It takes a week to let it sink in. Last weekend I was honored as a member of the 2007 Class of Legends of the Speaking Profession. The award was granted by the Veteran Speakers Conference in Hagerstown, MD on August 25, 2007. The award reads: "Remembering Our Past...Developing Our Future. When the history of our great profession is examined, may the truth of our beginnings be told to those who would grace the platform. Though orators and lecturers created our history and were our forebearers, the legends of modern professional speaking were a pioneering breed whose technique had no benchmark. We salute you...Legend of the Speaking Profession...Terry Paulson. Your creativity, improvisation, risk taking, and willingness to share have set a standard for those who seek 'The Platform.'"
That is quite a statement. I was honored to be included in the same class as Lou Heckler, Al Walker and Earl Nightingale. Let me share my prepared comments that come close to what I said when I received the award.
"I loved it when Roy Orbison said, 'I may be a living legend, but that sure don't help when I've got to change a flat tire.' Coming here on crutches...with some of my original equipment showing signs of age, I can identify with that statement.But I must say that I love being called a legend by somebody else....especially the caliber of the people voting on this award. It's been said that a trumpeter that blows his own horn ends up playing to an empty theater. I appreciate this honor.
So let me humbly accept this honor knowing how many truly deserve it. If you are known by the company you keep; I'm in good company tonight.
Judy Garland said, 'Let me tell you, legends are all very well if you've got somebody around who loves you.' I've had those people around me throughout my journey:
Parents who loved to laugh and created an audience where it was more important to have fun in life than to be funny.
For Mrs. Nason who challenged me, a pretty shy football player, to compete for graduation speaker on the basis of my oral reports.
The Lord has been good to me. Through His encouraging love I had the freedom to shine, and laugh, and sing...and work with youth. If you aren't funny and authentic with teens, they will kill you. I worked with Young Life and was a youth director.
I'm thankful for staff around me who recognized before I did that my greatest gift and calling were in speaking...and helping me get there.
For a wife, who didn't require me home every night. She had the confidence and the strength of character to let me serve and shine.
For NSA friends and leaders who encouraged me to serve and lead...and become part of a great family.
For a son, who is now a baptist minister and who gave me the gift of being in his audience and seeing him used by God--flowing with tears.
For giving me two grandsons--one of which won't shut up and has passed from wanting to be puppy when he grows up to wanting to speak.
In Hebrews 2, Paul talked about the great Cloud of Witnesses before us. I feel that tonight--here and on the other side of the divide.
Now, I also know that I'm not done and neither are you. We speak for different reasons now. I don't need to speak for awards or money. I have enough. I speak because I was meant to do it.
I now just have more stories, more depth, and more freedom to tell the truth about what works through my window to the world.
Art was speaking to teenagers and their parents, I had presented to the same group during the week. I asked him how he spoke at 95. He said,
Art Linkletter said, "It's easier. I don't need to prepare. Everything I say reminds me of something else. Just give me three minute sign at the end and I can wrap it up."
I've got my family, my family of God and my speaking family. Thank you for this honor and the company I get to keep because of it."
It was a great honor and a wonderful conference. I hope to return in the years ahead.
