Public Speaking… two super scary words for most people. Statistics show that over 75% of the population is afraid to get onto a platform and speak in public. Isn’t that crazy? Honestly, for most of my life and still pretty much to this day, I am within the 75%… but, I have also seen God use that fear of mine and turn into something so much better than I ever thought it could be!
When Kids On A Mission first started, I was 8 years old and SO shy. Like, unbelievably shy. I couldn’t have conversations with my family, let alone talk to a group of strangers. My worst fear ever was people looking at me and noticing who I was and that comes if you speak publicly. So when KOAM started, I never in a million years would have thought that I would be speaking in front of people to talk about it, and if I’m being real, I probably wouldn’t have wanted to do it as much if I thought that I would have to publicly speak. When I was 10, I was given my first speaking opportunity and was asked to say a prayer at a banquet with around 300 people and it made me SO nervous. My dad had to train me on how I needed to speak, how to use a microphone, and that I needed to be confident. When it was all over, I was excited, my confidence grew, and I was finally able to eat since I hadn’t eaten all day due to the nerves. Since that first banquet, I have been asked to speak to crowds of over 1,000 people in them, at schools, churches, businesses and more. Never would I have ever thought that this is what I would be doing. Not ever.
As much as every presentation makes me nervous, God always shows me that ultimately, He is the one speaking through me and that I am doing it only for HIM. Now, when I get the chance to speak on a platform, I get so excited, because I have seen how God can use my words to impact others. I now get to speak with other young leaders and watch as they step out of their comfort zone and join the 25% of people that actually LIKE to speak publicly. This is one of my favorite parts of my job- standing on a platform with my friends, fellow leaders and people who are passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with others and getting to communicate about the things that we love.
I want to encourage you, if you are afraid of public speaking, just get out of your comfort zone and DO it. It will definitely be scary, but you will begin to see how your words can truly change other people’s lives and that those people you are sharing with might really need to hear the wonderful things that you have to say.
~Kaitlin Riffel