Last Saturday Morning our men's group was treated to what I believe was the perfect example of how to give a testimony. The man giving it is not a trained speaker although in listening to him I spotted real talent.
His name is Greg. He is normally shy. But he is deep. As a person who in Dale Carnegie trained over thousand people in Public Speaking from 1975-1985 and who assisted in the training of several hundred more from the time I first took the course in 1970, It changed my life and gave me deep appreciation for good platform presence and presentation. It also painful when it's not.
If you are ever called on to give the perfect testimony as Greg did here are some tips (How he did it).
Brevity is the soul of wit. Say less better. Don't ramble.
He constructed his talk thus:
He began with genuine and sincere appreciation for being allowed to talk. Gave accolades all around. Made people feel comfortable.
Then he stated the premise of his talk at the beginning. "How God Shows Up in the Little things".
He offered 3 clear simple personal examples. Not long, but clear and with drama. The Exemplar Doce.... "The example makes it clear".
The stories didn't make Greg the hero.. it made him the recipient of God's grace. We were right there with him.
He shared with a story how he came from simple churchianity to a profound encounter with the Holy. How putting aside precincievd ideas led him to better truth.
He shared 4 different Biblical references. Not to support his thesis, but to show how the Word helps reveal who God is and what that means to him. Very personal and transparent. He continually focused on the attributes of the Father. So when he read and referred to these few passages, he did so with reverence and deep personal application. A side note, most people that try to do this will hammer too many Bible references and use it to support their point. It is a sign of poor preparation and understanding.
As he came to the end of his talk he carefully developed three points (challenges) for us all. He asked the questions carefully but without accusation. Greg is soft spoken but you could have heard a pin drop during his whole presentation.
As a trainer of many great speakers and too many not so great, when it is done well it is a joy to behold. If you were there Saturday Morning, you saw it done right. Now go and do likelwise.
Say Less Better. Stop before you are done. Don't talk in circles.
I wish many more would hear what Greg shared.. and maybe someday will. Don't lose that number Greg.. you have a real gift.
