Louder Than Words

We had a great time this week speaking to Dr. Dennis Hensley’s class at Taylor U. and then meeting with several authors over lunch the next day. As a newbie fiction editor, I’m still in awe at the place God has put me in my career and the opportunities He is giving me. But, I wouldn’t say I enjoy the opportunities for public speaking. In fact, they terrify me! I hate to hear my quivering voice as the only sound in the room, while the thoughts in my mind run ahead much faster than the words from my mouth. I’m not an introvert, but I don’t want to be the center of attention. I love meeting and talking with new people, but I’d much rather have conversation than give a presentation. What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, though, and it helped at this class that my fellow, more experienced editors, Becky and Susan, were up there with me, sharing in the limelight. It also didn’t hurt that the limelight shone on us sitting safely behind a table, rather than standing alone at an evil podium. :)

When I do have to speak to a crowd, I remind myself of a quote I came across once (that seems to be attributed to both Carl W. Buechner and Maya Angelou online) that says something to the effect of, “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” What a great reminder that no matter what words I flub or thoughts I jumble, my actions, attitude, and approachability speak much, much louder.