is the right time to get started?

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Rachelle Rea says
March 29, 2011 at 4:39 pm

As a new speaker, my most pressing question is how do you balance being educated about your topic of choice (the thing my heart most wants to speak about) and not being preachy / sounding antagonistic! I want to encourage hearts and inspire lives, as a speaker, however, I don’t want to crush spirits and turn people off through an uncompassionate tone! I know that not everyone will agree with everything I am saying (and I am sure many will agree with nothing at all – i.e. those who are not believers), but I so do want to allow Christ’s Spirit to shine through me!

Thank you for the opportunity to enter to win this scholarship!

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Cheyenne says
March 29, 2011 at 4:28 pm

As a beginner speaker, I struggle with seeing the need or relevance of my story. I have had a lot of heartbreak in my short life, and I have had opportunities to share these experiences with others. I always feel inadequate and that there is someone else who has gone through worse that should be sharing instead of me. I try to blog often, and every time I hit the publish button, I cringe and think that no one cares. Each time I blog or speak, I do receive confirmation that the story God has given me is relevant and needed, but I still doubt myself. How does one gain confidence in the path God is calling them too? Confidence in the calling and in the delivery? Thank you for this opportunity!

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Jennifer Meehan says
March 29, 2011 at 3:54 pm

As a beginner, I need to learn what to do when I am losing my audience. How do I get them back? How do I manage someone in the crowd who is determined to undermine my message? How can I keep from getting flustered, and keep my focus on the message God needs me to deliver that day?

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Crystal says
March 29, 2011 at 3:54 pm

I have been writing for about seven years – four of those years as a volunteer through church and MOPS. And then I submitted an article to our local newspaper about a MOPS friend and her work in breeding seeing-eye dogs (purely because I thought it was interesting and thought others might think so, too!). The editor contacted me and asked me if I would be willing to freelance for the paper. I have been doing that for three years now and love it.
For a number of years, I have felt a still, small voice calling me to use my writing and expand into speaking. I guess you could call me a beginner speaker since I have only spoken five minute testimonies at church and MOPS. My biggest question at the present time is really all about how to get started with this ministry. I have no clue how to move forward. And also addressing the fears regarding whether I am really hearing from God and following Him each day. If He is not at the center of what I do, then it is not what I want for my life.
I would really appreciate the opportunity to attend the conference this summer. I’m sure if the Lord wants me there, He will provide a way. And if not this year, in His timing.
Thank you very much.

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Karen says
March 29, 2011 at 3:42 pm

First Impressions Could Be The Last!

Picture It:
A sweltering late July afternoon in Florida…
A concrete building void of windows and air conditioning…
350 or so “over-glistening” ladies now with only an appetite for the Bread of Life…
A speaker steps to the platform and jokingly says, “There must be a lot of unconfessed sin in this room. If it’s this hot in here, just think of what it will be like in Hell!”

I’m just not so sure that was a great way for Jesus to capture the attention much less the heart in a first impression! The worst part is, many ladies could tell you very little about what she said after that.

Lesson: I LOVE laughter, it truly is good medicine for the soul. There’s certainly a time and place for humor, let’s just make sure we remember that it needs to be a true reflection of Jesus!

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Michelle says
March 29, 2011 at 3:40 pm

I am a missionary in Lima. God is calling me out of a season of intercession for 15 years to speak to the women of Peru. I am learning the importance of combining intercession with public speaking in the sense of preparing the message in the practical (study, outline, etc), but just as important is the need to be prepared in spirit through prayer and fasting before an event. I need more coaching on the delivery of the message itself. How to gain confidence in the call of God through preparing myself to meet Him in what he is doing through me. Never having been through a public speaking course, it’s been the school of the spirit up to this point. I would enjoy some practical teaching to walk along side the spiritual teaching I’ve received in the prayer closet. Thank you for the opportunity of furthering our call to this Nation through your experience and teachings!

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Julie McNatt says
March 29, 2011 at 3:35 pm

As a begining speaker I always wonder what questions to ask in preparation for my talk. Sometimes I feel like I’m giving the host/hostess a laundry list like: Where, When, what would you like me to speak about, what time do you want me to arrive, what do you have for sound, if it’s a church what version of the Bible they generally use, etc… Is this a good way to handle things or should I provide them with a form to fill out? Should I not ask so many questions?
Do most speakers tailor each message to the specific audience, or generally give the same talks over and over?
How do you make your talk relavant for audences with varied age groups? I struggle with completely different things as a Mom of young kids than a grandma would. I want everyone to take away something they can apply to their reationship with God.

