Seven is a divine number–seven notes in music, seven colours of the rainbow! Likewise, speeches with seven memorable points are presented in this category–The Magnificent Sevens (7’s)!
Listening is one key to success in life that is neglected often.
When you listen you gather vital information that can come to be useful in making correct decisions.
When you listen you make the other person feel valued. That itself is a key element in building lasting relationships.
When you listen you are showing humility and a willingness to learn. It is quite the opposite of “I know it all” attitude.
When you listen you can avoid the trap of speaking hastily. For when you speak without thinking you say foolish things, and sometimes you speak angrily too.
When you listen you show great understanding. It shows your ability to see all sides of the issue as it helps you to analyse the situation, weigh the pros and cons and come to an effective conclusion.
When you listen you train yourself in the art of reading between the lines. Often what is left unsaid is more important than what people really said.
When you listen you are doing others a great favour. You are sharing with others your precious time. For many in today’s madly busy world are finding it nearly impossible to get a listening ear even within one’s home and with loved ones too.
Let me conclude by saying that listening is one of the great arts of communication, leadership, and human resources management.
It all starts with desire. There should be a burning desire to win. Forget all negative circumstances, people who tell you how what you dream cannot be done, and lack of money.
Secondly, start somewhere. Do not wait for ever planning. Take action even if it be a small step. Each single day do something that will take you nearer to your goal.
Thirdly, look for competition. Athletes and sportsmen do best when the competition is the toughest. Keep yourself motivated and challenged by the best you can compete against in your field.
Fourthly, but of great importance, you need wisdom. Pray to God, ask those who have succeeded in your field to share life lessons they learned, and seek guidance from those who can give you wise counsel.
Fifthly, make mistakes.That is the only way you make progress. I am not asking you to make mistakes through negligence. But I am asking you to be daring in your attempts, to push yourself out of comfort zones, and try your luck at new things you naturally shrink away from doing.
Sixthly, be single-minded in your pursuits. Do not get distracted. Burn bridges behind. Do not look back and wish that you should have remained in your old ways and habits. Instead look forward with determination.
Finally, have a killer instinct. It means that you will not rest until you finish what you have begun to do. It means that you will allow no obstacle, no defeat, no negativity to make you give up in despair. You might feel discouraged at your lack of progress, but you will hold on, fight on, and will not say “quit” until you have won.
My friend, there is a time to prepare the nets. There is a time to launch out from the safety of the shore. There is a time to cast your nets into the deep. There is a time to fight the winds and the waves.There is a time to persevere when absolutely no progress happens.
But the man who wins is the one who while awake or asleep dreams of and acts towards and relentlessly pursues the goal of bringing a boat full of fish to the shore. That is killer instinct that makes winning a habit in life.
Influence is one key measure of leadership. It is often achieved through how a leader communicates.
A leader who is always busy and doesn’t have time for the individual is already out of the competition. So make it point to welcome interruptions as an opportunity to listen to others.
A leader who listens and is unable to help the other person have clarity on his confused thoughts has just wasted a lot of time. The other person expects a word of wisdom, a sense of direction, or at least a ray of hope. Be sure you provide that in your conversations.
A leader who forgets to say a genuine word of appreciation is never liked. He may be feared but will not earn any points on loyalty from members of his team. What fear and criticism fails to achieve is made possible through one kind and thoughtful word. “Anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up (Proverbs 12:25 Bible).”
A leader who dictates will not last long. But gentle words of persuasion can break a bone is what Biblical wisdom* says. Speak gently, let logic and reason drive things home. Don’t yell at people and advertise to the world how small you really are.
A leader who is an influencer will make an attempt to see the hidden potential of a person. Even when a person is far from having achieved what he is capable of the leader’s role is constantly paint in words a picture of what the future is going to be for that person. Someday he will be grateful that you believed in him when others did not.
A leader who forgets to keep promises made is busy digging his grave. But those who do not break their word is building up a huge deposit account. At a time of crisis he will be able to encash some of this reserve.
