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 A Natural Born Speaker?
When I was growing up, I often heard the comment “He’s a Natural BornSpeaker.” I guess it was a fairly common phrase at the time. I don’t recallhearing “She’s a Natural Born Speaker” but I suspect that’s simply a reflection ofthose times, and we know that those times, with fits and starts, have changedand continue to change, which is a good thing. But to the point, A “Natural Born Speaker.” Is there really such a person? Well before I give youmy take on the matter, let’s look for evidence that being a “Natural BornSpeaker” is a result of genetics. So far as I know, the 13 year Human GenomeProject completed in 2003, has yet to discover a “Speaking Gene.” Of course,interpretation of the results continues today and we might be surprised todiscover that in fact there is a “Speaking Gene” but I wouldn’t hold my breathfor that result.Well, if not genetic, then what does account for a person being labeled a“Natural Born Speaker?” If it’s not Nature, then I suppose it’s Nurture. While itdoesn’t have the same ring, I think “Nurture Born Speaker” is what we should beinvestigating. When I consider what is a “Natural Born Speaker” I usually think ofqualities such as: a really good talker, an inspiring Speaker, someone who couldsell anything to anyone, a motivating communicator. Well, you get the idea. Howabout,Orator. Not a word we use much anymore. If you research “Orator” you’ll soonfind yourself perusing ancient Greek personalities. I don’t think we need to gothat far back. And language does change over time. Words come and go astechnology, society, and culture changes. And it’s not just the words we use, butthe way we use them and the style of delivery that changes. Yet those wordsand phrases are still somewhat vague for my purpose. Maybe rather thanselecting defining characteristics, I’d better choose a person who epitomizes a“Natural Born Speaker.”
 
 Abe Lincoln and hisGettysburg Address. A smashing success according toreviews at the time and since. And how about Susan B. Anthony. She deliveredastirring speech, numerous times in upstate New York around 1873, in supportof Women’s Rights. Yet as I look at both of these milestone, inspiring speeches,which I suggest you take a look at, I wonder what each would look like andsound like if written and delivered today. Would the Speaker be considered a“Natural Born Speaker” or would the garlands be hung on the Speech ratherthan the Speaker?Bringing our focus up to the present day, and Politics aside, it seems to me thata sterling example of an excellent Speaker is President Obama. That fella candeliver a message! But, a “Natural Born Speaker?” I don’t think so. If not, thenhow does one explain his connection with an audience?Passion for his subject, yes. Speaking experience, that too. And Life experience. Also Education, Compassion, and altruistic Goals. Clear articulation. Physicalperformance. And most importantly, a willingness to expose his Ideas, andHimself, to Ridicule and Failure and too, Success.Now you may be thinking, “If I really need all that to be an excellent Speaker, I’mtoast.” Well yes, every asset helps. But for you to
 begin
Speaking, NO! you donot need all that. You begin speaking where you are with what you have. Andthat’s my point here.So, you’re not a “Natural Born Speaker” but that’s OK, because no one else iseither. I’m saying that “Natural Born Speakers” are not born. They’re made.Whew, that’s a relief isn’t it? If I’m correct, it means we, you included, all have achance of becoming excellent Speakers of the “Natural Born” variety. You see,Speaking skills and techniques are learnable. Just like learning “How to” cook ameal, drive a car, or play Tennis. Rules, yes there are always Rules, but mostoften they canbe applied, adjusted, or ignored depending on the situation.Experience Rules.
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