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Carla says
March 29, 2011 at 3:33 pm

As a young and beginner speaker, what are some strategies to captivate and get to know the audience? What are some ice breaker ideas that could be done in groups or individually as appropriate? What are some creative strategies used to lead the audience into prayer to hear from God?

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Melanie says
March 29, 2011 at 3:29 pm

I have to echo Heatherly on this one!!! I attended my very first “She Speaks” last summer, and although I took home tons of tools/tips/wisdom, the one thing that resonated most with me was something Whitney Capps said in my very first session. She was talking about how many women were there, all with the same aspirations to speak to women’s groups, and how we are prone to “compete”. She said “There is enough work for ALL of us to do until Jesus comes back.” Since then, I have incorporated that into my talks, public and personal, at every turn. We must encourage and uplift and mentor each other in this important work of communicating God’s love to His daughters. There are enough detractors and underminers out there without us, sisters in Christ, compounding that. We are all in one accord, truly. Let’s move forward in a manner that demonstrates that, to the glory of God the Father.

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Wanda Maxey says
March 29, 2011 at 3:27 pm

Writing down what the Lord had laid on my heart, seems to have been the easy part.
Well, not really, but when I think about standing up in front of people and speaking, my knees go weak
Everyone tells me that if God wants me to do this, then He will give me the strength, and I do believe He will. But how do I accomplish that, in reality, without passing out?

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Tonya says
March 29, 2011 at 3:25 pm

Amy, as a beginning speaker I want to grow. As I started this I was wanting to start on a year long journey to change me and help me grow inside out. As I have studied the word and prayed God spoke to me that I will always be growing and changing for there is always something that I can work on. That is a subject that is so dear to my heart. I know that through God I could grow in my calling to teach ladies how to constantly change and grow in the Lord.

Thanks!
Tonya

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Vanda Davenport says
March 29, 2011 at 3:24 pm

As a beginning speaker, I know to follow the Lord’s leading but I struggle in my writing and speaking with sharing personal experience. How much is too much?

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Stephanie says
March 29, 2011 at 3:15 pm

As a beginning speaker, the biggest challenge to me is ensuring that I am speaking on exactly the topic that God is calling me to speak about.. What I would like to know from more experienced speakers are the steps that they take in order to ensure that they are hearing God’s voice clearly and not just speaking about something that comes easily to mind or seems like a “good” topic. I know that God calls those to speak, whom He wants to speak and that when He calls He will provide the words. Unfortunately in such a busy world often it is challenging to let God have complete control, and it would be very helpful to have the insight of more experienced speakers input on this.

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Rebekah says
March 29, 2011 at 3:12 pm

As a beginner I want to know the balance of preparation and allowing the Holy Spirit to take over. I also struggle with keeping my tears to myself when sharing from my heart. It seems no matter how prepared that sometimes I can not keep my tears in check. 🙂

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Emily Easley says
March 29, 2011 at 3:10 pm

As a beginner, what questions do I not have? 🙂 Just about the only thing that I know is that God is faithful to complete the good work He has started in me. I totally have to put my faith and trust in that because of my self-doubts and insecurities.

Anyhow, so what question do I have as a beginner? One of the biggest hindrances that I feel I experience is my nature to be a little, well maybe more than a little, emotional. I admit it, I am a crier. I honestly feel that at times it becomes a distraction. How or will I ever learn to control the emotions? How do you not let that interfere with the message that God wants others to hear through you?

Thanks,
Emily

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Debbie Dovel says
March 29, 2011 at 3:07 pm

I’ve just started being a women’s bible study leader at our church, and I’d like to know how to be a better speaker. How do you make it more personal and exciting for all the women? I don’t want to bore them to death! I want to be able to find the right words that connect with them, so that they connect with God. Thanks!

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Eve says
March 29, 2011 at 3:06 pm

The biggest hurdle for me as a beginner is getting past the question “who are you to speak about this?” Sometimes it’s a question I am asking myself and one time an audience member posed it. How do this get answered without sounding like I am bragging or insecure?

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- Susan says
  April 4, 2011 at 12:51 am
  
  “I’m just one beggar showing another beggar where the bread is.”
  That quote keeps me in my place – completely dependent upon an awesome God, yet wondrously used by Him as His instrument to share His message.
  
