The
Power of the Platform
by Mary Jane
Mapes
Recently I had the most awesome speaking experience of my life. The audience wasn't
large...only about 200 people were seated, ready to listen. The musicians played, the
people sang songs of joy and celebration. And then came my introduction.
"Our guest speaker this morning is a woman some of you may know. What many of you may
not know is that she makes her living by speaking to audiences of anywhere from 10 to 2000
people. She is a professional. I asked her if she'd preach for me. She said, 'No, I'm not
a preacher.' So I asked her if she'd teach for me, and she said, 'No, people won't be
coming to listen to a teacher.' Then I asked her if she'd speak for us, and she agreed.
Last year she had the honor of being a the main stage speaker for the National Speakers
Association's annual convention in Dallas, Texas, along with author Bernie Seigel and
celebrity Art Linkletter. We are very fortunate to have her speaking to us this morning.
Please welcome our guest speaker this morning…Mary Jane Mapes."
Until only moments before, I hadn't considered speaking in church as being much different
than any other speaking engagement. The moment I sat in the front pew awaiting my name to
be called, I knew that this "job" would be different than any other. People were
there for spiritual nourishment, and somehow that equated with something more than just a
speech. A speech would never do. And, sitting, waiting to be called, I knew it.
Only one other time in my life did I speak impromtu even though I arrived with a prepared
talk. That Sunday morning was to be the second time.
I arose from my seat, passed the alter railing, turned and faced the congregation. They
were expectant…more people than I had anticipated on a hot, hot Sunday in June. I
paused, sent up a quick prayer, and then opened my mouth to share. There was to be no
speech…only a sharing from my heart to theirs. Miraculously, I spoke for the allotted
time… exactly 45 minutes. I couldn't have told you what I had said when it was over,
only that I had spoken the truth as I knew it to be. And the response was overwhelming.
The applause went on and on. Many converged on me afterwards, asking if I could find some
time to meet individually with them. Others called or sent notes. Never before has
anything I have said made such an impact. I was pleased and grateful to have been the
channel for a message so many seemed to need to hear. For me, it gave new meaning to the
words "being truly present," "speaking in the moment," and
"sharing from the heart."
Only afterwards when I listened to the program on tape was I privy to what had been said.
I only knew at the time what my inner voice was telling me…and I listened and
followed. And it was perfect.
©Copyright 1999-2006 Mary Jane Mapes All rights reserved.
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