The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
The hubby brought home a book by Dale Carnegie called Effective Speaking. It piqued my curiosity, so even though I don’t give speeches, I figured I’d check it out. I’ve only read Part I, but do you know what I realized? I was meant to read this book! I’ve already learned something that I desperately needed reminded of: to be excited about my subject when talking. The fundamentals of effective speaking are something each one of us can use in everyday life.
I have two boys that need to listen to me talk for how long each day? It just might be too long if you ask them! After starting this book, I realized that a sincere enthusiasm would make the difference between an exciting year of homeschooling and a dreaded year of homeschooling. I’ve noticed that when I just start reading a lesson, they tend to not be as engaged. On the other hand, if I get excited about what we’re learning and we stop to discuss what we already know or relate it to past experiences, I have their attention.
Whenever we started to homeschool, I remember the excitement. We couldn’t wait for the day to begin! I know that they’re older now, but that doesn’t give me a license to wilt and lose my effectiveness. They might not show their enthusiasm by bouncing up and down in their seats with big smiles on their faces, but now I’m going to take on the challenge to come as close to that as I can get! Instead of griping about my “class” looking bored, maybe I need to stop being boring!
I think it’s time that I pull out the old enthusiasm that was there years ago and make this interesting again. Instead of waiting for the boys to get a good attitude, it’s time that I get the ball rolling! I needed to remind myself how amazing education is. Enthusiasm is contagious and this is one of those times that I want them to catch it from me!
Are you excited about what you talk about? If you see others light up when having a conversation, you’re doing it…you’re spreading the enthusiasm! Bring life to conversations and remember that bored people are boring. Don’t be bored and keep things exciting! See the wonderful things that will happen when you get your spark back. Let others light up with your spark…your words!