Finally, a leader’s influence is in direct proportion to the example he sets. One act of being there for someone in a moment of need can enhance the way your team or followers see you. If you are privileged to skip the queue and even then you choose to stand with others anyway is an act of identification with others in your team.
Well, leadership is one fine art of creating influence wherever you go.
The art of leadership is as old as human history. At the same time mastering leadership is a life long pursuit for those who wish to lead effectively.
Countless books have been written on leadership. Thousands of seminars and workshops are conducted across the globe every year. We witness leadership summits and conferences. Yet there is no end to the variety of ways in which leadership is studied, presented and understood.
In this short speech let me put across to you 7 Essential C’s of Leadership.
First of all, leadership is about effecting change. For change to happen it should begin with the leader himself. The change most needed, I believe, is in the ability to be flexible. Old habits, thinking patterns that do not match the demands of today have to be discarded. It simply means that the leader should not try to impose change on others without modeling it himself.
Secondly, leadership is about exhibiting courage. Primarily, it is about courage in taking decisions. The man who delays decisions so as not to offend anyone cannot lead. So also the man who wavers at the first sign of opposition. But one who is bold in decision and action will find others align with him sooner or later.
Thirdly, Leadership is about character Sadly so many are just concerned with cosmetics. That is how to appear charismatic, winsome and have an appealing personality. All this can do you good for a season. But it is like building a super structure on sand. On the other hand a rock-strong foundation characterized by integrity is a must to lead effectively.
Coming fourth in the list, leadership is about conviction. Now conviction comes when truth is firmly established in one’s heart. It can be an understanding of truth about people, situations or even what motivates opposition. Conviction comes also from a clear understanding of what you can or cannot do. Without conviction, a leader fails to inspire.
In the fifth place leadership is about contexts. In other words each leadership situation is set in the backdrop of a historical context. Sir Winston Churchill whose voice broadcast over radio instilled courage in the hearts of the people of Britain during World War II is a classic example. He was the man for the hour. You too can rise to the occasion and lead if you have a keen insight and awareness of the context in which you are in.
The penultimate thought is that leadership is about confidence. Let me put it this way: Who will follow someone who is a bundle of nervousness; whose words exhibit anxiety and whose body language is like that of a little boy who broke his favorite toy? A leader, therefore believes in the best even when the ship reels to and fro in troubled waters. Everything about his poise and posture exudes calm.
Finally, leadership is about communication. A leader’s words should inspire, make others think, take needed action and impact people beyond the immediate audience. Just look at a list of world famous speeches. Most of them came from leaders who were able to articulate and communicate their vision to the masses. Leadership communication is therefore critical to the success of any endeavour. A man or woman who is able to communicate with clarity and a sense of purpose leads brilliantly.
Let me conclude.
Warren Bennis in his Introduction to On Becoming a Leader wrote, “To an extent, leadership is like beauty: it’s hard to define, but you know when you see it.” Even though it is hard to define, you can learn and master some of the components that go into the creation of effective leadership.
I believe that, though there are so many other components, Change, Courage, Character, Conviction, Contexts, Confidence, and Communication are 7 Essential C’s of Effective Leadership. Mastering these leadership principles take time. An effective leader is someone who experiences growth in these areas as time passes by.
How to talk on such an occasion is difficult to say. Emotions play a major role. But still some guidelines might help.
1. Try to establish your connection with the deceased person. Is it as a friend, colleague, teacher, student, or a familial relationship.
2. Speak of the manner of passing away. Was it peaceful? Was it is untimely? If it was a prolonged illness how did the person cope with it.
3. How has it impacted family, friends, and others known to the person?
4. Try to state family history, upbringing, schooling and college education, employment, and married life whichever is applicable.
5. Recall one or two instances where the person’s unique qualities shone through. This is especially comforting to the members of family.
