Well girls... thank you for sending in your testimonies. Let me tell you, they were a blessing to read. I wish I could include them all here, but we just do not have the space to do so. Let me just say again how great it is to see the Lord working in the lives of women who are seeking Him!

Okay. down to business. Someday, somewhere you will most likely be asked to share your testimony in public. Following are some tips that are aimed at public speaking, but definitely applicable to sharing your testimony.

Pray. Obviously this is where we should start with everything. Pray for God's direction and guidance. Ask Him to prepare the hearts of the audience for what you will share. Know your audience. The focus of your testimony will need to be adjusted to fit the needs of those who are listening. Know how to tailor your testimony to reach your audience.

Practice. Set up a video camera in your living room and practice sharing your testimony. Watch the tape and see where your strengths and weaknesses are. Make notes to improve your presentation. Do not read from your notes. This is YOUR story. Please, please, please do not write it out and simply read it. Move around a little. Use appropriate hand gestures. Connect with your audience. Dress appropriately. Again, this is part of knowing your audience. Is the event casual or formal? What type of image do you want to project? You want to be comfortable and look pleasant and confident.

Remain calm. Even if you are nervous. Take your time. Speak slowly, clearly and with conviction. If you make a mistake, correct it and keep going. Don't apologize. Many listener's will not even notice. Establish a rapport with the audience. Make eye contact with people. There is a speaker's rule of thumb that says to make eye contact with different audience members for three seconds throughout your presentation. Pause occasionally to allow yourself and your audience time to reflect and think. Use humor if it is appropriate. Use tools. Have handouts or use audio visual aids to interact with the audience. Use props to illustrate your point. Keep it simple and make sure everything is ready to go or in place on stage before you speak.

Focus on the content. It is the message that you are sharing that is important. Set yourself aside and focus on God's grace and working in your life. Stay on time. Know when you need to stop! Wrap up with a story or conclusion that restates your focus, thank the audience and step aside. I hope that each of you have a chance to share your story in public at least once in your lifetime. It is such a joy to tell others what Christ has done for you and what He is doing in your life. It is contagious!

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