Does this strike fear in you? Many fear flying, and some fear lightning, and many cringe in fear at the thought of speaking. But one thing I love is connecting with the crowd through eye contact and smiling at individuals. It thrills me when they smile back and I know I have their attention.
Eyes are expressive. They have the power to compel along with our words. They express happiness, excitement, pain, sorrow. A good speaker can draw us in with their eyes.
But if a speaker is full of fear and unable to look at their audience, their effectiveness wanes.
Okay, I've been there.
I've shaken to where I thought I'd rattle right off the stage.
But when I stepped out of my comfort zone and looked people in the eye, I found freedom. Freedom to love those I was speaking to. To engage with them on a deeper level. And to let them see my heart.
Then again, if we look someone in the eye too long, it can make them uncomfortable. As Vonda Skinner Skelton says, "Studies show that eye contact of more than 10 seconds is considered rude and challenging, whether it’s from the stage or in a one-on-one conversation." Have you ever had such an experience? How did it make you feel?
If I'm conversing with someone who stares to long, I wonder if they're trying to hypnotize me, or if they see a zit on the end of my nose. I'm likely to take a step back or excuse myself and walk away.
What of those who focus on the back wall or exit signs when they speak? It would sap the sparkle from what I have to say. A wall has no emotion. A wall can't return a smile. Perhaps the exit sign reminds the speaker they'll soon be done and be able to scoot out the door.
Whether speaking to a group, or one on one, we need to use tact. It's said that smiles are contagious. My high school drama teacher challenged us to smile and say "hi" to our peers as we walked to and from class and see what happened. I still find the shock on some of their faces when I said, "Hi," humorous, but guess what? They smiled back and responded in like fashion.
When I was young and shy, that simple exercise helped me take a step out of my selfish behavior. To love on those around me. It was life changing. Whether you're a speaker or not, I challenge you to make eye contact with someone you don't know … and smile! It can go a long way to lifting a heart that's heavy.
John 13:34, "A new command I give to you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Lord, use us to bring your word to a hurting people, and help us not to be afraid. Give us courage and strength beyond our own, so that you would be glorified, in Jesus name. Amen.
Love & Blessings,
Danie
Great advice, Danie. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI found that once I started smiling, I was no longer afraid. People smiled back. You're right. And their smiles made me feel better.
Whenever I speak, I always find a handful of people in the audience that are immediately giving me their full attention including eye contact. I look to be sure there is at least one such person in all different parts of the room, front to back, side to side. And then it is my returning their eye contact that I begin to feel most engaged with the entire audience. Eye contact and smiles are powerful fuel for speakers! In addition, I have learned that in some cultures, eye contact is a sign of disrespect and when you want to respect someone you actually turn your eyes down. And I am sure there are other versions of the "eye contact" rule in different cultures. So while we have our own interpretation of the value and meaning of something as simple as eye contact, it is important to learn about, honor and respect the culture of our listeners. And it is when we can make that human connection that the sparks can begin and the opportunity for the spiritual connection to also happen is ignited. Thanks for your inspiration today Danie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insights, Danie. I think Fear is the word of the month for me :) I just finished teaching a workshop called, Don't Let Fear Win. And, it seems as though many others are talking about this topic too.
ReplyDeleteAnd, we know who the author if fear is....
Perfect Love casts out fear - God!! We can trust Him to be with us no matter what we face.
Jeanne
Danie, you are absolutely right. Getting God's word to hurting people is so important. Recently I've found imagining Christ Himself standing in my place before an audience is a great help. When I see what I'm sharing as His message to His audience at His appointed time, I sense a great relief and a greater ease with just opening my mouth.
ReplyDeleteYay Sally,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're no longer afraid! Thanks for stopping by. It's good to see your smiling face.
Love,
Danie
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about different cultures. It's doubtful I'll have to worry about that, but it's also good to know. Now, to know which I need to be watchful of... :)
Love ~ Danie
Fear, topic of the month? Well, Jeanne, I'm glad I'm on board for that, since we do know who the author of fear is! And it's the last thing we want to encounter. Remembering helps us when we're up against it, and in Whose name we can overcome it. Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDeleteLove ~ Danie
Sherry, It's so good to see you here! And I appreciate your insight, too. After all, we are to be Jesus to others! Thank you, Friend!
ReplyDeleteLove ~ Danie