Just Tell Us the Relevant Parts

July 8, 2020

The church Missions Board invited a speaker to tell them about a project they’re considering raising funds for. The speaker was supposed to give us info on the organization, and talking points as to why it was worth the congregation’s while to support it.

First she spent 20 minutes giving us background on herself and how she came to lead the organization and improve it. I could have done without that; and, judging by the woman I saw looking at her watch, I wasn’t the only one.

Eventually, though, she cut to the chase and spent another 10 minutes on reasons that the cause was worth supporting.

She has a PhD in higher education, and seems to be a good administrator and fundraiser; I wondered how she’d missed the basic lesson of tailoring the speech to the audience.

I also wondered if she’d mind if I gave her gave her some tips on public speaking.