I gotta say that this never used to be me. Boy, is it now! When I share my journey, book Spirit and Belief, these writings or anything else I’m passionate about, it gets preached- well. I am still in awe of how I LOVE speaking on my topics and can all day– but that wouldn’t be fair. My most favorite events are ones I get an opportunity to speak at while inviting others to do the same.
Warrior liked to talk passionately also about his beliefs and did so often. He even dabbled in conservative politics for a bit. Always very opinionated and controversial but he preached his speech that’s for sure. Did I always agree-/ nope but speaking to groups takes GUTS– a lot of them. I know he needed to get back to his roots of preaching self-belief and disciplines while trying to always motivate others. Never, never, never did I imagine myself speaking to groups, albeit small ones interested in my passions. I love it and have very little nerves at all. Oh, how I have evolved.
In first grade, we had to give a report on our “patron saint” if you had one. Yeah, Catholic school. Getting dressed up, reading off note cards in front of the class, you know it– the whole nine yards. Can you say scared out of my mind at age six? But, I did it and it went well. The next memory is fourth grade when I was a bird in the play “Peter and the Wolf.” OK, so I only “tweeted” while flapping my arms on top of a box but still! Performing while people are looking at ya– that counts! Hmm, sounds like a pro wrestler, hehe! 😜 Also, another one in fourth was a report on a famous person where you signed the chalkboard as a “Mystery Guest.” I was Marie Curie. Loved her. I even got a book on her as well!
That takes us to I believe sixth grade when I gave two “special interest” talks. Those were fun. No, they really were! My first talk was on dolphins (one of my faves!) and my second was on the Space Shuttle. Lucky for me my Dad worked for NASA. They had to be TEN minutes and back then with peers, that seemed like an eternity! Now, not so much…. I always practiced since everyone should– even adults. Seventh grade was a poem but this boy in front kept kicking the podium making me nervous! Hey, there’s seventh grade again. Ninth brought speech class which was a requirement on a stage and then eleventh was an elective course I wanted to take. It was Oral Communications and I must say every time, I got better and better.
It also helps to have a good teacher. Whoever it is, that person makes a difference and will help boost your confidence. You can bet on that. Warrior has and is STILL doing that for me. This was yet another area that I wanted to share as he preached his beliefs just like I am doing today. However it works for you, use it to your advantage. I love making YouTube videos or there’s Facebook live. How about a podcast? Heck, I got to do a radio interview. Can you imagine being on T.V.? I know this isn’t feasible for all but try some opportunities if you can.
College didn’t really bring that many speeches but just a few presentations pertaining to Early Childhood Education which was my profession then. That led to great parent-teacher conferences in the future and then well, the rest is history. We all should remember great speeches but also have our own. There was a reason Warrior wanted people to never forget his insane promos! Nobody has either. At least people who are true fans.
This can all be very daunting but childhood requirements may bring adult choices you actually want to do. It also can lead your life in a completely different direction you’d never thought to go.
Whose speeches inspire you? Maybe it’s even someone you know. I just remembered some PTA talks I gave when chairing a few committees. It’s OK to be nervous since that means you care. Warrior said that and it’s true. If your opinion needs to be heard, tell it. Tell it well. If you want to share an interest, idea, or just want to get something going like~~~ I dunno~~ a Book Talk, go for it! Even if you have a few people, it’s better than nobody and at least you tried something new and different.
Your speech just might make a difference just like others have for you. Warrior did for me and now Dana is. She never envisioned herself speaking as a WWE Ambassador while presenting an award every year or even talking to groups about their activities. Once that little kid voice in you comes out, it’s always there. You know you’ll have to give some speeches later in life so just keep practicing while getting better all the time. Even disciplining your kids counts~~ in a positive way!
Preach your speeches warriors and speak them well. Your voice matters. Warrior’s does. Dana’s does. Mine does too. Talk the talk, someone is listening even if you don’t know it yet.
P. S. I also won a spelling bee in third grade against a boy who was super nice! I could’ve lost on purpose but kept going.., I spelled those words (still preaching sorta) and did it well! 🐝
~~ check out my website for info on the book Spirit and Belief plus lots of good stuff! Book trailer video, press release, radio interview, and podcast! 💖📗💪🏻