Golden Keyes Parsons here looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior in just a little more than a week. It is a festive season with a flurry of activities. Many of us have speaking engagements this time of year, and a luncheon, tea or banquet is usually the preferred event rather than a retreat. Although it is easier to come up with a one-session message, we only have one shot at them. What we have to say needs to be crisp and to the point.

Let’s continue our discussion with some speaker DON’Ts this time…

1. DON’T ignore the fact that it is a holiday. Tie the festivities into your message somehow, or even build your whole talk around the celebration.

2. DON’T start with apologies, such as "I’m really nervous today, or I’m really no good at public speaking." Start confidently with a pithy saying or story. Apologies are really pointing to self, and we need to make it all about them.

3. DON’T fill gaps with phrases such as "Umm," "You know," "Okay," or "And uh."

4. DON’T be sloppy with your diction. Put the "t" and the "g" on the ends of words such as "night" and "going."

5. DON’T use Christianese terms such as "saved," "born again," "raptured," "filled with the Spirit." Unless you are going to explain what the terms mean.

If you have some Christmas speaking engagements, wear your Christmas colors and a pretty pin (not an elaborate sweater 🙂 and have a wonderful time. 

Do some reading during the holidays, and I would love for you to visit my web site at www.goldenkeyesparsons.com. Till next time, have a very Merry Christmas and praise Him for his unspeakable gift!