  Reply
Heather E says
March 29, 2011 at 3:06 pm

I really feel like I need to know EVERYTHING! I have had no formal classes in speaking, writing, leading and I do have the abilities to do so, but would feel so much better having had seminars/classes in these areas before I get further into this journey (and of course, what better women to learn from than the Proverbs31 ladies)! I recently started a women’s bible study group and have also become a certified lay speaker at my church. I am excited to lead and minister to others and I have plenty of ideas on topics, but I feel I just need to know how to “pull it all together”. So, how do you pull it all together to be able to teach on a great topic, know what you are talking about, and feel confident about presenting it? I know being led by God is a big part of this, but I truly believe I also need this conference! Thank you for the opportunity to win a scholarship! Proverbs31 and everyone who supports this organization are truly an inspiration to me.

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DEBORAH says
March 29, 2011 at 3:04 pm

I would like to know how to overcome the FEAR that keeps me glued to my chair, that keeps me safely docked in port, that keeps me from answering God’s sure call for me to SPEAK UP. I feel it in my bones and I want to be free of this crippling FEAR. Fear of failing Him. Fear of saying something that harms instead of helps. Fear of looking ridiculous. That’s a topic that would help me. Thank you for listening and offering this scholarship.

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Kristi says
March 29, 2011 at 2:55 pm

I can think of 2 questions that I want answered as a beginner speaker. How do I decide what area I want to focus my speaking around, and how do I get my name out there to book speaking events and become an experienced speaker? Thanks for considering me as a winner of the scholarship.

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Tammy says
March 29, 2011 at 2:54 pm

The lesson I’ve learned as I’ve been given opportunities to speak is be “who” God made me to be. Some of us are to speak boldly and get to the point, while others have a sweeter approach. I believe God places each one of us right where he needs us, using our personality to pick the hearts that maybe struggling, depressed or lost.
It took me sometime to believe that my boldness was something that God could use. I was always comparing myself to other speakers which almost made me set aside share my story (God’s Story).

Several weeks before I have to speak, I ask God to use the boldness He has given me to speak Truth into the lives of those who are bondage.

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Kim says
March 29, 2011 at 2:48 pm

Amy, I have just recently felt the calling of the Lord to step out even more on my journey of writing/speaking. It has been a journey that has grown me and now I feel the Lord is asking me to step out even more. As a beginner writer and speaker with absolutely no training or knowledge of where to turn next, the most vital question for me would be, what do you do when you know God has called? Where do you begin? How do you begin? What are the steps to take me in the right direction?

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to help you and in turn I know it will be a blessing for others!

Encouraging you,
Kim

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Esther says
March 29, 2011 at 2:43 pm

As a beginning speaker, I want to learn how to consistently do a great job. I speak to various MOPS groups. Sometimes it’s awesome, sometimes, it feel like it falls flat. What can I do to make it life changing every time?

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Amy says
March 29, 2011 at 2:40 pm

How do I overcome the fear of telling my story instead of reading my story? Seems like everytime I get up to speak I forget what’s happened and end up reading off of my cheat sheet. It’s my life…shouldn’t I be able to speak from the heart? I have the “want to” I just don’t have the confidence. I would love to be able to attend She Speaks to learn how to speak from the heart! Thanks for the opportunity to win that chance!

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Andrea Lennon says
March 29, 2011 at 2:37 pm

One thing God taught me to do early in my speaking career is to understand and value authority in my life. Each time before I leave my home for a speaking engagement, my husband prays over me and sends me out with his blessing and support. Often my two boys (ages 7 and 10) join my husband in this process. The benefit of this prayer time is substantial. First, I am heading out of my home under the authority and blessing of my husband which portrays a biblical model of headship. Second, my husband and children have a tangible way to join me in the ministry opportunity by praying for me and the women God calls me to serve. Third, this prayer time fosters in me a strong desire to return home once the engagement is over so that I can serve my family in a way that honors the Lord.

As this prayer process has developed over the past six years, the benefit for me and my family has been great. However, the benefit does not stop with me and my family. I believe the benefit is far reaching as my husband and children stand in the gap for every woman I serve who does not have a husband or child standing in the gap for them.

Without a doubt, this prayer process has allowed “my” ministry to become “our” ministry.

