I thoroughly enjoyed working behind the scenes at Comm Lab. Those who attended gave us some great feedback, and that helped me write the following article which I submitted for the Keynote Connection blog.
For years, the Cru movement at Texas Tech has had an outstanding public speaker leading the staff team. But this year he was called to another ministry role, leaving Collin Arledge, Trace Hunt and Jeremy Bollens with big shoes to fill – and a mutual deeply-felt need to improve their speaking skills.
Most Cru staff members speak before groups of people fairly regularly. Teresa Freeman is no exception, and has frequent public speaking opportunities as she ministers to college faculty in North Carolina. On the side she also leads students on a high school speech team. Her desire to learn skills that would benefit both her and her students drew her to Comm Lab 2013.
There Teresa, the Texas Tech team and others learned topics ranging from philosophy of Christian communication to practical techniques for writing talks. They also practiced delivery skills in personalized small-group coaching sessions.
Learning and practicing alongside the many first-timers were returnees like singer Becky Alwin from Keynote’s Rhymz Suhreal. “I communicate a lot from the stage, and know that I can always improve as a communicator.” Becky is enthusiastic about the benefits of attending Comm Lab. “No matter what level you’re at, you’ll still be stretched and will grow. It’s a safe and encouraging environment to grow in. The teaching was challenging and rich.”
“We all communicate and these skills are invaluable,” Teresa adds. “The skills you learn here are skills you need for the rest of your life. You will use them not just for talks or speeches….you will use them in life.”
