Several years ago, in a workshop for Christian Leaders and Speakers (CLASS), Christian communicator and author, Florence Littauer, taught us to ask ourselves two questions before standing in front of an audience to speak.
- Do I have anything to say?
- Do people need to hear it?
So, I ask myself that question every time as I prepare to stand before an audience—whether it’s a group of writers, a church group, or class of college students.
As a writer and a writing instructor, I recognize the need for people to tell their stories. And I’ve seen lives change as they listen to other people share their life lessons, especially their faith stories. Passing along our faith and family stories also help us make sense of some of the crucial issues that we face in life.
As a women’s Bible study teacher, I know the importance of sharing personal stories with other women, particularly in a mentoring or discipleship relationship.
But as a mother and grandmother, I also know the importance of sharing my stories with my children and grandchildren. My stories are my legacy to the next generation.
I believe in the power of story! And I love to encourage and instruct other people how to communicate their faith and family stories.
So, I want to ask you those same questions that Florence ask us at one of my first CLASSeminars.
Do YOU have anything to say? And do people need to hear it?
Photo/KarenJordan with Florence Littauer
Related articles
- Share a Story – Shape a Future (storywritingstudio.wordpress.com)
- StoryWriting Studio: My Writing Dreams (BLESSED Legacy Stories)
- Don’t Die with the Story Still In You ( http://www.classeminars.org)