6. End with a note of support to the surviving members of family.
7. If there is a positive message that the person’s life exemplified, do mention it as something to be emulated and followed.
Death is a time when the future looks like a huge question mark. No one has easy answers to give. Yet if someone had firm faith in God, you can always highlight the certainty of hope he or she had. It is this hope of meeting one’s loved one again; more alive than now in the presence of God that makes the rainbow seen through the tears.
The reality of death should make all think. How long before it is my turn? Before It comes how can I live with a purpose? Can I help make a positive difference in the life of others? In one word, the death of someone should make us wise in how we live in this world and how we are preparing ourselves for a life beyond earth’s final farewell.
Note: Avoid mention of negatives. It is also good not to describe the person in too many superlatives; that might come across as insincere.
Be brief in your talk. Remember to pick instances from the person’s life that show his or her love and care for others, exceptional academic, co-curricular or work-related achievements.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
—
Conclusion of speech by Princess Diana’s brother at her funeral:
I would like to end by thanking God for the small mercies he has shown us at this dreadful time. For taking Diana at her most beautiful and radiant and when she had joy in her private life. Above all we give thanks for the life of a woman I am so proud to be able to call my sister, the unique, the complex, the extraordinary and irreplaceable Diana whose beauty, both internal and external, will never be extinguished from our minds.
Self-control is not a popular term with teens; but freedom is. Now freedom in excess without restrictions makes people slaves to whatever has mastered them.
So there is a responsibility on your part to exercise self-control. It can be in many areas.
One, exercise self-control in the area of speech. Too much talk can make you lose respect with teachers and elderly. It can create conflicts and quarrels with the best of friends.
Two, exercise self-control in the area of relationships. You cannot take advantage of others and expect to live a happy life. Avoiding haste in getting involved in relationships, maintaining purity in motives, and treating others with kindness instead of becoming judgmental; are all measures of self-control.
Three, exercise self-control in the area of food. Eating is necessary to live, but living to eat is yet another matter. Junk food is everywhere. When food is made a god, bad eating and drinking habits can prove harmful.
Four, exercise self-control in the area of social media. Do not spend too much time in it. Remember all your digital footprints are tracked. There is no escape. And do not be naive and reveal your personal information on social media.
Five, exercise self-control in money matters. Do not fall into the living on credit cards trap. Do not not spend lavishly on non-essentials. Money is so uncertain; there a hundred different ways through which a rich man can become penniless.
Six, exercise self-control in management of time. We are all given 24 hours a day. But no one knows for how long. Reduce time you spend for entertainment and try to live life in a purposeful manner. If you can utilize 15 minutes a day to learn a new skill, think about what difference it can make in your life and career.
Seven, and finally, exercise self-control in your thoughts. No one can read your mind but your eyes and face will bear the marks of what you think. Imagination is a wonderful gift; but make every effort to think on the lovely and the pure.* Try to think on achieving excellence. Do not leave your mind empty but fill it with good thoughts, reading great books, and generate ideas along with friends.
There are many other areas where one can learn to exercise self control. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls,”* says the Bible. So discipline yourself. Exercise self-control. If not, your mind and behaviour will be like untamed horses running wild in the woods!
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
*Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 25:28 Bible.
For those who stay connected to God, the Bible says that God himself will produce in people self-control. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).”
People without goals in life do not accomplish much. Therefore it is important to have worthy goals in life. If your goal in life is related to your passion in life, then you’ll have great enthusiasm as you work towards your goal. In this speech let me spell out 7 steps that will take you to your goal.
#1. You need to have a clear focus.
The sharper your focus is the greater chance is there for you to achieve your goal. The lives of great men and women teach us that they achieved their goals by having a sharp focus and single-minded aim.
#2. Do not postpone working towards your goal.
Each day and moment is precious. Make sure that you do some little bit each day that will take you nearer your goal. Often goals are achieved by the small efforts taken each day rather than a big effort done on a single day. There is great truth in the saying that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
#3. Know your obstacles.