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Cindy says
March 29, 2011 at 2:35 pm

As a seasoned speaker we need to realize that the Lord has positioned us in a place of influence and while we as speakers are responsible for our spoken words we need to realize that we are also responsible for the words we hear. We need to cultivate being a good listener. Do we listen to the questions and/or statements that participants are saying? Do we listen to what they are not saying? Most importantly are we listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our replies? Sometimes a listening ear is the best reply. Are we listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in the “interruptions” in our polished message? I always am very excited when the Lord speaks through me with a statement that I did not plan to say. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides us with the message that He want to deliver through us.

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Connie says
March 29, 2011 at 2:35 pm

I think most speakers need to be aware of the attack they will encounter from the enemy trying to trip them up. Attacks come in different ways but criticism is probably the thing that discourages most speakers the most. Some strategies on dealing with criticism would be most welcome.

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Sherry P. says
March 29, 2011 at 2:32 pm

As a person who feels that God is calling them to share my story of God’s love and forgiveness, I feel that it is most important to know how to connect with those who are listening to you speak. How do you become real to them? How do you let them know that you have been called not to lift yourself up, but to let them know that God has worked in your life and He can do the same for them? How do you let them know no matter what you are speaking about, that you are just a vessel, human and broken, and that you want them to feel God’s love working through you to reach them for Him.

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Kim Hawkins says
March 29, 2011 at 2:24 pm

I have struggled with the flow of my speech. I was given this advice from an author I’ve come to know. She advised me to write my opening and my wrap-up first, then fill in the middle. This effort combined with prayer and daily time in the Word has helped tremendously.

When Jesus sent out the twelve, he advised them that they would face adversity and made this promise to them: “…do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” ~ Matthew 10:19-20

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Stacy Boyd says
March 29, 2011 at 2:21 pm

As a beginner speaker, my question is how do I engage the crowd w/o being pushy?

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josey bozzo says
March 29, 2011 at 2:18 pm

As someone wanting to start a speaking ministry, what I most need to know is “How do I start?. What do I have to do, to get people to want me to speak for them?”

Thanks for the opportunity to win a scholarship.
Josey

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Shannon Ross says
March 29, 2011 at 2:18 pm

I am certainly a beginner speaker. I have not given a “first” speech, yet. Other than Sunday School. I feel God is calling me to speaking, so much that as shy as I have always been, this has never been a desire of mine. It has to be God-calling. So to answer your question, My most pressing question is? Oh my, I have so many (I need this conference) … but How do you share God’s truth with reality situations to keep the crowd captivated. I’ve only spoken in small groups where a topic is discussed and others chime in, but what about when I do all the talking. Most say, if it’s really God’s calling, “it’ll all come to you”. But that’s not 100% true. When God calls us we are to obey His calling and through that our strength is found in Him, He shines in our imperfections, but it all don’t “come”, work still needs to be done on our part.

Your sister in Christ,
Shannon Ross

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Jennifer Boddie says
March 29, 2011 at 2:16 pm

I am most grateful for this opportunity. You ladies at Proverbs 31 are a huge part of my life!

I have had one speaking engagement to date and I loved it! Fear tried to grip me and keep me from going but GOD had a serious one on one with me for a few days before the event. So I guess those were Pre-event butterflies?

Anyway, my most pressing question is how to keep the audience engaged mentally, emotionally and physically ( if necessary). Naturally without seeming as it I am working at it ( smile).

With my first speaking engagement I did well for a first timer ( at least I received good feed back) I used concrete teaching aids to make the presentation more meaningful, engaging and compelling. However it was a pretty small group maybe 25 – 30 people at most so it was pretty easy for me to make eye contact with each person at some point in time and get a feel for each of them.

By the way, I have started reading “The Reasons We Speak” and I wanted to let you know that I did receive actual pay with my first speaking event. No potted plant as payment but even if it had been a potted plant I would have been thankful for the experience gained.

Lots of love,

Jennifer

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Heather - Hopelessly Flawed says
March 29, 2011 at 2:15 pm

I think it is important to know that it’s ok to be nervous, and it’s even ok to tell your audience that you are nervous. People listen better and walk away with more from a speaker who connects on a personal level, and honesty and admitting weaknesses is endearing. It makes a speaker seem much more relatable. So if you’re a nervous wreck, don’t let that stop you! God uses nervous people, too. You just have to be willing to let Him use you however you are. He knows your shortcomings and He chose you anyway.

Thank you for the opportunity to enter!

