Public speaking has been part of my life for nearly thirty years, but I have never taken it for granted.

As a child, I had a medical condition that made it difficult for me to speak clearly. My tonsils grew over my tongue and restricted its movement. I had surgery when I was five, followed by years of speech therapy. Because of that experience, the fact that I eventually became a preacher, professor, and public speaker still carries special meaning for me.

Over the years, I have spoken in churches, classrooms, civic organizations, interfaith gatherings, and community events. The settings have changed, but the purpose has remained much the same: I want people to leave with something worth thinking about.

I do not believe a speaker needs to pretend to have every answer. Some of the best conversations begin when we admit that the questions are complicated.

Much of my speaking focuses on faith, religion, leadership, social justice, interfaith cooperation, and the challenges facing churches and communities today. I am especially interested in helping people understand viewpoints that may be different from their own.

Preaching has taught me that knowing the audience matters. A sermon, lecture, or presentation should not feel as though it could have been delivered anywhere, to anyone. Good speaking requires preparation, but it also requires listening.

My goal is to be clear, honest, thoughtful, and engaging. I want people to laugh when the subject allows it, wrestle with an idea when the moment calls for it, and leave with a better understanding than they had when they arrived.

For me, public speaking is not simply about standing in front of a group and delivering information. It is about making a connection and inviting people into a conversation that continues after the event is over.