There has never been any easy road to success. Every victory is achieved through “blood, toil, tears and sweat.” So first of all count the cost involved in achieving your goal. Get to know all the factors that can come against you. Then make a realistic plan to overcome each one of them.
#4. Make your goals specific.
If there is lack of clarity in the way you have defined your goals, try to make it as specific and realistic as possible. At times, you may need to narrow down your focus and prioritize the use of your time, talent and resources. Always make sure that there is an immediately doable step as you work towards your goal.
#5. Have a deadline and be accountable to someone.
Many people dream of doing some great thing in life but never get started. One reason is that they do not set a deadline to achieve their goals. It is also important that you have someone in the role of a coach or a mentor to whom you can make yourself accountable. Do a review about progress made along with him or her occasionally.
#6. Perseverance is the key to success.
Perseverance means moving towards your goal in spite of every doubt, every failure, every setback and disappointment. When setbacks come, at times it is wise to take a few steps backward and then take a giant leap forward towards your goal! Focus on finishing well. A good beginning is not good enough; greater is the ability to stick on to your purpose and being able to finish what you began to do.
#7. Above all, believe in your goal.
It is amazing how much can be achieved if you just knew and believed the truth that God has invested in you with potential far beyond you have ever dreamed of. When you achieve worthy goals your life blesses others by inspiring them to go for their goals as well. It is important that you have goals that you are motivated to achieve. If you are passionate about it, the chances are extremely high that you will achieve your goals!
[Published on LinkedIn]
You can compere to your heart’s content and your audience’s delight as you follow these 7 steps:
#1. Believe You Can!
Think of the opportunity to compere as joy. Never believe the lie that you can’t do it. Of course, there will always be people who might be able to do better than you; but you still can leave a mark. The confidence that you can definitely do it is going to make a huge impact in your performance on stage as far as compering is concerned. So believe the best about yourself and step confidently on stage.
#2. Write a Compere-Script
As no one will attempt to construct a building without having a plan or blue print with them; no one should attempt to do compering without preparing a script. Whether you read from the script or not is a question of lesser importance. Write down everything. The actual introduction, the lines inviting the speakers, the thank you notes in between, and so on you plan to use during compering. Leave nothing to chance. Also remember to leave blank spaces in between as well as in the margins to jot down last minute changes in the programme. A person who attempts to do compering without a script is yet again like a soldier going to war without weapons!
#3. Be Enthusiastic
The joy of fielding was once made known to the world by a former cricket player from South Africa, Jonty Rhodes. He made what was a routine part of the game into a highly developed art. Similarly, you can raise the level of compering to great heights by your great enthusiasm as Jonty Rhodes did with fielding. The way you walk on stage, your gestures, your voice; and in short everything you do should pulsate with enthusiasm. Then the crowd will surely catch the fire of your enthusiasm when you compere.
#4. Maintain Good Eye Contact
The eyes can communicate a whole range of emotions and can reflect the inner state of a person quite sharply too. So use your eyes to communicate an exuberant mood while compering. Let your eyes scan the entire audience. Do not get stuck up looking at the imagined balcony or looking at blank walls. Instead make everybody feel included with your eyes with a wide sweep across the audience.
#5. Vary Your Voice
Some people tell. Others shout. Some others are full of big-sounding words. Some others whisper on stage. The point is not whether one method is correct or not; the point is that there should be a rich variety in your voice. When inviting the chief guest to inaugurate the Seminar your voice should communicate that seriousness; while announcing a popular rocking song or dance in a Reality Show your voice should communicate excitement and the upbeat mood to create anticipation. Whatever be the situation, clarity of words is a must.
#6. Make Them Feel Good
A compere’s role is not to highlight how intelligent, knowledgeable or a wizard of words he or she is. Anyone who sets out to do so is inviting the wrath of the audience. The compere is someone who draws least attention to himself or herself . Instead his or her role is to turn the spotlight on someone else all the time. Your words, gestures, and other actions on stage should all help in magnifying the person or group you are talking about. It is then that the audience learns to better appreciate those people or the action that is happening on stage.
