Young Speakers Guild
A program of ICC Chapters
Guild members are inducted upon completion of the YSG Training Series through the local Chapter as approved by ICC. The next national ICC recognition ceremony will be during the IGNITE Winter Retreat, January 2012. Learn more about the Young Speakers Guild Training Series www.iccinc.org/chapters/young-speakers-guild.
Winston Snyder
Chapter: Speak Up
Induction: January 6, 2012
Winston shares...
Speaking on a platform is only a sliver of communication. I have learned to use not only what I say, but what I do, to communicate the message of Christ. That is where character and competence meet. The skills taught in the Y.S.G. program are life skills that are essential if we are to make an impact on the culture around us.
Hannah Scholl
Chapter: The Messengers
Induction Date: December 31, 2011
Hannah learned:
Well done is better than well said. ~Benjamin Franklin
While working through the Young Speakers Guild, I learned that it’s not what I say that makes a difference, it’s what I do.
Weston Craddock
Chapter: 2 Cents
Induction Date: December 17, 2011
Weston explains...
When I would get up to speak -- even in a small group -- my thoughts and words would freeze. I am grateful today, for how the Lord worked through the Young Speaker’s Guild to “thaw” my fears, and inability to speak for Him. This also relates to my realization that we are always on the platform as an example for Christ. Through all the phases in the Young Speakers Guild, I was continually challenged to be more.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you . . . ~1 Peter 3:15a
Laura Schlichting
Chapter: S.E.E.K.
Date of Induction: 12/17/11
Laura shared:
Before YSG, I was afraid of presenting speeches because I was focusing on looking good. Now when I present a speech, I’m no longer fearful because I’m focusing on glorifying God.
‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.’ Isaiah 41:10
Rebekah Schwartz
Chapter: EMBERS, Byron Center Michigan
Induction date: December 2, 2011
Becky writes...
YSG has taught me that there is a difference between talking and having something to say;to define the purpose behind the message. It has shown me what it is to be a leader and a teacher to my peers, as well as to those younger and older than myself. You cannot be a leader unless you are willing to serve and follow, and you cannot be a teacher unless you are willing to learn. YSG has encouraged me in all these things, and challenged me in my growth as a student, a leader, and as a person.
Hannah Kelly
Chapter: EXCEL
Induction date: June 26, 2011
Hannah says...
The most important thing the Young Speakers Guild taught me was to find ways to bring people together. Whether it was behind a cause in our community, or closer knit as a chapter, the Young Speakers guild forces you to work with others; that skill is an invaluable one.
Christine Ku
Chapter: Say What?
Induction date: June 1, 2011
Christine comments..
YSG has taught me that there is always something to learn and improve on, no matter what stage I am at in my communication journey. Instead of growing discouraged, I have found that when I turn my eyes to Christ, He then gives me the inspiration, passion, and strength to complete whatever task set before me.
Daniel Patrick
Chapter: Cornerstone Communicators
Induction date: May 24, 2011
Daniel explains...
Through my involvement with ICC and working through the Young Speakers Guild, one of the most important lessons I have been taught is that communication isn’t and shouldn’t be about me. The message I have to share is not my own, but rather Christ using me to communicate His message. I have been challenged to set myself aside, so I can focus on Christ and then my audience.
Seth Kays
Chapter: Top Talkers
Induction date: May 17, 2011
Seth writes...
Working through the young speakers guild has taught me no matter where I speak or present, I need to know who my listeners are and where they stand on the issue I am speaking on so I can communicate my message to them in the most effective and relevant way possible.
.jpg)
Avery Miller
Chapter: A. N. C. H. O. R.
Induction date: May 10, 2011
Avery learned:
The lesson I found most valuable from going through the YSG training series was simply learning how to converse with people with whom I have no background and share nothing in common. I learned this when I would visit with people before and after presentations. Asking questions about them was key. Learning their background, their skills, and just being able to small talk with them went a long way. This is something that not only helped me then, but will also help me in the future when I'm going new places and meeting new people.
Elias Gunther
Induction Date: March 19, 2011
Elias writes...
I believe the most valuable lesson I learned from the Young Speaker's Guild was finding the purpose for our speaking. It was incredibly helpful for me to think through the reason why we speak, to glorify Christ.
Madison Siebert
Chapter: SEEK
Induction date: February 12, 2011
Madison comments...
Statement – I am firmly convinced that as Christians we HAVE to be able to communicate, and I learned that this is an achievable task – all you have to do is step out and want it. Through YSG I learned the full meaning of “you must and you can” and I was constantly challenged with something ‘new’. I was asked (yes, sometimes forced) to go outside of my box but it was these things that formed me into a more rounded communicator.
Catey Yuen
Chapter: SEEK and OUT LOUD
Induction date: February 12, 2011
Catey says...
“With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” The Young Speakers Guild Training Series taught me that I can not be a communicator because I’m a good speaker, but that every part of my words, actions, and attitudes belong to God. I learned to surrender my ideas for my speeches to him, and follow his purposes for my communication – even when it was impossible for me.
