Leadership Tip: Practice Public Speaking

Leadership Tip: Practice Public Speaking!

We got a lot of response from Monday’s blog on gaining confidence speaking. (Missed it? Check it out HERE!) Because of that, I thought I’d follow it up with some ways to practice.

I think sometimes when we consider preaching or public speaking we think of big crowds or stadiums or something crazy like that. Clearly, those aren’t the only options, but that’s where our minds go because we’re scared, uncomfortable, or anxious.

Let me relieve some of that fear for you: There are plenty of smaller scale options right around you where you can practice., gain experience, and grow. Here are a few:

1. Rehearsals

You’re rehearsing anyway. You’re talking to your team about the songs and about Sunday anyway. That means you’re already doing some public speaking! It doesn’t feel like it because it’s conversational, but that is indeed what it is. Lean into this! Rehearsals are a great space to start because you’re already comfortable there.

2. Small Groups

Does your church have a small groups program? Connect with some small group leaders about talking to their group about worship. This may be less conversational than with your team, but is still likely be familiar faces. And it’s still a group that will give you grace. It also gives you a little more of an opportunity to see what speaking in church will actually be like.

3. Youth Ministry

Does your church have a youth ministry? Ask the youth pastor if he’d give you some time speaking there. This will give you an opportunity to speak in a place that is much more like a Sunday service, but likely on a smaller scale. Bonus - it gives you a chance to meet and hang with the students in your church!

4. Announcements, Communion, Prayer

Talk to your pastor about these moments in your service. Could you take over any of these? They get you up in front of your congregation AND give you something to talk about, but it’s a shorter moment. That could be very beneficial practice!

If you dive into opportunities like these, you’ll become a better speaker, you’ll get more comfortable speaking, and you’ll grow in leaps and bounds! I do communion every week at my church and most weeks announcements too. That keeps me in front of people, keeps me talking, and keeps me practicing. Give it a shot!