I’ve been speaking to groups since I was 17 years old. I was a summer camp counselor, giving a devotion to a cabin of 10 year olds. I was nervous, excited, and didn’t know what was going to happen.
In a survey, people acknowledged their biggest fear as public speaking. #2 was death! Jerry Seinfeld shares a great line about this, “That means if you’re at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy!”
The butterflies still exist, but now I get excited about the opportunity to speak to a group, especially young men and women. Since that first devotion I have given hundreds of talks, lectures, and workshops about a variety of subjects.
5 Popular Topics
The Power of Story
How A Great Leader S.H.A.P.E.S. People
Let Go of Your Crap
What You Really Need To Live
How You Can Go Wild (and not regret it)
There are many other issues I tackle, including faith, social media, and writing. If you are interested in having me speak at your school, church, youth group, or event, you can email me here: Matt[at]MattRagland.com.
(photo via Jason R. Davis)
