“The Gift of Gab”

Have you ever been to a public speaking seminar?

Hi, my name is Imani and I am a lawyer. I am a criminal defense attorney and the way I like to describe “what I do” to other people (usually on the dating apps) is like this: I talk a lot and makeup stories.

My last name is Carter and us Carters are known to have that gift of gab. Fun fact, growing up, my dad’s nickname for me was “Lips” and my oldest brother’s nickname was “Mouth Almighty” lol. And even though me finding and creating a successful career as a lawyer shocked (and probably still shocks) some of my family members, it shouldn’t come as a shock that I use my words and voice for a living. I mean, I’m putting that good ol gift of gab to great use!

But this post isn’t about me. Well not entirely. Did you know that August 7th is recognized as Public Speakers Day? I didn’t either until recently. I wouldn’t necessarily say that public speaking is what I do, but it is one of the major skills that is required in order for me to do my job effectively. To share my clients’ stories. To secure just outcomes for them.

But lawyers aren’t the only people who need to be comfortable speaking publicly. Take my friend Dru Young for example. He is an Athens native and has found a calling in public speaking. The topics on which he speaks usually include: motivating the youth, inspiring his community to stand up and do what’s right, and sharing his experiences with a church congregation.

In light of Public Speakers Day this year, I asked Dru a few questions about how he became a public speaker, what the experience is like for him, and what inspires him to speak publicly about what matters to him:

Yes, I would call myself a public speaker because I feel like I always have such a positive influence on others. I feel like I should verbally speak up and speak out to the public to help influence them to do the same. Even early on in elementary school, I’ve always had a mentality of becoming a public speaker, as well as motivational speaking. 8th grade is where I would find myself beginning to become a motivational speaker because I would always want to motivate others to do the right thing. I mean we were at the age where we would suffer in consequences for our actions, so doing the right thing and expressing how doing the right thing was a good thing to do. Not only a good thing, but doing good would take you a long way. 

Even at a young age, he has been devoting his time and efforts to the community for a while now! He is even thinking about making this a part of his career:

In 2019 I was invited to a youth explosion where I was asked to give a 1-minute motivational message. So I’m usually open to any kind of events as far as motivational speaking goes, as long as my target is the youth and the young generation. Even though, I still may be in the beginning stage of it, I would definitely make a career out of it. It’s a passion and dream of mine.

Dru doesn’t have any speaking engagements currently lined up, but if you’re interested in booking him for a speaking engagement or picking his brain, you can reach him via email at mentordru@gmail.com, or you can check out his dope website www.MentorDru.com.

It’s always good to link up and establish relationships with people who are of the same mind as you. I appreciate Dru and what he brings to the Athens community. In a way, we are both using our gift of gab to make the community a better place and to create a path that the youth can feel comfortable walking on. Before we go, I think I would be doing everyone a disservice if I didn’t provide a couple of tips on how to ease your nerves before getting up and speaking in front of a crowd (or in my case, a jury).

• Before I give my opening statement in a jury trial, I usually take a deep breath, (receive a pat on the back of reassurance from my courtroom partner), remind myself who I’m fighting for, and forget about all of the things that can go wrong. I keep the theory of my case at the forefront of my mind so that if I forget to say something, I can think back to that theory and my passion and confidence help me come up with the right words to say.
• Before Dru begins speaking publicly, he reminds and tells himself that he does this. This is what he does. This is who he is. He doesn’t let fear creep into his mind because fear has a way of getting in our way. So long as he pushes them away, then speaking in front of people becomes easier. He just tells himself “don’t be nervous; you do this!” There is no reason to be nervous at something that you love to do.

Wow! I love that advice, Dru!

Public Speakers Day may have been recognized last week, but hopefully, this post has reminded you to use that gift of gab that you got. Don’t let your fears get in the way of sharing some inspiring, motivational, and heartfelt words with the world. When someone asks you to “share a few words,” take a deep breath and find that confidence within you! You got this!

“‘Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” — Luke 12:11-12, NKJV.

Moni Jay, Off the Record