Creating an Inspiration

At some point in our lives each one of us will be asked to offer a few words to honor a special moment. You may find the following guidelines helpful if you are paying tribute to the life of a dear friend, offering an important family blessing, proposing a short toast, or speaking before a large audience. Here are some suggested openings, a method for creating the body of your message, and some suggested closings.

POSSIBLE OPENINGS

A good opening puts the group at ease and allows everyone to feel a sense of calm and reverence. When offering a blessing or an inspiring message you might use openings such as:

  • Let us bring our attention to this quiet moment...
  • Let us pause a moment to reflect as we...
  • May grace abound as we honor this gathering...
  • With a reverent heart may we remember the words of...

OFFERING THE MESSAGE

The message itself needs to help people stop thinking about their everyday lives. It should also inspire a sense of unity by bringing the group's focus to the larger purpose for the gathering.

In reading through this book you may find something that speaks to a message you want to convey. For your convenience, we have adjusted the phrasing and punctuation of each piece so it flows easily in the spoken voice (with the exception of the first piece, A Prayer Among Friends). You may also find it helpful to use an enlarged copy of your selection when addressing a group.

If you create your own message, try not to say anything about yourself or how you found or created the piece you are offering.

A conversational opening will increase the thoughts your audience is having about their own everyday lives and decrease their ability to remember the greater purpose for the gathering. If you say the words I or me, you will instantly (albeit unintentionally) bring attention to yourself. Suddenly, the time set aside for group reflection becomes more about you and less of a gift to others.

Be careful not to use the time to try and teach a concept, offer a sermon, or testify. Doing so usually does more harm than good. The people who inspire us the most are able to unite their audience through a message of encouragement and gratitude. As you review your inspirational work, ask yourself if the piece is thankful and encouraging. If so, it will also be inspiring.

POSSIBLE CLOSINGS

A good closing will bring a graceful conclusion to the message and create a sense of unity within the group. If you are offering a motivational inspiration or toast you may want to close by simply saying thank you.

If you are offering a public blessing, remember to close in a manner that honors everyone present. In Western culture, most blessings are concluded with the word Amen, which has come to mean, "May it be so." In some settings you may want to use the closing, Namaste or a similar word from another cultural tradition. (Note: Namaste is from the Sanskrit words "Nama" and "Te" meaning: We recognize that within each of us is a sacred place where Divinity dwells).

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

The most effective way to bring a sense of reverence to the gathering is to offer your words as a heartfelt gift. Begin by standing up and being silent yourself for about five seconds. Imagine that you are invisible. This is not the time to make eye-contact. Many people find it helpful to close their eyes as they receive the message. Looking at the group will discourage that practice.

Be brief. Your audience will appreciate an economy of words, especially if they are standing up. Sometimes our desire to bring reverence to an occasion tends to make us a bit long-winded. A few simple words are more powerful than a full dissertation.

The five keys to offering an inspiring message are:

  • Stand up; focus on the larger purpose for the gathering.
  • Begin with five seconds of silence.
  • Offer a message that includes gratitude and encouragement.
  • Avoid the words, I and me.
  • Close with clarity.