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Julie says
March 29, 2011 at 2:14 pm

I’m not even a new speaker yet but have always seen that as a vision but have not pursued it. I keep seeing this conference. Knowing my own tendencies, in preparing to speak even for the 1 minute and 3 minute sessions how would you overcome perfectionistic tendencies in preparing? This would bog me down in details trying to get things just so. Then how to let your personality show through your presentation without being a distraction.

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redheadkate says
March 29, 2011 at 2:14 pm

What to do when you are speaking & you look out at the crowd and realize that you don’t have them. How to bring them back into the talk with you.

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Heather says
March 29, 2011 at 2:13 pm

My question is about dealing with criticism. What are your best tips for dealing with the people who don’t believe in you, or people who shoot down the things you have to say, with a graceful and kind attitude? Unfortunately there will always be nay sayers, but I struggle sometimes with what to say to them if confronted about what i am speaking or writing about. 🙂

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- Catherine Strange says
  March 30, 2011 at 9:02 pm
  
  Hi Heather,
  James 1:2-8 has really helped me in this area!!
  
  Loving the journey,
  Catherine
  
  Reply
Amy Puccillo says
March 29, 2011 at 2:13 pm

What I wish I had known as a beginner speaker is that there is so much power in a personal story. I’ve learned time and time again how powerfully this moves the audience and how God can use my story to penetrate the hearts of the listeners. Often, it is the ‘story’ that you tell that is remembered the most. I still have teen girls who years later recall one of my stories. God uses our life experiences when we are willing to share them to do heart-work not only in ourself, but in others. Never underestimate the power of a personal story and never, ever underestimate God’s power to use it to His glory!

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Terry A. says
March 29, 2011 at 2:12 pm

How do you keep the emphasis on Him and off me while helping others?

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Shelly Brown says
March 29, 2011 at 2:12 pm

Advice for a beginning speaker … 1) Never lose sight of the ministry aspect of your calling. As Chuck Swindoll so wisely observes, “As a result of enduring pain, we change from being mere sufferers to wise counselors and valuable comforters.” 2) Embrace your story, God’s story, for your life and be real about it. Women need to know that you’ve been there, that you’ve made it through and how you made it through.

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Kaci Williams says
March 29, 2011 at 2:12 pm

I agree as a beginner at this we need to be mentored & taught how to get started. I know the Lord has me in ministry and has given me a gift of teaching. I have been preparing for years for ministry but I am unsure how to begin. How to start this wonderful walk with the Lord without marketing. The Lord has blessed me today, after much prayer He sent me this link through Proverbs 31 ministries. To God be the glory!

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Brandi says
March 29, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Question 1

I’m a beginning speaker, and what I most need to know is probably what I will learn when I win the free registration (which I could not otherwise afford!) to the She Speaks conference 😉

Lysa personally prayed this for me a couple of years ago. 🙂

My most pressing question: How can I meet my full potential as a speaker while also meeting my full potential (if one can!) as a servant?

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Amanda E. Hayes says
March 29, 2011 at 2:09 pm

Amy,

I would like to know what aspects of a message make it most effective and most memorable. What are some tips for messages that are going to set them apart from others the audience has heard? How can I make certain that the audience is going to remember me and remember my message? I don’t want to just be “that speaker” that came, left, and have nothing to show for it after I leave! I truly believe that God has entrusted me with HIS MESSAGE to women, and I want the ladies’ experience to be truly LIFE CHANGING!

Thanks,
Amanda Hayes

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Michelle says
March 29, 2011 at 2:09 pm

My greatest struggle has been to know when to wait for a door or when to pursue doors? Balancing motherhood, a marriage, a career and a call to fulfill what you were created for clouds the days and boggles the schedule as well as the mind. My hearts desire is to fulfill all that God has predestined for me to do – the question I often have is, “How?” How God? How will I be invited to speak? How will I be known? How do I know its you and not me? How do I know when to search for a door to open or how do I know to just wait? How do I know?

