Why me? I don't know what to say!

I was once at a family gathering and was asked to say a few words about a relative. It threw me completely off because I didn't know as much about her as I would liked to have known. I accepted the charge with a bit of trepidation but also with honor.

Three things occurred to me. One was that I was asked to speak because I do it for a living. Two was that they showed a measure of respect for me that I had no idea even existed. Three was that I didn't have to try to "wow" the group. All they wanted was for me to communicate and set the stage for others to express themselves. If you get stuck in that kind of position, remember that you are being asked because folks are confident in what you will communicate. It's not about saying "the right things."

There's another way to think of it. You're leadership skills are being respected. I had the pleasure of having a private coaching session with the great speaking coach Ron Arden. For the rest of my life I will remember his saying, "He or she who speaks, leads."

Public speaking gives one the opportunity to display his/her leadership qualities in the form of words. It can be an unnerving experience but take the invitation as an honor. At the same time, use the opportunity to recognize everyone else's value in your life!

So the next time someone asks you to "say a few words" graciously accept the invitation to simply communicate things that you value about the person or subject. After all, they trust you.