Colleen Au
Chapter: Say What? - Highland Park, NJ
Induction date: December 28, 2010
Colleen learned...
YSG isn't just about competence, you also need character. Effective, authentic, and godly communication starts with a focus on God.
Joshua Boulden
Chapter: LOGOS - Derwood, MD.
Induction date: October 22, 2010
Josh notes that...
As Christians we are always on the platform, and everything we do communicates a message to others. The Young Speakers Guild training series has taught me to always seek the opportunity to communicate to others the message of Christ.
Abigail Hall
Chapter: LOGOS - Derwood, MD
Induction date: October 22, 2010
Abigail explains...
Communication is not our words spoken to others, but Gods message spread to the world through his ambassadors.
Kali Hendon
Chapter: Apolojax - Jacksonville, FL
Induction Date: July 16, 2010
Kali writes...
In the beginning, it was just homework that had to be done for every chapter meeting, however the more time I spent in the Young Speakers Guild program, the more I began to realize that there was something more. Because of my journey through the three phases of YSG, I came to understand that my purpose for speaking is just as important, if not more important, then what I am actually saying. YSG taught me to think about my audience first when I am speaking, because they are my reason for speaking.
Caroline Swenson
Chapter: Tampa Bay Christian Speech and Debate Chapter - Tampa, FL
Induction date: July 5, 2010
Caroline learned:
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." ~Neale Donald Walsch
Tessa Larsen
Chapter: LIGHT Initiative, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Induction date: May 23, 2010
Tessa comments...
I have been involved with communications for several years, but never thought to ask the simple question; Why? Why is communication important? The Young Speakers Guild trained me to understand the significance of knowing why you do what you do.
Levi Snyder
Speak Up - Dickson, TN
Induction Date: May 13th, 2010
Levi says...
Do not rush yourself in the Young Speakers Guild Training series, it is very easy to become so focused and stressed about meeting deadlines and maintaining your portfolio that you can inadvertently forget to enjoy the learning process. The YSG curriculum is designed to take time, dedication, and effort so while you are working through it enjoy what you are learning, set your own goals and accomplish them.
Kaitlyn Johnston
Chapter: Legacy for Christ - Orlando, FL
Induction date: January 14, 2010
Kaitlyn writes...
"The primary thing I learned through YSG was the importance of evaluating my purpose when speaking. Asking the question "Why?" and having an answer is vital."
Austin W. Luce
Induction Date: January 9, 2010
Austin adds...
"What I most like about the Young Speakers Guild training is "Step 1: Purpose." The YSG Training Series stresses the fact that being able to communicate isn't enough, we need to communicate for a purpose."
Rebecca Au
Chapter: SayWhat? - Highland Park, NJ
Induction Date: January 7, 2010
Rebecca muses...
"It's actually possible for communication to be an expression of who you are in Christ: it doesn't have to be an act. In a sense, sharing a testimony - telling others the truth I am learning as sincerely and graciously as I can - is all I can do."
Leanne Livingston
Chapter: Top Talkers - Atlanta, GA
Induction Date: D
ecember 28, 2009
Leanne remarks...
"Community speaking is not just about the "speaking" but the preparation, presentation, and follow-through. The Young Speakers' Guild takes public speaking to a whole new level that not only builds excellent speakers, but effective leaders."
Janie Little
Chapter: Top Talkers - Atlanta, GA
Induction Date: December 28, 2009
Janie explains...
"I learned that leadership isn't a just a position, it's an opportunity to better meet the needs of other people."
John David McLean
Top Talkers - Atlanta, GA
Induction Date: December 28, 2009
John David shares...
"Being an effective communicator for Christ means not only that you know how to speak, but, most of all, that you communicate the message of Christ in love to all people at all times."
Eric Kays
Top Talkers - Atlanta, GA
Induction Date: December 28, 2009
Eric notes...
"One of the greatest lessons I learned from the Young Speakers Guild training was to do the job immediately. Procrastination will destroy any ability to correctly document or practice anything."
Josh Craddock
Chapter: Two Cents - Thornton, CO
Induction date: December 27, 2009
Josh learned...
"The importance of listening. Communication is two ways; it isn't just about speaking!"
Kelsea Mort
Chapter: Idaho 03 - Post Falls, ID
Induction Date: December 16, 2009
Kelsea learned...
Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)
Robin Scofield
Just Speak - Naples, FL
Induction Date: Decmeber 15, 2009
Robin explains...
"No matter how simple something might seem, you can only become better, more confident, as well as set a good example for others by practicing one more time."
Kristen Au
Chapter: Say What? - Highland Park, NJ
Induction Date: December 10, 2009
Kristen says...
"As an ambassador for Christ, I don't get to make excuses about whether I'm a good enough speaker or a sincere enough Christian. Instead, if I set my eyes on Christ, I can trust Him to make me competent and truly impact others."
Hannah Ketring
Chapter: Une Voca - DeKalb, IL
Induction Date: December 7, 2009
Hannah says...
"Becoming a good communicator goes far beyond giving speeches and has everything to do with listening, non verbal communication, and interpersonal communication. I was stretched to go from being a public speaker to being a solid communicator in all areas."