Bluegoat Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 So, I have been asked to prepare a reflection for an Evening Prayer service, for Lent. The theme of the series is on healing and the seven deadly sins, and I would be talking about covetousness. I think I could probably prepare something decent, and that I should, the problem is I am scared to death of giving the talk. I don't really get it - I do tend to have social anxiety, but I have always been able to give prepared seminars and talks to a group - last year I gave a series of talks on Charlotte Mason to about 15 people. And this would be low-key, and probably fewer people. Somehow, emotionally, something about it really is different - maybe because it is more personal? Anyway - I would really like to get over whatever it is, but I have no clue where to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer132 Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Pray about it. Philipians 4:6. God will grant you peace. Also, one thing I would do is record myself on my phone and listen to it, just so I know what I sound like to others. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 I agree with practice. Be prepared well ahead of time. Also, if you've never spoken in the actual space see if you can have a chance to see and hear what it feels like including using a mic if that's required. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted January 17, 2016 Author Share Posted January 17, 2016 Practicing is a good idea - I hadn't even got that far in my thinking. I am stuck, at this point, even earlier in the process - I can't think what I could possibly say. I think that is where the hang-up is - in the content somehow. I feel like people will think I'm an idiot. Which is crazy because it is just something normal people do, it doesn't require any kind of expertise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calm37 Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 I stumbled across the practicing out loud in front of a mirror thing a few years back and I can't begin to tell you how much it helped me. I just sit on the foot of my bed across from my dresser mirror. There is no reason you couldn't write it all out and read it, if that would help. If my reflection was on covetousness, I would talk about contentment. And so the Word has a lot to say about that. Here are two: Hebrews 14:5, Philippians 4:11. I find a lot of my own covetousness comes from comparing myself to others, especially my weak points to their strong points. I'm sure you will find more to talk about as you pray over this reflection. Blessings! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Sadie has great advice. Just get something on paper. No one will think you're an idiot! We're cheering you on! *shakes poms* 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 My mind will often go blank in a group. I have spoken in front of our entire congregation - and teach our women's group class once a month. I print out what I'm going to say. (for a lesson I even include the questions I want to ask.) spacing, different fonts etc. to make it easy to read at a glance. my print out is my crutch. but I don't worry about my mind going blank. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 (edited) Maybe this talk seems more personal? More revealing of your own thoughts and beliefs? I wouldn't be ashamed to start the talk with explaining how it was difficult. Practice is good but being authentic will put you and the audience at ease. Just my $.02. Edited January 18, 2016 by joyofsix 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted January 18, 2016 Author Share Posted January 18, 2016 Yes, I'm sure that the personal aspect is part of my issue. I have a much harder time talking about things in that way. Even if I am giving a talk I feel very comfortable with, if it gets close to something I have a more subjective relationship to, my anxiety goes up. It's one of the reasons I prefer written communication. I think I will at least write it out to include that kind of explanation - even if I don'tread it, having it written will I think help a lot. Which makes no sense but there you go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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