Graciousness: A Lesson from the Podium

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my past that taught me a great deal about graciousness. It’s a tale that takes place on a stage, under the spotlight, with a microphone in hand. It’s about the time I had to give a speech.

The Stage is Set

Many moons ago, I was invited to speak at a local community event. I was nervous, as anyone would be, but I was also excited. I had prepared a speech that I was proud of, filled with wisdom and wit. But as the day approached, I found myself filled with a sense of unease.

The Unexpected Turn

On the day of the event, I was the last speaker. As I listened to the others, I realized that my speech, while well-intentioned, was not in tune with the tone of the event. The other speakers were sharing personal, heartfelt stories, while my speech was more of a lecture.

The Choice

I had a choice to make. I could stick to my prepared speech, or I could adapt and try to match the tone of the other speakers. I chose the latter. I quickly jotted down some notes, recalling personal stories that I thought would resonate with the audience.

The Lesson

When I finally took the stage, I was more nervous than ever. But as I began to speak, I felt a connection with the audience that I hadn’t anticipated. My stories, raw and unpolished, struck a chord. The applause at the end was not for a well-crafted speech, but for the authenticity and graciousness with which it was delivered.

That day, I learned that graciousness is not just about being polite or kind. It’s about being adaptable, understanding, and most importantly, authentic. It’s about meeting people where they are, not where you want them to be.

Final Thoughts

So, my friends, remember this: Whether you’re on a stage, in a boardroom, or simply having a conversation, strive to be gracious. Listen, adapt, and speak from the heart. You’ll find that people will not only hear you, but they will also listen.

Until next time, stay gracious.

Kev