#7. Smile All the Way
It is not your fabulous dress or make-up or ornaments that is going to win the day for you. Neither are the words that you use going to help much; though words are needed. The greatest asset for a compere is his or her smile. These days people are fed up with cosmetic smiles that are artificial. Be genuine with the crowds. Then the smile from your heart will light up all the world with hope while you compere!
Christmas is celebrated with singing of carols. At this time, a compere finds it a joyful experience to inspire audiences with the various tones, colours, and emotions of Christmas.
Presented here is the script for compering 7 great songs of Christmas. Take note that in the examples, the background of the song’s message is presented quickly and then what it means to us today is refreshingly explained.
As is characteristic of all good communication each compere segment has an Intro (the introduction which captures attention), an Inspire (the body which illuminates the inspiration that the song brings to us), and The Invite (the conclusion which persuades people to listen to the song with their hearts and minds as well)!
[Inspire:] No other birth had ever brought heaven so close to the earth; with music divine and light so glorious and bright parting the darkness. The glory shone and the message “Do not be afraid” rang out loud and clear. With angels singing and shepherds watching, the peaceful Christmas tidings of joy for all people at the birth of the Son of God was proclaimed.
[The Invite:] Here, the choir presents to you the all time greatest, the favourite song of Christmas across cultures and boundaries; “Silent Night, Holy Night.”
Song #2 Hark the Herald Angels Sing [Intro:]Angel voices are rarely heard. Yet one night long time ago in Bethlehem a great company of angels proclaimed glory to the new-born King.
[Inspire:] Its resonance is heard in countless hearts and homes even today. The wonder of the virgin birth of Jesus, the marvel of Immanuel–God with us, the amazing story of God and sinners being reconciled are all brought to us through this song. In its final sweep it raises our thoughts to the Sun of Righteousness who has risen for us with healing in his wings; to bring hope to us that those who trust in Jesus need not find death the end but a beginning; for they’ll live with God for ever.
[The Invite:] Enjoy the popular song, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” which captures the reality of Christmas in one brilliant snapshot.
Song #3 O Come, All Ye Faithful [Intro:] So many people miss the joy of Christmas because they can’t think anything spectacular about a child lying in a manger.
[Inspire:] Yet hear the prophetic voice of Isaiah, who had a quick glimpse into the greatness of this child 7 centuries before the birth of Christ. He penned these immortal and majestic words: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The song, “O Come, all ye faithful,” is a call to come and adore the King of angels; it is a call to come and bless the Lord who came to save us; it is a call to worship God with songs of triumph.
[The Invite:] Therefore come, let us with one glad accord adore this child, none other than Christ the Lord.
Song #4 Joy to the World; the Lord Is Come! [Intro:] When God pours forth his joy; he does so like a dam bursting. No one can contain the flooding and swelling of joy in one’s heart.
[Inspire:] Such joy is experienced by all those who find their sins forgiven; and hearts washed clean by the blood of the Lamb of God shed on the cross. They can then sing along with angels joyous notes and experience what the song says: “fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.” Yes, dear friends, it is when our hearts are filled with the joy of God that we find nature too exploding with joy. This lovely song compels us to prepare our hearts and make room to receive the King at Christmas.
[The Invite:] So let us with heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
Song #5 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night [Intro:] The first announcement of Christmas came to the shepherds watching over their flocks by night. They were not told this good news because they were poor or marginalized in society. There was a greater reason.
[Inspire:] It was that they were taking care of the flock meant for sacrifice. To them the good news came that no more animal sacrifices are needed; for the Lamb of God has come to take away the sins of the world by his once for all sacrifice. This first announcement of the Christmas message reminds us that God stepped into human history just like any one of us; as a child. But it was no ordinary child who lay in a manger; but the Saviour of the world; Christ the Lord. Let us therefore with the heavenly choir of angels relive that first Christmas night when the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds.
