Studia Pastoralne
Rocznik Wydziału Teologicznego UŚ

PREACHER’S STAGE FREIGHT. Characteristics and how to control it.
Summary
Phenomenon of a stage freight – no matter how we define it – is a common problem also experienced by preachers. Specific features of preachers’ stage freight is related to its theological connotations. Its source, most of all, is an awareness of the duty to preach the Gospel and priestly responsibility for the Word of God mixed with anxiety of being unworthy of the mission bestowed upon them and an ordinary human fear of failure and embarrassment. Since the sources of preachers’ stage freight are of a theological character, it is also mainly a supernatural level on which it should be dealt with - through prayer, development of a preacher’s spiritual life, openness to the Holy Spirit as well as a constant care of a proper, preliminary and final, preparation for preaching. When it comes to an anthropological dimension it is important for a preacher to develop an internal balance between an emotional tension and a thoughtful assessment of one’s abilities – through affecting a psychic and somatic sphere by an autosuggestion and relaxation techniques. Nevertheless a preacher should remember that a moderate stage freight is almost a necessary phenomenon, since an optimal level of a psychic tension (for a specific person) is good for one’s readiness. After all, what kind of a preacher it would be, if he lacked passion and involvement while preaching!

The Preacher’s Jitters
Summary
The jitters as a fear of public speech is spreading over many people – including the preachers.
This article is based mainly on the rhetoric and homiletic publications of German author Albert Damblon. The problem of the jitters isn’t noted in the contemporary Polish homiletics.
The author of the article has talked over the term, signs and reasons causing that the jitters occurs – and then has presented different ways to counteract it. The preacher should accept this form of anxiety and use it in a creative way. The main way to counter the effects of jitters is the careful preparation of homily, sermon, conference. Very important is also the spiritual preparation that includes prayer and meditation. The jitters has also its theological dimension. So turning to the hearers with true love and carying about their spiritual welfare the preacher will draw the light and power from Divine Spirit – allowing him to improve the Divine Word ministry and overcome the jitters.