HIGHLIGHT

I still remember the feeling—the mix of excitement and nervous energy—as I prepared for my first full preaching engagement. Up until then, I had only delivered short 10–15-minute homilies, but this time, it was the main Sunday morning sermon. It felt like a big moment, and I treated it as such.

I spent hours preparing—typing out my notes word for word, color-coding each section, and printing five neatly organized pages. That Sunday morning, dressed in my oversized suit, I walked into church with my folder in hand, feeling ready.

Then came the moment. My name was called, and as I made my way from my chair to the pulpit, the nerves rushed in like a flood. But nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.

I opened my folder:

Me: 😳😳😳

Myself: 😬😬😬

I: I told you to staple the pages together, but you HARD EARS! Now look—three pages missing! 😂😂😂

Me: What we doing here, men?

Myself: WE???????

I: You better call the pastor and let him take over before you embarrass yourself on this stage.

Me: Nah—close the folder, start talking.

The moment I started speaking, the nerves vanished, replaced by an uncommon confidence I had never experienced before—and never have in any other area of my life besides speaking. The fear never returned. Every word I had prepared flowed effortlessly, as if the message was already written inside me.

My delivery wasn’t perfect, but to this day, that moment remains one of the most defining experiences of my life—because that was the day I discovered that speaking wasn’t just something I could do; it was a gift, a calling.

There is something in your life that gives you uncommon confidence. Something that is harder for you to fail at than to succeed. Its value—to you and to the world—is more precious than gold. Mine it, mold it, maximize it, and use it to create catalytic change!

Speaking has been that thing for me.

INSIGHT: The Public Speaking Growth Framework

Public speaking isn’t just a talent—it’s a skill that can be developed. While some people are naturally gifted communicators, everyone has the capacity to become good, many can become great, and a select few can become phenomenal speakers.

Each level is determined by four key factors:

1. A Primary Question – What the speaker is most concerned with

2. A Clear Goal – The outcome they strive to achieve

3. A Priority – Their main focus in preparation

4. A Core Focus – What distinguishes their delivery

Level 1: Good Speakers

• Primary Question: What do I say?

• Goal: Clarity – Making sure the message is understood

• Priority: Design – Structuring the content effectively

• Core Focus: Presentation – Delivering the message in an organized and engaging way

Level 2: Great Speakers

• Primary Question: How do I say it?

• Goal: Compelling – Making the message resonate with the audience

• Priority: Delivery – storytelling, tone, and emotions to captivate listeners

• Core Focus: Personality – Using authenticity to create connection

Level 3: Phenomenal Speakers

• Primary Question: Why am I saying this?

• Goal: Catalytic – Creating lasting transformation in beliefs and behaviors

• Priority: Impact – Ensuring the message sparks action

• Core Focus: Purpose – Speaking from a deep sense of mission

The Growth Challenge:

Where are you in this framework?

• If you’re struggling to organize your message, focus on becoming a Good Speaker by working on clarity and structure.

• If you’re clear but not captivating, focus on becoming a Great Speaker by enhancing your delivery and storytelling.

• If you want to change lives with your voice, step into being a Phenomenal Speaker by anchoring yourself in purpose.

The ability to speak effectively isn’t just about performance—it’s about power. The power to influence. The power to inspire. The power to drive meaningful change.

Your voice is your tool—develop it, sharpen it, and use it.

IGNITE

Here’s the truth: Effective speaking is one of the most powerful vehicles for exposing the world to our ideas and value. Learning how to communicate can only serve us for the better.

Many of us possess transformational ideas—ideas that could be the solution to some of the world’s most crippling problems. But the unfortunate reality? If we don’t learn how to communicate them effectively, the world may never experience them.

Your ideas are valuable. Your experiences are meaningful. Your perspective is needed. But impact isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how well you can express it.

That’s why we should all be inspired to learn, at minimum, how to be a good speaker. Because when you can speak with clarity, confidence, and conviction, you don’t just express ideas—you ignite change.

So, here’s the challenge: Start where you are. Whether it’s practicing in the mirror, sharing a thought in a meeting, or speaking up in small groups—develop your voice. The world needs what’s inside of you. Don’t let poor communication be the reason your brilliance goes unnoticed.

Are you ready to level up your voice? 🚀

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