The closer it gets to She Speaks the more emails I’m receiving. Panic has set in and you may be feeling like I did when I was in your shoes. “Who Signed My Up For This??” Well, God did. And He will see you through. I promise you no one has ever died from this process. Many have felt like they were going to die, but in the end they were glad they participated. It was just what they were looking for!
Some of you have questions about the elevation groups so I’ve pasted the information you need below. But first, I’ll answer the two question I get most often…
1.) I’m having trouble coming up with two different ideas. Can you help?
If you’re still struggling over coming up with two different talks, then just expound on your story! For example: If I chose to talk about the death of my husband for my three minute talk, I could then “go deeper” in my second talk by comparing my story to a story in the bible or a certain passage of scripture that brought me hope and comfort during my time of grief.
In the first talk, even though I’m sharing a story, I still want to use supporting material such as a verse, reference, or quote. For example, I might say… “It was hard to understand why God allowed my husband to die at such an early age, but we are told in Isa 55:9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
In the second talk, your teaching talk, you’ll want to use a larger passage or story from the bible.
2.) Another repeated question is can we use PowerPoint? Due to space and the large number of groups we have, you will not be able to use PowerPoint. You can, however use other types of visuals. For example, last year Lysa TerKeurst taught on her Pineapple principle. While doing so, she carved a pineapple! I hope this illustration gets your creative juices flowing. For those of you who are thinking “Oh, no! I don’t have a visual!” Don’t panic. It’s not required.
Here’s how the groups will be conducted:
You will be giving (two) presentations. These presentations should be written before you come to the conference. There will be time to revise and rework them throughout the weekend, as you learn more skills. We want you to succeed.
1. The first presentation will be Friday night. You will give a 3-minute talk on “Your Story or Testimony.” You will not be evaluated by a Proverbs 31 Ministries leader on Friday night, but you will receive feedback from women in your group. This presentation is designed to get your feet wet, help you know what to expect, and practice speaking to the group. You can use your peer feedback, along with what you learn from breakout sessions to restructure your “Teaching Talk,” if necessary.
2. The second presentation will be Saturday evening. You will give a 5-minute “Teaching Talk” where you teach from a favorite passage in the Bible. Each presentation will be timed and you will be asked to stop at five minutes. We’d like for you to dress as though you are speaking at an event. A Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team Member will evaluate this presentation. Evaluations will be on a scale of 1-5, one being the lowest and five being the highest. Here are the areas of evaluation:
Introduction: How well did you open? Did it capture the attention of the audience?
Message: How well did you develop your subject? (Example: with story or knowledge of subject)
Support Material: Your use of support, such as Scripture, quotes, references, etc. Did you read from the Bible, a book, etc?
Style: How well is your use of grammar, volume and ability to speak clearly?
Conclusion: Did you build to a climax, end strong, and get your point across?
Delivery: Did you make eye contact, connect with the audience, and show passion about your subject?
Physical Appearance: Were you dressed professionally and appropriately? Were you sincere, believable, warm, and effective, etc?
Helpful Guidelines for Your Presentations:
1. Make sure your presentations are the correct length (1 three-minute and 1 five-minute) in order to accommodate the entire group.
2. Your Friday evening presentation needs to be based on “your story.” Content for your Saturday presentation must be based on a meaningful passage of Scripture since we will evaluate each speakers ability to teach the Word of God that evening.
3. Make sure both presentations are Biblically based and include Scripture and application.
4. You may use visual aids if they add to your message. Let your personality come through! Please make sure they don’t distract from your message.
5. If this is your first presentation, we recommend that you practice with friends and family in order for you to gain confidence and improve your presentation style.
6. Share what is unique to your life instead of something that you have heard or thought was clever. Remember – you are the only one that has “your story!”7. Have fun! You will always remember the time you spend with your group and will continue to support each other long after the conference ends. Many women tell us that this “bonding” is one of the best things about this conference!
See you soon!!
Digging for Pearls says
Hi Micca,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and encouraging me. That was sweet of you.
I will miss seeing all you P31 gals. I know it will be a great year.
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I will be praying for safety as you travel, and that you don’t get lost! 🙂
Blessings,
Jodie
“Pearls”
B His Girl says
I like your new photo…very sassy! Barbara K.
Amy Wyatt says
Hey! I’m getting excited about the conference!
I LOVE your new picture. See you soon.
Carol Davis says
Ok…so I am a late bloomer. I just found out about your site….today. 🙂 While I am not in the evaluation groups…I am having the same feelings about the She Speaks conference. In my prayer journal, I actually said, “Lord, why in the WORLD am I going? These ladies are like…professionals.” 🙂
Look forward to learning from everybody!!!
Carol Davis says
By the way…
Thanks for the heads up AMY!! You are a ROCK STAR in my book!
Heather Conrad says
I love the new “do” girl! Just wanted to let you know I’ll be praying for you and the team this year. It was such a turning point for me to attend last year, and I know God has big plans in store again. May you feel his presence like never before!