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DeLonda Adams says
March 29, 2011 at 2:08 pm

I have learned that the areas that I feel incompetent in as a speaker should be given over to God so that he may work through my weaknesses in His strength. I have realized that His grace really is sufficient and as nervous or fearful I may be when I begin to speak I press through it all. I have learned that I am just vessel that God is using and He could use anyone and we are all to work together for the up building of His kingdom. God has showed me that we all have different gifts and none are better than the other and we are all to use them to fit together in this great puzzle for His glory alone. God has been teaching me how to pray strategically before speaking so that I may teach in His power and love. God has taught me that all the gifts we have that love is the key….we must love or else all that other stuff means nothing and our teaching means nothing if we do not walk in love. Also, what I need as speaker is to learn how to end and come to a conclusion :o)

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Stacey Davis says
March 29, 2011 at 2:07 pm

As an aspired speaker here are my questions……

How do I make connections,do I just cold call people? How do I build my platform? Do you prepare on one topic and then market that topic? How do I market? (and I believe you SHOULD market yourself…God opens the door, we have to walk through it)
Thanks!
Stacey

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Marietta Taylor says
March 29, 2011 at 2:06 pm

As a beginning speaker my most pressing need is to figure out how to best put together a cohesve set of messages that people can choose from. I have my first speaking engagment in 3 weeks and the message is mostly done. However, going forward I think I need several messages that I can offer to a group. I’m not there yet and would love help getting that put into place.

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- Danielle Jones says
  March 29, 2011 at 6:24 pm
  
  I’d like to know that one too, Marietta!
  
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- Cynthia says
  March 30, 2011 at 5:23 pm
  
  I was in that same situation. I joined Amy and did the message development. Can I just say it changed my message and made so much more sense? I recommend that you invest in it, truly gives you tools that you will use through out your speaking career!
  
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  - Amy Carroll says
    March 30, 2011 at 7:01 pm
    
    Thanks, Cynthia!!!
    
    Reply
Mardi Boyd says
March 29, 2011 at 2:04 pm

How do I share my story?

That is the most basic question. I know God allowed this journey in my life to help other women of domestic violence and sexual assault. So now that I am on the path to healing, how do I share what God has done in me to help others on the path of healing?

In Fearless Faith,
Mardi

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Becky Henkel says
March 29, 2011 at 2:03 pm

My most pressing question is how do I let people know that I am available and willing to speak at their events? Who do you market to?

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Sara Grivas says
March 29, 2011 at 2:03 pm

What I wish I would have known is: less is more! That not everything I want to share or feel passionate to teach everyone was vitally important to tell at that point in time. What I have learned is that when you really hone in on one specific topic and laser beam it with a complete lesson and not at a rushed pace, it really sets in and resonates with people. Less is more, less is more! No one wants to be spoken to with a machine gun type approach speaker. You end up walking away feeling like you have been shot all up, yet still a bunch of holes to be filled! 🙂

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Angie says
March 29, 2011 at 2:03 pm

Balancing my calling with ‘marketing’. (And doing the ‘marketing’ on a non existent budget)
Sometimes it feels like a calling shouldn’t need marketing.
Difficult to find the balance-at least for me.

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Jodianne Adams says
March 29, 2011 at 2:03 pm

I wish that I had learned to protect myself before I spoke at an event. What I mean is that through trial and error I have learned to surround myself with His covering through prayer and quiet time before each speaking or drama engagement. At church on Sundays before I perform, I go and sit in our stage entry room and allow God to minister to me before I minister to others. If I get too busy and do not take the time to have that time with God, it seems that I allow myself to be vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. No matter how much I prepare ahead of time, those moments of peace with Him are my greatest prep I can have. He never lets me down.

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Tracy says
March 29, 2011 at 2:02 pm

God has transformed and blessed my family so much in the past couple years. God has brought us through several trials. I know that God wants me to share the journey that we have been on. I guess my question would be where do I begin? I try to write down everything that has happened to us so I don’t ever forget all the blessings. I think I need help putting it all together so God’s glory can shine through!

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LatanyaWagner says
March 29, 2011 at 2:02 pm

As a beginning speaker the thing I struggle with is marketing myself. What is the best method for marketing? I know I have been called and I love sharing what God is teaching me (and has taught me), but how does one go about growing a speaking ministry effectively? Thanks so much! Blessings!

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Angela Domville says
March 29, 2011 at 1:56 pm

How do you get over the fear of speaking in public? That step alone has kept me away from so many opportunities. Thank you.

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Praise and Coffee says
March 29, 2011 at 1:48 pm

2. I wish I had understood the power of a story and I would love to learn even more about it!
Sue Cramer

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Victoria says
March 29, 2011 at 1:47 pm

As a total newcomer to speaking and a real {and made up} word lover, I would love to hear more about formulating a “talk” and how writing to speak might differ from writing to be read. Whether writing the “talk” from scratch or translating a written piece into one you’ll speak, I’m just full of questions.

Thanks so much for the opportunity!

