Speaking

On December 2, my family and I headed up 45 North freeway to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. You know you’re getting closer when you see a huge white statue of the late Sam Houston. You know you’re even closer when you look to your right and see the Huntsville prison complex aka the death chamber capitol of the world.

But this blog is not about that.

I was invited by Jasmond Hatch, president of the Sam Houston Association of Black Journalists, to be a panelist for a discussion on HIV/AIDS. Panelists also included Shannon Dillon, an anchor for KBTX Media in Bryan, Texas along with media expert Sean Nixon. The discussion was centered around the role of Black media in educating the community about HIV/AIDS in light of December being AIDS Awareness Month.

But we covered alot of topics beyond HIV/AIDS. We touched on crime, education, economics, reporting strategies, how to write impactful news stores and more. These students shared their personal challenges in meeting deadlines in their classes but resonated enthusiasm about their majors. They love the work! Many of them have entrepreneurial aspirations too. I was very impressed with their outlook on issues that specifically impact the Black community.

Jasmond Hatch, who is also a PR consultant, moderated the discussion. This is the next wave of Black journalists so the drive to Huntsville was definitely worth it. The group is planning to host a media conference in the Spring. I will offer my assistance wherever I am needed. Much success to these upcoming media giants at Sam Houston.

I was a guest speaker at the Inspired For Excellence Academy located in the 5th Ward area of Houston. This was their Dress for Success Day and the staff invites guest speakers in hopes of giving the students inspiration since many of them are several grades behind.

I was specifically asked to speak on one of my subjects titled “Pull up your P.A.N.T.S.”. No, this is not targeting dress attire per se nor is it about bringing belts to hand out to the young men for saggin‘ their pants. Rather its a subject to attack the saggin‘ that is going on mentally.

The acronym P.A.N.T.S. stands for Purpose, Attitude, Need, Toughness, and Self-Esteem. Within one hour, I spoke in three separate classrooms to 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Some started off not paying attention but when you begin to radiate sincerity, they start to listen closely.

Along with speaking on this acronym, I shared with them my experience in searching for the truth about my biological father. It touched many of them, brought some to tears and a few whispered to me that they too want to know the truth about their fathers as well. Deep.

Testimony from Mrs. Jeanette Thomas-Lockett, ELA teacher (6-8th grade):

“The students truly enjoyed Mr. Muhammad. They are really excited! They remembered his words about no matter what the present situation is, they can be their best. A lot of them could relate to what Mr. Muhammad spoke on because they are going through some of the same things now. I am having my classes write a daily journal centered around the acronym P.A.N.T.S. because I think it is so important. We are looking forward to him returning.”

Over the last several months, many people have been emailing me about how I seem to have a speaking engagement or interview every week in Houston and throughout the country. In others words they say, “What is your secret?”.

I hate to disappoint you but there is no secret–just results produced by strategic work. A problem I used to have is that I was sitting and waiting for someone to ask/call me to speak instead of me approaching them to ask them if I could serve them. I wasn’t asking people enough about ways that I could contribute to their goals or uplift their students with my presentations.

Once I changed my approach, doors started flying open.

I stopped sitting by the phone, checking the email inbox or waiting for the next text message with a speaking offer. Instead I have been going out and creating opportunities by first being involved in the community. Nothing is going to happen for us just sitting at home and thinking someone owes us a chance to speak just because we have a college degree or a certain status. Get out into the streets, attend events and get involved! Make a name for yourself. Not out of vanity but out of a desire to serve others with your words.

Once I started asking people how I can help them, my phone has not stop ringing with speaking invitations. Many of them are now paid engagements and once you serve them well in your presentation you position yourself to be invited back again and again. Even if you have to speak several times for free to start out, it’s okay. Because remember your mission is to empower people with your words and if you do that, I guarantee the benefits will start flowing.

For example, I do a weekly motivational seminar at the Cheyenne Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Houston for men. I was first invited there to speak on President Obama’s Inauguration Day and ended up addressing over 300 men. My mother works there and I did it as community service–no charge. The directors enjoyed my one hour talks so much that they offered me the opportunity to comeback anytime I wanted to speak. So since that day I decided to volunteer my time to do the weekly seminar to serve these men who are trying to change their lives around, like all of us.

Want to know the benefits for me? Look at this email I recently received from my mother regarding the impact it’s having on the men:

“I just had to stop and write this note because I am bursting with pride! All this week I have gotten constant positive feedback and affirmations from the clients here at Cheyenne Center about you…..the DSHS program sing your praises every day! They tell me I should be proud and I assure them that I am indeed. I just got a call from a former client and he told me to be sure and tell you how your speaking helped him with his self-esteem. He quoted from your presentation of “Is my Why Big Enough” and had some very sincere gratitude.”

So you want to get booked for more speaking engagements? Start offering your services rather than waiting for someone to ask you……because you may find yourself still waiting by the phone.