Maybe you've learned from this dynamic public speaker too

Linus Van Pelt

During this time of year I am reminded of when I heard one of my favorite speeches delivered by one of my favorite public speakers.  I heard this speech at a very early age while toting my favorite blaket, wearing footie pjs and lying down in front of the electric glow of a manual dial television.  Little did I know that I was watching a master public speaker.  To this day I utilized the same techniques when I speak publicly (favorite blanket excluded).

After hearing from the great public speaker Linus

It was my 1st time watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Midway through the program the consummate blockhead Charlie Brown was struggling to figure-out the fuss about Christmas.  His blanket toating pal Linus spoke up .  In a very humble manner he delivered his knowledge of the meaning of Christmas.  Not before he requested the appropriate lighting and receiving the full attention of the cast and crew assembled for the Christmas play.  He displayed perfect delivery.  It was straight to the point, small impactful pauses and without one "umm" or "like."

During Linus's speach I really focused my limited attention span and sat up to listen.  I strongly identified with Linus because I too could not part with my favorite blanket.  Suddenly my understaning of Christmas turned from being all about family visiting me, giving me gifts, and a rotund, red-suited man with a white beard leaving me more gifts!  An important lesson because I quickly learned why I would find serious trouble everytime I played with my Mother's hand-made Nativity scene.      

After that night I heard the same lesson 100 times from Sunday school teachers, and preachers from the pulpit.  Never as beautifully or as effectively as Linus.  Credit to Charles Schultz for creating a character that truly knew his audience.  Especially when delivering a message as important as the meaning of Christmas.