Background
Moses was the first glossophobic, but left us valuable information we can use to overcome this villain.
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Oral artists are the traditional collaboration of recitation, drama, word picture, intonation, and voice inflections that thrills the ears and stirs the mind and soul with visual esthetics. Historically, oral traditions have preserved historical facts, knowledge, art, ideas, and cultural material. This primitive communication style still dominates communication, even with the new cutting-edge technology. Oral tradition still stands out as the single dominant form of communication in the species.
Indeed, the spoken word is compelling. The Bible said, "words are active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul, spirit, joints, and marrows, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Words have power, the power to heal, or the power to kill. So, the first step to becoming an excellent speaker is to educate the tongue and train it to help build up, not tear down; to encourage and not discourage, and to correct in love. We have heard the cliche a picture paints a thousand words, but "words" paint a thousand pictures. So let words paint pictures of hope.
Today more than ever, public speaking is in high demand, and it is one of the highest-paid professions in the world. The world as we know it is changing, but it is still a stage; as Shakespeare once said: "All men and women are players and have their exits and entrances. And one person in his time plays many parts." So, it is your time to be on the stage of life.
Do not allow Glossophobia to silence you. You have dreams, aspirations, and hope of leading the families, churches, and businesses to the promised land. The land of milk and honey leads to a higher level of consciousness. Unfortunately, many start the journey and lose themselves in the land of doubts and fears because Glossophobia has a hold on them. Despite your excellent character, sense of humor, and abilities, you are passed by like yesterday's fragrance when it comes to getting that promotion. The worst part is that you know you are qualified, but you could not explain to the board "Why you are the best qualified for the job." As a result, many succumb to mediocre jobs, working with incompetent people who make one's jobs a living hell. Well, no more.
You deserve better, and you know it. No more behind the scenes; you are at the center of the stage. You have the skills, the discipline, the passion, and you are the main character, do not worry about that nagging Glossophobia that has you by the throat; pretty soon, he will become a thing of the past.
Glossophobia has been around since biblical times. Let us step back into the pages of history, and we will meet the origin of this condition. The very first Glossophobic ever recorded in the history of humanity was Moses.
God and Moses were having a conversation from a burning bush. "Moses," said God, "I have seen the deep sorrows of the people in Egypt and have heard their pleas for freedom from their harsh taskmasters. So go and tell Pharaoh to let my people go."
"Buttttt God," Moses exclaimed, as he babbled away, sweat falling from his underneath his turban, "I am not the person for that job. I am telling you; I am not a good speaker. I have never been a public speaker, and you know, I am slow and just an old shepherd."
Moses had forgotten who he was. He forgot he had attended Pharaoh's educational system, the top-notch of the land. He forgot he grew up in the palace, and his mother was the Pharaoh's daughter. He forgot he was a member of the Royal Family. He had the finest tutors ever known to humanity. We know from written records that Egypt had a great university comparable to Oxford or Harvard today. Moses learned astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, music, and art.
Nevertheless, he forgot everything taught at that moment. What happened to all that knowledge and understanding? It happens; like that. Graduating from a prestigious university does not mean you cannot develop Glossophobia. Many highly educated people, like Moses, suffered from this condition. Glossophobia is like a phantom without boundaries or restrictions.
So, what can we take from Moses' story and use it to overcome Glossophobia? First, Moses was telling God that he was not qualified to speak, did not know what to say, and had no authority to talk to the Pharaoh because he was a shepherd.
I like how God answered Moses:
Moses, who gave human being their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? So, is it not I?" the Lord said.
We have all experienced the symptoms of Glossophobia at one time or another: profusely sweating, dry mouth, pounding heartbeat, knobs on the shoulders, trembling, dry throat, the urge to run out of the room, and, worst, avoidance of public speaking.
Glossophobia classifies as a social phobia or social anxiety disorder. The anxiety goes beyond occasional worrying or nervousness. It goes beyond intense fears; it is more like dreadful fears that are out of proportion, which could equate to being chased by a savor tooth lion or, worst, causing adrenaline and steroids to flood the brain. Glossophobia, like any anxiety disorder, often gets worse over time unless you nail it to the cross.
God knew Moses' brain was drenched in adrenaline and understood his fears, and he had the antidote to calm Moses' anxiety.
Then God told Moses, "I will certainly be with you and tell you what to say."
No deal, Moses was not convinced and formed arguments to get off the hook.
"Okay," tell them, "I am that I am, sent you," God said. "Here, I will give you something much bigger to overcome; here is a snake; grab it by the tail."
Moses was afraid of snakes and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw the snake, but God encouraged him, "grab it, Moses, it will not hurt you."
Moses timidly approached the snake and grabbed it by the tail, turning it into Shepard's stick.
That impressed Moses, something he was familiar with, which helped build his self-esteem.
God's antidote for Glossophobia starts with affirmations. First, God affirmed Moses, reminding him he was equipped to do the task.
Then God trained him; I will tell you what to say.
Finally, God gave him something he was familiar with to build him up.
What is our takeaway from this?
(1) Affirmations
(2) Training
(3) Familiar and comfortable topics
In the next chapter, I will go into further detail on these three foundational keys.