[The Invite:] Listen now to “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night.”
Song #6 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear [Intro:] Some moments are etched in gold in our minds. More so when it is accompanied by music that no mortals can sing.
[Inspire:] This song is set against the backdrop of the sad and lowly plains of this earth and its confusion of sounds. Above this noise, through parted skies comes to us the heavenly music floating over this weary world. Let us stop the empty noises that we make; let us stop our quarrelling and listen to the love song the angels bring even as they sing at the midnight clear. Yes, this song tells us about the sadness of man at war with each other and having no time to listen to the glorious song of angels.
[The Invite:] Yet the song, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” ends with the great hope that someday a golden age would dawn when the whole world would give back the song which now the angels sing.
Song #7 The First Noel the Angel Did Say [Intro:] This melodious song talks of the first Christmas (Noel) on a cold winter’s night.
[Inspire:] Though the birth of Christ was first announced to shepherds, slowly the song narrates how wise men from the east saw the shining star and followed it to find the King–the King of Israel. They followed the star and found where Jesus was and worshipped him with gifts. These men were forerunners of all who would come to worship him from the ends of the earth. The song ends with a forward look to the time when all with one voice will sing praises to God because Jesus redeemed man from his sins by shedding his blood on the cross.
[The Invite:] Come on, let us celebrate the movement of God’s salvation from its first angelic announcement to the day all shall praise him from the ends of the earth. Tune your hearts to “The First Noel the Angel Did Say.”
The Crescendo Compere’s Concluding Remarks
Ladies and Gentlemen, the world has had only one true Lover. He so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son to save man from all his sins. Yes, the deep longing for forgiveness and peace with God is the need of the hour. When that happens, the joy of Christmas will ring out loud and clear as songs of joy and triumph, and as melodies of love and peace. And one day with angels numbering countless ten thousands upon ten thousands, our tongues too shall proclaim aloud the praises of God our Saviour, Redeemer and Friend. The songs we heard tonight are just a curtain-raiser to that great day and event.
Hope you enjoyed the songs presented here tonight. May the peace of God guard your hearts as you leave this auditorium and let angels accompany your going out. Wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Thank you, one and all.
Words serve as signposts while compering. They are to be used sparingly. As King Solomon wrote: “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?”1 If words are used sparingly, many mistakes can be avoided by the compere.
A simple, direct, dignified style with words that come from the heart yet stimulating thought would carry the day. A compere sets the tone, facilitates smooth transitions, takes on leadership roles when situation demands and signs off with elan.
But often those who compere make several mistakes. Some of the more serious ones I have tried to point out in this blog post:
Example Mistake #1
Once at college, a friend of mine at the end of a debate competition announced that our Professor would share his valuable ideas on the topic. It was a tense moment. For my friend had not informed our Professor that he would be asked to speak. And the auditorium was packed to full capacity. Anyway, he spoke as he is a great speaker. But later he called my friend and advised him quite strongly never to
do this to another person.
Insight: Never surprise eminent people with off hand announcements that they’ll speak on the topic, that too in front of a packed audience.
Example Mistake #2
At an Inter-University Debate competition a young college student was made the compere of the programme. She might not have had much previous experience. When it was time for the Chief Guest, who was the Vice Chancellor of a University, to be invited to speak, she did so while she sat down at the rear of the stage. It was shocking to say the least.
Insight: Common sense and basic courtesy should not be forgotten while compering.
Example Mistake #3
I once learned a valuable lesson unexpectedly. I met a person known to me. So we talked for some time. Then he asked who the other person with me was. I introduced him saying he is a painter because that is what I thought he did. At that time he said nothing. But later he told me that he is not a painter but an artist who also paints for a living. I then understood that his esteem suffered a blow when I said he is a painter. Therefore we should seek to understand how people like to be introduced. Here many who compere fail.
