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To Drama… or Not to Drama

“Every time you have to speak, you are auditioning for leadership” James Humes

 

The art of speech is an often overlooked. Much is written about the pursuit of becoming a better public speaker. There are books upon books studying the subject. Most students are required to take preliminary courses in speech in junior high and high school. Some even perform in high school plays.

 

Let me tell you right now, you will have to take a Fundamentals of Public Speaking course in college too. You’ve been warned. Here is something most students don’t realize: how you speak can say much more about you than what you actually say.

 

You ought to tackle public speaking with as much fervor as any other subjects. You will communicate the rest of your life. You will communicate publicly at some point or another. Whether it is to 30 people or 3,000, public speaking is going to be a part of your life.

 

Why then do we say things like, “I’m just not a speech person” or “I just can’t speak in front of people.” Could it be that we underestimate, as we often do for even subjects like Math or English, the need for learning public speaking?

 

Could it be that we underestimate, as we often do for even subjects like Math or English, the need for learning public speaking?

 

There are many ways to go about becoming more comfortable with public speaking. Let me let you in on a little secret though, they all involve actually going out and speaking publically. (I know, what a shocker)

 

Drama productions can be one of the most underrated opportunities to learn to better your speaking abilities. American culture sometimes portrays drama as “nerdy” or only for those who are “that type of person.”

 

Drama productions teach basic public speaking principles at their foundation while incorporating dramatic interpretation as its venue. Here’s another little secret for you as well, they’re really fun!

 

I came into college having done some plays in high school, but thought that in college plays were for “drama people.” I had the privilege to be in two plays while at ����ԭ�� and they were some of the most fun I ever had in college!

So, whether you’re involved in plays, speech class, or just find yourself in a situation where you speak in front of a group of people, how are you auditioning? How is your public speaking portraying the God you serve?

 

Look at some of the ways you get involved in drama and public speaking outside the classroom here.