Your Speech is Performance Art

I first laid eyes on C.D. during his visit to our church last year. First impressions count, right?  This is what he looked like.

So, not an overtly handsome fellow. I got the heads-up the week before that he had wanted to go on the church-Speaker route as a "career" but had not had many invitations.  Hmmm ... was he any good?!! He made self-deprecating remarks. In his hurry, he forgot his cell phone at home (which was 4+ hours away). That would fluster me.

He began his message at the dais by telling us a little about himself: Raised by grandparents, rejected by the rest of the family, lost his  "inheritance", but felt God directing him to attend Bible College where he eventually received his degree.

Forty-five minutes felt like 10. I wanted to hear more. He was interesting and appealing. My mind never wandered. He knew his audience, and what to say and not to say.  His timing was perfect. He spoke at my level and was very non-threatening. Seemed like he innately knew what to avoid per the video by the public-speaking expert below. Chris was really, really GOOD!!!

Speaker: Please AVOID these 3 mistakes

1. STOP speaking to the audience

and START speaking to the individual

2. STOP caring about the audience's feedback

3.  STOP thinking that you're changing lives

Forbes: 10 Secrets of Public Speaking

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I am a Child of Immigrants

While a mere wisp of a child and living in a 3rd world country in SE Asia, my R N  Mama and Civil Engineer Papa sought greener pastures elsewhere. Mom and Dad were hard workers, could speak fluent English, had their college degrees, and knew a few relatives and acquaintances abroad. That's it.  Oh, they also had RAW. SHEER. COURAGE. 

Which country to choose? The travel agent had cajoled them to move to Canada. It's quick, and relatively "easy" said she. I am certain they could have also chosen Japan, Australia, England, South America, and so on.  But no, it was USA/America or bust!

And no wonder. The USA was a very popular choice for many. Safety was never going to be an issue in a country known for its stability. Jobs were plentiful. Success was not unheard of. My parents must have also liked the list of rights afforded to all LEGAL immigrants (emphasis mine): 

Your Rights as a Permanent Resident*

As a permanent resident (green card holder), you have the right to:

• Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
• Work in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing. (Please note that some jobs will be limited to U.S. citizens for security reasons)
• Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions

 After filling-out a mountain of paperwork, passing the physical exam and fulfilling all requirements set by the immigration laws of the USA, we were given our green cards  (status: Legal Resident).  Five years after moving here,  our family of 5 proudly chose to become  US Citizens. Through the years and up to today, we have had no reason nor desire to ever permanently leave this country. By the grace of God, we have been blessed beyond measure.It was worth the wait and all difficulties.  My parents made an excellent choice. The R Family loves you, America.  Happy, Happy Birthday on this 4th of July!

*via Department of Homeland Security