Insight: When introducing people, always ask how they want to be represented before the crowd. Ask for a brief profile so that you can read it out and introduce them to the audience they way they want it to be done.
Example Mistake #4
“Our Chief Guest of the day is so and so. He’ll be speaking on the topic xyz. We can expect some great insights from him today. But before I invite him to speak let me share some of my ideas about this topic.” This kind of compere is an insult to the Chief Guest. If this person could do the job, why call a Chief Guest and then destroy anticipation, and interest in the topic he has prepared by giving a mediocre presentation just before the keynote address?
Insight: Do not overstep your functional role. You are asked to invite the speaker to share his thoughts; and not to speak on his/her topic.
Example Mistake #5
Much damage is done when those who compere misuse their freedom with the person being introduced. The compere might crack jokes from their shared past by saying that while studying together at college the Chief Guest was called, “. . . .” That might be true, but a public function is not the occasion to share it. Such remarks definitely destroys the serious mood of the audience and will make them view the speaker in a light-hearted manner. That is disastrous as far as the speaker is concerned.
Insight: A compere should be able to understand what is the apt remark for the occasion. Generally frivolous statements should be avoided. Remember what King Solomon said: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”2
Example Mistake #6
It is not good to indulge in what many have termed “verbal gymnastics” while compering. Recently I heard a compere, who, instead of simply inviting the choir for the welcome song, went on to present a thesis on the importance of music. What he said was mostly irrelevant even as many bombastic words were stringed together without ryhme or reason in his short speech. It was totally inapropriate and uncalled for. He should have simply said, “May I invite the choir for the welcome song.”
Insight: When a simple direct statement is apt and appropriate, do not spoil the moment by making a garland of words with all kinds of wild flowers tied together without sense or sensibility.
Example Mistake #7
Gestures with the hand can spell trouble if not used with caution. Many who compere spread out their hands in wild sweeping motions to their sides and towards the person who is being introduced or invited. Except perhaps in informal settings, this has to be avoided as it destroys the ceremonial propriety that has to be observed. Casual, lazy gestures that spell over-familiarity with the speaker has to be avoided at all costs.
Insight: Always strive to make the audience respect the speaker and hold him/her in high regard even with the way you gesture especially with your hands.
Few other words have touched the heart and influenced thought for generations than Jesus’ 7 sayings on the cross. Here we take a look at them from a public speaker’s perspective.
The Setting:
The scene that day was dramatic as well as cosmic.
Jesus was nailed to the cross and lifted high; hanging between earth and sky from 9 a.m. in the morning till the time of the evening sacrifice at 3 p.m.
There was a crown of thorns on his head and a written inscription above him which read, “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews.” While he lay on the cross, those who passed by hurled insults at him.
Unusually, there came darkness over all the land. Two criminals were also crucified with him, one on the right and another on his left. At the foot of the cross, Roman soldiers cast lots for his clothing.
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
No man ever spoke so gracious words from such a stage. Here was the Saviour of the world, helpless, naked and bleeding. Such a setting and backdrop gives the utterances of Jesus from the cross a unique place in human history. For the audience was not just the crowds that had gathered, but both heaven and hell were eager witnesses to this event destined to change the lives of men and women, young and old and little children down through the centuries.
Saying #1
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
An introduction that goes right into the heart of the subject is much appreciated by audiences. Here Jesus is clearly showing the purpose of his suffering. He was shedding his blood for the forgiveness of man’s sins. From a speaker’s perspective note also the confidence with which these words were spoken; the confidence that his words would be heard by his Father in heaven. Confidence born of conviction is an asset to any speaker on any given day; isn’t it?
Saying #2
Then he [one crucified criminal] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This is the only one instance in the gospels where Jesus is addressed by his name alone without any other titles attached.
