There is a song for every occasion, or so I’ve taught my children. However, as The Hermit Poet will attest, my singing is overrated. So this morning when I read about Rita Risser, a motivational speaker, who warms up for speaking engagemments by singing gospel music, I had a good laugh. Yet there is something too this that speakers and teachers can learn.
- Singing warms up the vocal chords
- Singing songs with positive lyrics can pump you up
- Snap your fingers and do a little dance shuffle and it will get your blood circulating ( careful about doing this in the car while driving!)
And who cares that you are slightly off key, you are not a singer, your a speaker! So thanks to Rita now I am looking for suggestions of gospel numbers for a tenor or bass to mutilate in my hotel room before my lectures and workshops on my British Columbia Road Show. What do you think? Any suggestions?
Genealogy Education 
Ken,
Have you considered a genealogy song – “I Am My Own Grandpaw” works really well for me. I used a tape of it in my “Genealogy Is Fun” talk last month…while pointing to my homemade chart showing all the relationships. I didn’t sing it, though, except at home by myself in my cave.
Gospel music would be good too – puts you in a good mood. “How Great Thou Art” gives me a thrill every time – especially the bass parts.
Tell us what you chose — Randy
Ken,
I AM a professional actor/singer, and it has never occurred to me to sing or vocalize before a speaking engagement! It would be an exellent warmup and keep your speaking voice in a “good place”. I can’t believe how many useful tips I’ve already come across on your site–keep up the good work!
Ken