When Stuck for Words in a Crowded Room

I noted something quite bizarre at a very recent industry launch, frequented by a government minister, various industry directors and private consultants. One of the speakers—an inspiration in her own right—took every and all opportunities she had to laud the contributions of others, so much so she was stuck for words.

It could otherwise be seen—in a fleeting moment—that she was enthralled in awe, at the value of others’ efforts in the context of the program being launched.

She so epitomised genuine thanks, she lost her composure, before quickly regaining it.

I re-learned a valuable lesson that never ceases to stop me in my tracks.

Although some may have attributed the lack of words and poise to nerves or something else, this director was so beyond that—she was completely besotted by the moment, using the time she had to just commend people, never more genuinely. And this is how she recovered the moment. She kept praising people.

Such praise for people and their efforts is never ‘made up’. It comes from the heart, and it indeed hits the heart of those receiving it—polarising the sense of belonging and felt membership that great leaders provide.

When we’re stuck for words in a crowded room, we could simply find something—or more appropriately, someone—to genuinely praise and be thankful for.

Suddenly words emanate from a place we never knew existed—the place of embarrassment most ironically births a time where justice rolls on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:24).

© 2010 S. J. Wickham.