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
Communicating hope is perhaps the highest calling of any speaker. Here the man is expressing his need to find salvation. Jesus is able to meet that need, assuring him of a place with him in paradise. Therefore that man died in hope; assured of a home in heaven for he had placed his faith on the King and his kingdom. In today’s world characterized by all kinds of fears and tensions and anxieties, if the speaker can communicate hope to the audience of a better and bright tomorrow; then he has done the world a great service indeed.
Saying #3
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, . . . When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
A speaker should exhibit care towards his audience. As it is said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Jesus, even in his moments of great agony, was ever mindful of the need of his mother to find rest and joy in some home the remainder of her days on earth. So also a speaker should be able to sense the unspoken needs of the crowd he is addressing and come up with a solution that shows he cares.
Saying #4
About the ninth hour [i.e. 3 p.m.] Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”-which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This is the only instance in the gospels where we find Jesus addressing his father as God instead of Abba which means Dear Father. The reason being that the entire sin of the world was now placed on him and for the first time Jesus was experiencing the separation that sin brings between God and man. The darkness that came over the whole land was a reflection of this inner struggle of Jesus as he the Sinless One was experiencing the wrath and judgement of God against sin for you and for me.
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
A speaker has to identify himself with the audience.Here Jesus identifies with suffering humanity who constantly ask this question, “O God, why have you forsaken us?” Those who suffer unjustly find solace in this cry of Jesus knowing that he too passed through the dark night of the soul. When an audience knows that a speaker has experienced what they are going through, he gains greater credibility with them.
Saying #5
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
Many speakers find it difficult to open up before audiences. . They are afraid to share a story from their life. This is because they fear that if they are shown as weak, then audiences would not regard them in a favourable light. But Jesus was different. The tremendous loss of blood following the physical abuses that were heaped on him made his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth. So as a human being he made his weakness known. The lesson for a speaker is that he should never fail to highlight the common human aspect of his life and make it known to his audience. It is then that audiences warm up to a speaker.
Saying #6
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
It is finished is one single word in Greek—tetelestai. At the end of the day when a person had completed the work that was assigned to him he would say tetelestai. When someone paid off a debt he owed, he was issued a receipt that was stamped with the word tetelestai, which meant paid in full. Jesus, by crying out tetelestai was saying, whatever his Father had sent him to do was now finished. His innocent blood had now been poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Nothing remained to be done for man’s salvation—anymore! It was all done by him. Therefore it was a victor’s shout, a cry of triumph. It is finished. Tetelestai.
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
As we look at this from a public speaker’s perspective, many speakers who begin well end with a whimper. This is true not only of speech but also of life as well. A speaker should determine to finish strong, not only in his speech but in his life too. Jesus, knowing that he had fully paid for the sin of the world, said, “It is finished.” It was a cry of triumph. So also, a strong conclusion is a must for a great speech. Weak conclusions leave a weak impression in the minds of the audience. It frustrates them with a sense of incompleteness. But here we see Jesus finishing on a strong note.
Saying #7
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
A Public Speaker’s Perspective:
A graceful exit is as much a thing of beauty as a great performance. A speech ideally should end on a positive note of looking forward with hope. In this last saying, Jesus is quoting a prayer which says “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” It was a prayer that every Jewish mother taught her child to say the last thing before he or she slept at night. Here, Jesus dies like a child falling asleep in his father’s arms. It was indeed a graceful exit.
Audience Perspective:
Ultimately the success of any communication depends on what the audience perceives about it. Though the vast majority in the crowd thought that Jesus’ life had ended in failure, a centurion of the Roman army who was in charge of the crucifixion was moved by Jesus’ death. The gospels record thus: “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, `Surely this man was the Son of God!’ ”
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Note: The quotes used in this blog post are taken from the four Gospel accounts about Jesus Christ taken from the New International Version of the Bible: Inscription, John 19:19. The seven sayings, Luke 23:34, Luke 23:42, 43, John 19:25-27, Matthew 27:46, John 19:28, John 19:30, Luke 23:46. Centurion, Mark 15:39. Jesus’ Perspective, John 12:32.
