PASSION--THE FIRE WITHIN OUR BONES!

A common element that links leadership and public speaking is passion.

If you’re a passionate leader, you will have a compelling vision and purpose. Charles Kovess, in his book, Passionate People Produce, says, “Passionate people have a spectacularly clear picture of what they want to create, of how the world will be when they have achieved their passion” (p. 8). You know what a passionate person is enthusiastic about when he or she speaks. You can see the sense of excitement in the eyes and body language. There is enormous enthusiasm in the voice. A cause that they care deeply about comes through clearly.

So what does passion have to do with public speaking? A lot! Many times, we feel fearful and inadequate when speaking in public. However, passionate leaders don’t seem to have that problem! They have a vision to communicate, and they are able to excite others without even working hard at it. When these leaders speak, people pay attention. Passionate leaders speak with heart and soul—they are not boring to listen to! Because of their clear and compelling vision of the future, all fear of standing in front of a crowd melts way. Passionate leaders overcome stage fright because the focus is not on them—how they appear to their audience, how well they speak, how people will react to their message—but rather on the message that burns like fire within their bones!

Do you have a passion in your life?

A student, in answering Question IV of Student Assessment 1, wrote that he just loves biology. However, in Ngee Ann, he is enrolled in a course of study that is totally unrelated to biology! Another student digs accounting. But she is studying engineering. So what do you do? Nurture that passion! Can you volunteer two to three hours a week to tutor someone in the subject of your passion?

Another student wants to spend two to three weeks in Africa to work among the poor so that they will know they are not forgotten! Wow! What can you do to turn that into a reality within the next two years?

In answering Question V, one student says he enjoys working with children and the elderly! His computer courses do not have any room for children and the elderly in the curriculum. How about volunteering to teach kids about computing at a local orphanage?

Academics is just one key to success in any profession. I agree with Kovess who says that, “education should be a process in which each unique human being is taught various strategies that could lead to the development of the full potential of that human being. I am all in favor of education, but it is more than data, it is more than research, it is more than intellect. Education must encompass and encourage inspiration, passion and soul” (p. 89).

Now bring these students who love biology, accounting, poor Africans, kids, and the elderly and have them tell you why they love what they love, and you will see the sparkle in their eyes. You will hear the emotions in their voices. You tingle because of the electricity in the air! You will feel the passion of their message!