A new direction for my JDtheSpeaker blog debuts today!
Previously, I have written about the craft and art of public speaking in this space. The new direction of this blog will now expand to include my Speaker's 'voice' on the issues of the day, and world events. As a Christian who views the world through the lens of my faith, it is important to me to #LiveLifeFearlessly, and that means to write about it as well as to physically speak about it.
To enter into this new direction I must veer away from my prior silence on the so-called issues of the day and world events. My silence has been due mostly to an effort on my part to not mix my faith with the marketing of my talents as a writer and professional speaker. It has become quite clear to me that although the two may remain separate, an outlet for my faith-voice must be established, and this space is most convenient for that purpose.
I am keenly aware that the Christian viewpoint has been marginalized to such an extent that even the physical public square no longer welcomes opinions at odds with what passes for morality in the world today. Therefore, I get that one cannot espouse a Christian worldview as a blogger in this post-modern era without an understanding that one day the thought police will show up to enforce a silence of their own. Voices can be silenced, it is true. However truth cannot.
Abortion on demand, for example, has resulted in the deaths of more than 50 million unborn children. This is true. And the truth which cannot be silenced is how utterly wrong it is to take the life of an unborn child. The 40+ years since Roe have not silenced the voice of truth, and will never do so.
So the truths I wish to convey may not hold water for some, and in fact may agitate others. I will do my best to honor the sanctity of God's Word (the Holy Bible) in all of my writings, and in the consideration of topics dealt with. So those who simply disagree, or worse, will have a mediator in the form of the Bible itself. They and I can take a look at Scripture and determine quite readily if I have strayed from its truth.
If I am out of line with Scripture, then that will be easily discerned and brought to my attention for correction. If Scripture itself is out of line with a given reader's beliefs then perhaps we can find common ground elsewhere on other issues, or simply agree to disagree. This is fair, and we grow by retaining the civility which enables debate. Each side deserves at least to be heard.
I will review comments, and print all those which are suitable for public consumption. You may agree with me yet how you state your agreement may not get your comment published. Alternatively, you may disagree and find I am quick to provide the space for your concerns to be noted. One thing to note, language unsuitable in your Mother's presence will be unsuitable in the comments section. Just saying....
Your comments are welcome. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob be or become your strength, provider, and Lord.
Fearlessly,
JD
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2014
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Who Knows?
Who knows you want to speak? Who knows the desire of your heart is to be on stage in front of men and women who need the information or encouragement you have to share? If your wife, husband, close friends, parents or children are not booking agents or event planners how will anyone know your desire?
Spread the word! Blog about it (http://JDtheSpeaker.blogspot.com), tweet about it (@JDtheSpeaker), get Linked In (www.LinkedIn/in/WalkerJerry). Join organizations which can educate you about the profession, instruct you in the art of speaking (Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie), or otherwise further your ambition. Are you a member of a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue? Get involved and volunteer to lead. Sooner or later you will be given a ‘voice’ in that setting. Volunteering to serve as an officer or other leadership role in an organization is a terrific way to ultimately get the microphone.
Are you writing? Oftentimes it is important to establish your particular expertise by writing about it. I have been recognized as a thought leader in the area of turning negative situations into positive outcomes, and part of that recognition has come through my willingness to study and write about the results. What is your message? Have you written about it?
My D.E.E.D.S.© presentation is all about helping men, women, and teens live a life of purpose and destiny. I now get paid to present D.E.E.D.S.©, and have recorded a live DVD and CD presenting the topic in short-form to a gathering of business professionals.
Much of my current success is directly attributable to joining Toastmasters. I took advantage of my membership to not only hone the craft of speaking, but to serve as an officer, to participate in the various speaking contests, to volunteer to serve in Area and Division speaking contests, and to visit other clubs. I have been given speaking opportunities as a Target Speaker in an Area Evaluation Contest, and as the Sample Speaker in front of a Demo Club Meeting.
By virtue of immersing myself in Toastmasters I got my first paid speaking gig, which prompted me to begin defining my central message for public presentation.
This passion to speak that you possess will go nowhere until you elevate speaking to a life priority, as I did. As a practical matter it means you will spend time each day furthering your passion, believing you are going to become what you seek. It also means you are going to educate yourself about the art of speaking, which for me meant becoming even more well read than I was, joining Toastmasters, studying the craft of speaking, and studying my central message (do you have a central message?).
As soon as you have a forum to speak, no matter the size of your audience, by all means Speak! This will happen most quickly at Toastmasters, but as soon as possible demonstrate this passion of yours. What you will find is that your love of life increases as you become the person you wish to be. This will not go unnoticed by your family, friends, and co-workers who will likewise appreciate the joy they see in you. You are now sharing your passion, and it’s a blessing. I know because I began this journey in 2008.
Fearlessly,
JD
Spread the word! Blog about it (http://JDtheSpeaker.blogspot.com), tweet about it (@JDtheSpeaker), get Linked In (www.LinkedIn/in/WalkerJerry). Join organizations which can educate you about the profession, instruct you in the art of speaking (Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie), or otherwise further your ambition. Are you a member of a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue? Get involved and volunteer to lead. Sooner or later you will be given a ‘voice’ in that setting. Volunteering to serve as an officer or other leadership role in an organization is a terrific way to ultimately get the microphone.
Are you writing? Oftentimes it is important to establish your particular expertise by writing about it. I have been recognized as a thought leader in the area of turning negative situations into positive outcomes, and part of that recognition has come through my willingness to study and write about the results. What is your message? Have you written about it?
My D.E.E.D.S.© presentation is all about helping men, women, and teens live a life of purpose and destiny. I now get paid to present D.E.E.D.S.©, and have recorded a live DVD and CD presenting the topic in short-form to a gathering of business professionals.
Much of my current success is directly attributable to joining Toastmasters. I took advantage of my membership to not only hone the craft of speaking, but to serve as an officer, to participate in the various speaking contests, to volunteer to serve in Area and Division speaking contests, and to visit other clubs. I have been given speaking opportunities as a Target Speaker in an Area Evaluation Contest, and as the Sample Speaker in front of a Demo Club Meeting.
By virtue of immersing myself in Toastmasters I got my first paid speaking gig, which prompted me to begin defining my central message for public presentation.
This passion to speak that you possess will go nowhere until you elevate speaking to a life priority, as I did. As a practical matter it means you will spend time each day furthering your passion, believing you are going to become what you seek. It also means you are going to educate yourself about the art of speaking, which for me meant becoming even more well read than I was, joining Toastmasters, studying the craft of speaking, and studying my central message (do you have a central message?).
As soon as you have a forum to speak, no matter the size of your audience, by all means Speak! This will happen most quickly at Toastmasters, but as soon as possible demonstrate this passion of yours. What you will find is that your love of life increases as you become the person you wish to be. This will not go unnoticed by your family, friends, and co-workers who will likewise appreciate the joy they see in you. You are now sharing your passion, and it’s a blessing. I know because I began this journey in 2008.
Fearlessly,
JD
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