Say What?

Do you enjoy public speaking? Do you shy away from it like the plague? Are you like me and thrive on speaking to an audience and engaging others in a cause? I love public speaking. I enjoy sharing about Heroes for Children, the story of Allie and Taylor, and the works we are doing.

This morning, I got to attend a make up session for the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program at the Center for Nonprofit Management to complete my certificate. This morning's topic? You guessed it--communicating effectively. Public speaking was one component of this mornings three hour session, as well as effectively communicating your mission throughout all you do. Presented by Jan Langbein, the Executive Director of the Genesis Women's Shelter, the session focused on finding our voice for the greater good we serve. I was rivoted.

Now, battered women is not my cause, but after today, I feel compelled to get involved. That is how effective at communicating her message Ms. Langbein is. Did you know that a woman is battered every 12 seconds? After hearing her emphasize this point more than once, I not only know this, but I will remember this statistic for some time. Every 12 seconds a woman is battered. Her message so inspired me this morning. Do I utilize every opportunity to share the mission of Heroes for Children? Do I leave someone impassioned to make a difference for a family affected by childhood cancer? Can I communicate the history, mission, and vision of Heroes for Children in a clear and concise manner? I believe I do as best as I can, but I know that I need to continue to refine this skill.

My favorite exercise of the day was discussing how our words can be interpreted based on our intonation, body language, and the perception of others. 8% of what we communicate is actually what we say. The other 92% is how we say it. Our exercise took this sentence

I DIDN'T SAY YOU STOLE THAT PURSE.

Now try it--say this sentence with the emphasis on I. I didn't say you stole that purse. Someone said you stole it, but not me.

Try with the emphasis on you--I didn't say YOU stole that purse. Oh, I said someone stole it, but I didn't say it was you.

For kicks, let's try it with it on that--I didn't say you stole THAT purse. You definitely stole something.

Same words, different delivery. Changes it entirely. Seriously, can I tell you this was the highlight of my week? I was so engaged in this activity! Loved it!

I left this session ready for my next speech and opportunity to share Heroes for Children with the same passion, precision, and dedication of Jan Langbein. What an amazing woman. Thank you, Ms. Langbein for filling my cup this morning. Thank you for your dedication to bring safety and sheltered to battered women in Dallas, and for your relentless advocacy of your cause. You're an inspiration in the nonprofit community.