Defending your family: One more benefit of public speaking skills

Speaking in Defense of Children

My wife and I are foster parents.   A social worker recently approached us about speaking at a sentencing hearing.  The child had been with us for many months.  We knew what impact the crimes had on her.  We knew how they would affect her life. 

Believe me.  She will deal with the after effects for the rest of her life.

I agreed to write a statement, and to read it before the court.  My wife and I wrote a clear and concise statement about her life with us.  I drew on my public speaking skills.  I used logic and emotion to write a compelling argument.  It said loud and clear "This criminal can face nothing less than the maximum sentence".    

Facing a Criminal, When a Child Cannot

On the day of the sentencing, I was terribly nervous.  I would be speaking about five minutes before the court.  I would face the judge.  The courtroom was full.  And, the criminal would be sitting across from me.  He would be listening to my statement. 

I NEVER could have done this without learning public speaking skills.

We sat in court for quite some time.  I listened to several other cases before ours came up.  The courtroom filled for our case. 

I watched this criminal as he was walked into room in chains.  I listened to the legal arguments.  At last, I was asked to speak.

I stood up.  I faced the judge.  For my foster daughter, I faced her perpetrator.  And, I spoke.

The Results of Speaking as an Advocate

It was invigorating!  I listened as the sentencing came.  His punishment was what we had hoped; the maximum allowable by law.

Even more importantly, I gave a little child a voice.  I put into words, what no-one else could.  Perhaps, I brought some shame to an individual who showed little or no remorse. 

Do you know someone who needs a voice?   Someone that could benefit if you learned public speaking skills?  It may be a child, a senior, or a friend?  Are you prepared to step up and make a difference?