Asking Questions in Public
Do we have the courage to expose our own ignorance?
One of my best life-tools has been not worrying what others think of me when I want to ask questions. I know it sounds egotistical, but it is actually very practical, even, at times, necessary.
Learning to speak up in public didn’t come naturally to me. In fact I, along with most of my classmates in schools through the years, worried about this a great deal.
So I had to push myself in order to overcome my early shyness. I practiced stepping into awkward silences and asking uncomfortable questions as long as they were on topic, didn’t belittle others, and weren’t intended to show off. And if I embarrassed myself then I had the opportunity to learn to absorb the public’s communal displeasure.
Asking questions in public is an important skill to learn and develop and I think it actually strengthens one’s humility. In fact, I would argue that it is egotistical and selfish to keep silent and remain confused. Every class, committee, boardroom, courtroom, and assembly needs the courageous you willing to stand and take the ridicule in order for your truth to be expressed and your questions answered.
Final thought.
Oftentimes my questions don’t come from ignorance. They come from the fact my mind drifted and I think I missed actually hearing what was said. In a case such as this I might say, “Would you mind repeating what you just said? I want to make sure I am understanding correctly.” Yes, it’s an admission of a little mental slip up, but it is also a complement that what someone is saying is worth accurately hearing.
Any questions?
O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Psalms 25:2-9 (ESV)