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Connie says
March 29, 2011 at 1:45 pm

Yes reading over these comments I can relate to all three. Wendy, yes prayer AMEN. Amy I too deal with those issues, but feel the “marketing” comes in who are you marketing? If GOD has given you a message and it is his message, then you are fulfilling HIS plan and purspose. It is when we cross the line of promoting OURSELVES that marketing can be a bit of a put off.
MY QUESTION is: I am a story teller. My topics usually center around stories about others. I sweat this because I worry about getting so wrapped up in the stories that I run out of time for the message, this has NOT happened yet, but I deal with anxiety. Most of my feedback is positive but I have ANXIETY about this part. How do you balance the message with the conversation. Is there a word count? Is there a formula? Thanks!

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Stephanie Clayton says
March 29, 2011 at 1:40 pm

The most pressing question as a new speaker…well I could probably list hundreds…but I will try to be brief and limit to a few!

1. How to be brief-er? If I could classify my speaking habits into a song, it would be, “she’ll be coming round the mountain when she comes – yeehaw”! Because I just have a hard time getting to the point. I seem to circle and circle and circle the mountain. Unfortunately I can lose my listeners along the way before I ever get to the point. And I carry a thick Texas accent – so YEEHAW!
2. Sweat Control? Is there such as thing as sweat control when you are speaking. Because I sweat when I get nervous – big time. Whoever can come up with a version of spanx that can suck you in and soak you up – they will be a millionaire!
3. I can’t stop chasing sticks? I am kind of like a happy puppy in that way. You get me off topic, and I can run around chasing the sticks you throw for hours. The negative part is, I never get around to what I was going to say in the first place.
4. Advice giving? If it’s one thing I have learned as a counselor, it is DO NOT GIVE ADVICE! Why, because it has to be their idea, or they won’t “hear” it. So how do you speak your message to a large group in a way that each person can make it their very own, where it has personal meaning to each and every one of them.
5. Worthy-ness? If there is one thing I struggle with the most, it is this. Whenever I get up in front of people I get this attacked feeling of being unworthy. I think it’s kind of Satan’s way of plowing over everything God wanted me to say with the babbling words of a nervous heart. I want to learn how to get over this feeling so that God can speak through me. I want to be able to put my flesh aside, and just be filled with the spirit, so much that nervousness takes a hike because it know it’s gonna get the boot anyways!

Thank you so very much Amy for this opportunity! I have ants in my pants to come to She Speaks! I am so excited about what God is going to teach through you amazing women!

Reply
Kelly Willie says
March 29, 2011 at 11:52 am

As a beginner, I mean a real beginner, I would like to know how you come up with the topics to speak on. I know that on each speakers (P31) web page there are topics to choose from. Are these related to past experiences, past jobs, or are these topics sthat God has laid on your heart to share with others? When you are hired as a speaker, does the person hiring you pick out what topic is closest to their (or the womens) hearts? I have so much to learn!! Thank you Amy for all you do, and I love the Next Speaker Services website! it comes directly to my inbox! ~ God Bless ~

Reply
- Wendy Blight says
  March 30, 2011 at 10:40 am
  
  Hi Kelly, this is a great question. Every topic upon which I speak, the Lord has specifically laid on my heart. Sometimes, and actually most times, it is something through which I have already walked…conquered…struggled with. That is truly when you are the most effective and have a testimony to back up what you are sharing.
  
  Other times, like when I wrote my study on David, God specifically and clearly laid it on my heart. At first I did not see why. it was genuinely a journey through history for me. While writing it, He taught me so much about the Israelites and how He worked in and through the lives of His people and about His faithfulness. It was one of the most wonderful teachings I have ever done, and it really was not related to anything going on in my life….it’s just the place to which He led me for that semester. But as I was teaching it was SO CLEAR He led me to it for the women in my audience. Story after story confirmed it. I hope this helps you. Remember, when you seek Him, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart. When you ask Him, He will show you.
  
  Reply
Heatherly says
March 29, 2011 at 11:31 am

The greatest lesson I had to learn these past two years is that we are all truly in this ministry together. Although we may never see each other speak, or we may speak to completely different audiences with distinct platforms, we need to “Titus 2” each other- the more experienced of us need to reach out to those starting out, and the just starting out need to be teachable and open to learning from the more experienced speakers’ “successes” and missteps.

We need to pray for each others’ ministries, because they are really all the part of one bigger ministry: disciples seeking to make more disciples as we go.

