Got Public Speaking?

Hey all you bloggers out there,

Just thought I should let you know that blogging is definitely not an equivalent substitute for public speaking... even if your electronic thoughts and words are open to the public. So, I encourage you to hop up out of that ever so comfy and captivating chair in front of your preferred nifty electronic blogging device, and go out and find an opportunity to stand up and share your thoughts, opinions, or experiences in front of an audience; share with them a message and have a purpose for your being in front of them and taking up their time which is oh so valuable. Another piece of advice I would like to share with you is to practice. Now, I don't necessarily believe that practice makes perfect; there is always room for improvement. However, practice does make you better prepared. Personally, I admit I should have practiced a little more this week before my presentation, or at least practiced more effectively. One key thing I did not think to do was to time myself... HUGE faux pas on my part. Also, I should have been more aware during my presentation of elapsed time. In any case, nobody starts out as an expert at public speaking... so don't get too down on yourselves if you have the occasional blunder, just learn from your mistake and in doing so enable yourself to do a better job next time. Well, I really enjoyed this week's leadership principle and the project that went along with it. I loved my book (The Servant by James C. Hunter) and I was super bummed I wasn't able to share all of its wonderful contents... buuuuuut I guess you'll either just have to take my word for its greatness, OR you can pick it up and read it! I highly recommend the latter. It's a super easy and enjoyable read. You can go borrow the copy that belongs to the Student Leadership department in the BYUSA offices (just ask Macy). Also, this week has really sparked a new interest to me and I definitely jotted down Sister Wilson's information and public speaking class (TMA 150). You guys should totally plan it in to your future class schedule, for say... Fall 2013? : )
On a serious note, I completely, 100%, all the way believe in the importance of being an effective and experienced public speaker in order to be a successful leader. Communication is so crucial to leadership, and the best form is speaking before those you are leading and letting them know you care about them. A goal for myself as a public speaker is to take all the opportunities that arise or make themselves available to me to speak and practice the techniques and principles to public speaking we learned. This may not tie in to my leadership role in an overwhelming manner, but it still will make me a better communicator to the guys on my floor during floor meetings.

Toodles,
Kellon