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The Next Generation
Responding to Speakaphobia
By Duffy Robbins

Several years ago, a team of market researchers asked 3,000 Americans, “What are you most afraid of?” Speaking before a group was right at the top of the list. I suspect that, had anyone asked, speaking before a group of adolescents would even top that!

Speaking is kind of like sky-diving. It’s a lot of fun, and downright awe-inspiring if you’re successful. But, if you’re unsuccessful, the consequences can be very unpleasant. That’s where, for most of us, the fear comes in.

In the last issue of Good News we began talking about speaking to teenagers—communicating biblical truth through a sermon or devotional—and we said that one of the key elements of doing that effectively is gaining the trust of the audience. They have to believe that you know what you’re talking about, and that you care about your subject. And sometimes, fear or nervousness can diminish our credibility on both fronts. Kids start to wonder if we know or care...and just the thought of that only makes us more nervous!

So what can we do to deal with the fear of speaking to teenagers? The best place to start is to recognize that some level of fear is common and completely normal. To proclaim the Word of God with clarity and accuracy is a holy and grave responsibility. Surely this is what Paul was talking about in II Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

For most people who speak on a regular basis, the question is not whether they ever face fear or nervousness, the question is, “How do we overcome it?” Here are some ideas to consider:

• Harness that negative energy to motivate you for better preparation (II Timothy 2:15). One communication trainer put it this way: “It’s not possible to remove your butterflies entirely; it is possible to get them to fly in formation.”

• Translate that fear into more passionate delivery;

• Let it be your call to fervent, specific prayer.

Analyze, as much as possible, what it is specifically that you fear will happen. Make a list and write down precisely what those fears are so that they can be addressed. Be specific.

You’ll discover that some of the fears are irrational: “If this talk doesn’t go well tonight, it could kill our whole youth ministry.” These are the kind of thoughts that come straight from the enemy, and the only way to address them is to take them captive (cf. II Cor. 10:5). Strangle them before they have the chance to breed.

You’ll realize that some of your fears are preventable: I have a concern about tripping over cables on the stage. So now, I use velcro wire wraps to make sure everything is secure and taped before I start speaking. It takes a little extra set-up time, but it’s one less thing I have to worry about.

You’ll see that some of the fears are practical: Maybe you’re worried that your hands will shake or that your voice will crack. Common enough. So practice giving your talk in front of a mirror. This is why athletes practice long hours. They want to train their bodies to perform without having to think about performance.

Maybe you’re concerned that the wording isn’t right, or the amazing illustration won’t work, or the funny story isn’t. That’s probably reason enough to take the practical step of asking someone who will tell you the truth, “What about this? Does it work? Does it make sense?” A number of youth workers make this a routine part of every week as they prepare to speak. They bring in a small group of students as a sounding board just to go over the rough draft of what they plan to say.

Here are a few other practical steps.

• Never let them see you sweat. Research has demonstrated that audiences rarely detect the anxiety the speaker says is present. They won’t know if you don’t tell them.

• Since they won’t know if you don’t tell them, don’t tell them. Stay away from tip-off statements like: “Wow, I can’t believe how many (or how few) of you guys there are out there....” “Gee, kids, I’m sweating in parts of my body they don’t make sweat bands for.” Just keep it to yourself.

• Focus on slow rhythmic breathing. When you slow down your breathing with deeper more rhythmic breathing, that’s your body saying to your brain, “Hey, relax. Just chill.”

• Always have a glass of water nearby. One of the physical manifestations of fear is a dry mouth. And when the mouth gets dry, the tongue can’t interact the way it needs to with your teeth, your lips and the roof of your mouth. And when you hear yourself stumble over words, that only heightens your anxiety.

Understand that you probably feel a lot more nervous than the kids perceive you to be. Worrying that you won’t connect with the audience can be self-fulfilling prophecy, but that doesn’t mean that all these concerns must come to pass.



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