We need to support and encourage each other, because a sister’s “success” is really Kingdom success.

We are not in competition with each other, we have the opportunity to help complete each other…

Thanks for the opportunity, Amy!

Love,
Heatherly

Reply
- Carla MacLachlan says
  March 30, 2011 at 7:46 pm
  
  I so appreciated these thoughts! Our minds should continually be on “kingdom” success. God doesn’t just provide us with experience to speak truth into the lives of audiences -we are to also continually speak truth into the lives of individuals and those we can encourage and equip along the way. Thank you!
  
  Reply
  - Shelia says
    April 1, 2011 at 8:41 pm
    
    Amy, one of the main things I have learned is it’s not up to us to do the job of the Holy Spirit. We are only to be willing to follow his leading. A speaker at her first speaking engagement reminded us there is enough kingdom work for everybody. There are those who will speak before the world through various outlets and those who will be a voice in their own community or home. While we are all commanded to take part in this great commission, everybody also has a unique ministry assignment and you are only responsible for yours. If you are novice or “seasoned”, be willing to deliver the word that God has placed in your heart to the best of your ability and leave the rest up to Him. I willing acknowledge this is easier for me to say than to do.
    
    Reply
Amy Boyd says
March 29, 2011 at 11:23 am

As a new speaker the thing I have struggled with the most is following God’s calling with little to no support from those closest to me. Many people have stated to me if God has called you to speak then He will open the door and there was no need to do any marketing.

Reply
- Lisa Van Wyk says
  April 6, 2011 at 10:43 am
  
  Hi Amy, hang in there. God may be using this time to show you who he wants and does not want as part of your ministry. He wants people totally sold out for him. Through those women, he will work wonders to bring others to him. And also be the support team you need. Remember, you are not alone. You have sisters right there next to you in spirit and in truth.
  
  The best marketing you could ever do is to spread God’s message, through the passion and talents he has given you. Technical marketing will be a must eventually, but it may be in a much more creative and different way than what people think. It doesn’t have to look like everyone elses. God will always show you what is best for you in your situation righ now and that too may change over time. Blessings to you always through our Lord, Lisa
  
  Reply
Wendy Blight says
March 29, 2011 at 10:40 am

Amy, the greatest lesson the Lord has taught me as a speaker is to pray for my audience the days and weeks before I speak. In fact, I ask for a list of the names of the attendees and pray for them by name beginning the week before my event. It is probably my main way of preparing because it connects me to each heart that God is drawing. And then, even better, when I get to the event, I feel like I already know the women when see their sweet faces and put the name for whom I have prayed with a face. Yes, sometimes I am praying for hundreds of names. But it is well worth the time!!! God faithfully shows me in small, and sometimes big ways, how He used my time of prayer.

Reply
- Jennifer Cook says
  March 29, 2011 at 10:06 pm
  
  As a beginner and newbie (I attended She Speaks last year) I’ve learned that God is not through with me yet. He doesn’t make a way for you to attend She Speaks and then throw open every door you walk by. For me, I feel He is still molding me into the woman He intends for me to be and through that journey He gives me messages that are relevant to the women I come in contact with. We are all speakers in our daily lives whether we are in front of one or 10,000. I’ve learned to wait on Him and trust that if He called me to it, He will bring me through it. Also, Satan loves to remind me that I am a sinner and unworthy to speak to anyone. I have to stay in the Word and bathe myself and my surroundings in prayer at all times.
  
  Reply
- Nicole L Jupp says
  March 30, 2011 at 4:51 pm
  
  I own a hair salon and God has called me to minister through this platform. I believe through daily prayer and devotion time that God speaks to me and everyone I come in contact that day. If he gives me a verse I share that verse when the oppurtunity arises and everytime it explodes in awesome ways for that client. God speaks through my spirit to others. I obey . The more I am in the word the more I see the details of everything in my life a blessing from God. I want to show others how this is possible. Sometime I feel like I can feel the clients innerbeing because of my prayer time earlier that day. I want to share my deepest mistakes to the people and tell them that my safety comes from the Lord. I am a beginner in all this so I want to be vulnerable to “She speaks” . Expenses this year at the salon has been difficult but God has me sharing his word everyday to people. If He wants me to be there I WILL go and find away through him!! I lay down my life to his call for me. Thank you for this oppurtunity to share .Ephesians 3:20 ” God can do anything you know- far mor than you would ever imagine or guess or request ever in your wildest dreams. “
  
  Reply

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