According to some studies, fear of public speaking is man’s number one fear, second only to death. I can relate. I have always been an introvert, and terrified of public speaking. The only time I spoke standing in front of a group of people was in the ninth grade when I gave a book report. I stammered, trembled, and sweated throughout my speech and vowed to never speak publicly again. Somehow I would find a way of escape.
Since then, I’ve been thrown into the limelight several times to share my testimony. In 2001 I was interviewed for The 700 Club Christian television program. Their film crew came to our home. I was still nervous even though I was in my own surroundings and would be sitting during the interview. When the episode aired, I was relieved that I appeared calm. The episode was a success, and they requested a second interview the following year.
Ten years later I was asked to speak at a Christian women’s luncheon. For the event I would have to stand in front of an audience of approximately 80 women. Still terrified, the ministry’s founder accommodated me and scheduled one of their volunteers, who previously had her own tv talk show, to help me. She would interview me in front of the audience much like when I was on The 700 Club. I had found my way of escape. Despite my nerves, the audience laughed several times and gave me a standing ovation. Two years later, they asked me to return.
Several years ago, I wrote my memoir, “The Road to Mercy.” I knew this was going to present a future problem. Public speaking. I self-published anyway, believing somehow I would find a way around it.
Recently I was asked to speak to a small group about my book. For this event, we would be sitting in a circle when I spoke. Still I was apprehensive. When I expressed my fear to the group’s host, she also offered to interview me during the event. “I need to put on my big girl pants,” I told her. “I would like to do it by myself.”
I expressed my fear to my husband and two of my friends who gave me words of advice. The day before the event I recalled some of their words. I’m going to go into the meeting with faith instead of fear, be myself, and have fun!
And so I did. My audience laughed at times, while a few wiped away tears during others. They applauded at the end. Afterwards, I felt I had accomplished a major feat. And much to my amazement, I had fun!
2 Corinthians 12:9 says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
I’ve yet to stand in front of an audience since the ninth grade. But when I do, I hope to put that same formulaic advice into practice and have fun.
Mary Therese Hutchinson 