The Transformative Power of Passion (and Cookies)
Posted By Denise Miller Holmes on July 27, 2009
Savvy Article #0921
It was my first time at Toastmasters and I’ve never spoken before an audience before. They picked me for a Table Topic (a short, impromptu speech) and when they gave the prompt, I launched into the subject with passion.
The topic was: If you could travel to the moon with the one you love, how would you get there?
I said, “This is an easy topic for me, to talk about my love. My husband is one of my favorite subjects. He is kind, dear, compassionate, and loving. If we went to the moon, we would go in a ’50s convertible with fins. We would fly, and somehow this car would be magically protected from space. We would land in our own private crater, and there we would watch the earthrise . . . while we ate cookies.”
A timeworn but true adage in sales says that enthusiasm is the most powerful sales technique. You can do all the fancy methods you want, but if you don’t have enthusiasm, your sales pitch will fall flat. If you have nothing else, enthusiasm—otherwise known as passion—will carry the day.
I believe this. Last Friday I embodied it, and I won Best Table Topic.
Passion is transformative. It changes everything it touches. I did not win because I am a snappy speaker—I am new and rough and nervous. No, it was my passion that took me beyond my current abilities and stirred others to deep feeling.
In an April post entitled Afraid of the Great Commission, I talked about the fear that overtakes us when we witness and the only way to overcome it is through prayer. I still believe that. And I also believe that prayer brings the passion of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit does not baptize with daisies and unicorns. He baptizes with fire.
And it is passion’s fire that will allow a rough and nervous Christian to be able to witness to anybody he is introduced to about his dear friend Jesus. If we walk with Jesus daily, over time we will have stories of His faithfulness, His sacrifice, and His love. Our passion will show, and others will see.
Perhaps if asked to do an impromptu speech about Jesus, you could say that He is kind, dear, compassionate and loving, and that He is your favorite subject. You love Jesus. And if Jesus and you were to go to the moon . . . .
You fill in the rest.
When I got home from my Toastmasters meeting, I decided that He was in that flying convertible with my husband and me.
Me and Mark and Jesus. On the moon . . . eating cookies.
Related article: Afraid of the Great Commission
About The Author
This is one of the most unique posts I have read about witnessing – flying to the moon, eating cookies, watching the earthrise. You nailed it with the word – passion. Lack of passion is why we seem so dead. May we all be rekindled with passion.
Susan
It was incredible. You were so brave and warm and endearing.
I’m choosing Kamy as my topic. It will certainly be emotional.
You two have a sweet kind of love.
Thank you Susan, Jan and Lucille. Susan, I am happy the piece moved you. I thought cookies was and odd mix with the moon, but it works
. Jan: Kamy is a perfect topic for you. There are few things you are more passionate about. Lucille: yes, Mark and I are pretty much two muskrats in love (like the song).
This is beautiful.
Hi Denise -
Oh, I loved this post! This is good advice for writers also. We’re taught all the technical aspects of giving a pitch, but what we need most is passion. Even if we’re not technically perfect, passion can put us over the top.
What a lovely relationship you and your husband have. It reminds me of what my late husband and I experienced. I think passion is kept alive when we realize how blessed we are to have each other.
Thanks again.
Susan
Bravo, Bravo! Well written.