My first lead

[Debaucher]

Today is the day before my first lead.

I tell myself I will not be nervous because I will go up there with a clear concious and with good intentions. I will pray before and ask that I may do God's will. I will speak the truth.

I will not be nervous because I do not have to intertain or impress. The folks are there to hear my true story. All I have to do is share it.

------------------

I did a little thinking about what I am going to talk about and will do a bit more later today and probably a bit tomorrow. I was just wondering how folks prepared for their first lead or any lead for that matter.

My general plan is to have an outline just high points in order to guide me if I draw blank.

[Freedom1990]

I think having an outline handy is a good idea. I'm infamous for having brain farts mid-conversation, and forgetting what my conversation was leading to!

As long as you speak from the heart, you can't go wrong!

[Music]

Originally Posted by Debaucher

Today is the day before my first lead.

I tell myself I will not be nervous because I will go up there with a clear concious and with good intentions. I will pray before and ask that I may do God's will. I will speak the truth.

I will not be nervous because I do not have to intertain or impress. The folks are there to hear my true story. All I have to do is share it.

------------------

I did a little thinking about what I am going to talk about and will do a bit more later today and probably a bit tomorrow. I was just wondering how folks prepared for their first lead or any lead for that matter.

My general plan is to have an outline just high points in order to guide me if I draw blank.

Right!! Express rather than Impress!

[Tazman53]

Well so far I have been blind sided on both leads and talks!!!! LOL

Quick prayer and I spoke from the heart, I didn't have time to get nervous.

Sounds like you have a good plan, go with it.

[Sugah]

I was told to remember that it's a "how it was, what happened, and how it is now" talk - and that I shouldn't let any of that out. "How it was" connects with the newcomer who needs to know that your E, S & H applies to him or her. "What happened" is that turning point moment(s) when we come around to embracing recovery. "What it's like now" is crucial -- because if you don't have E, S & H to share, there's no reason for giving the lead.

And, yes, pray! I was asked less than 24 hrs before I gave my first lead. I didn't have a lot of time to think about it, but I did have time to pray, and it came out okay. There aren't any Oscars given for leads, so the pressure is off!!

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[ananda]

What's a "lead"?

[Jfanagle]

Good suggestions above. I have always used the "qualifying" formula as was already mentioned. How it was, what happened, and how it is now. Try thinking about the fact that you are simply "sharing" with FRIENDS who have similar backgrounds and we all learn from our friends.

Someone will hear their story in your sharing and that is a gift that we should always be excited and eager to share with our FRIENDS.

You will do just what is needed, don't worry.

Jon

[fraankie]

well, i'll put my rwo cents ini was in the library at high school
so i went with my friends after school
they had what was, like, color tv in the 50's
an audio room
of course, it was state of the art, 33 1/3 rpm
with the newest accesories
clumpy, weigh a ton, headphones
so
i got a rolling stones album
who are they?
and
like, hey, wow, wow, man, oh, man
why doesn't sinatra sing like this?


Dandelion
Prince or pauper, beggar man or thing
Play the game with ev'ry flow'r you bring
Dandelion don't tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion

One o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock, four o'clock chimes
Dandelions don't care about the time
Dandelion don't tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion, blow away dandelion

Tho' you're older now its just the same
You can play this dandelion game
When you're finished with your childlike prayers
Well, you know you should wear it

Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailors lives
Rich man, poor man, beautiful, daughters wives
Dandelion don't tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion, blow away dandelion

Little girls, and boys come out to play
Bring your dandelions to blow away
Dandelion don't tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion, blow away dandelion

then frankie was off to the glee club in his school embossed jacket
to sing "the impossible dream"
my parents and vrother came
i still have pictures of that night

"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion
"The Impossible Dream" (a .MP3 file courtesy MGM).

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion
"The Impossible Dream" (a .MP3 file courtesy MGM).

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion
"The Impossible Dream" (a .MP3 file courtesy MGM).

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion
"The Impossible Dream" (a .MP3 file courtesy MGM).

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

oh, what a night, last september, 1964
oooppssss, four season
walk like a man, sherri, can you come out tonight,
the beach boys,.........hold on, i'm getting ahead of myself


and i used to get $3.00 allowance for high school
WE ARE TALKNG $0.05 for the bus to school. a drink for lunch, mom made lunch, $1.00 christmas club so me and my brother could buy out parents christmas gifts, etc
but i used to go to the store for grandma
so
i had lots of dimes to play "downtown" by petula clark 10 times at the ice cream "parlor"
with tony, nancy, eddie, ralph, louise, denise, and

When you've got worries, all the noise and hurry
Seems to help, I know
Downtown

Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city,
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose? The lights are much brighter there...
You can forget all your troubles; forget all your cares, and go
Downtown -- things will be great when you're
Downtown -- you'll find a place for sure
Downtown -- everything's waiting for you

Downtown .... Downtown...

Don't hang around, and let your problems surround you,
There are movie shows
Downtown

Maybe you know some little places to go to
Where they never close
Downtown

Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle Bossa Nova
[ DOWNTOWN lyrics found on Complete Album Lyrics ]
You'll be dancing with 'em too before the night is over,
Happy again...
The lights are much brighter there,
You can forget all your troubles; forget all your cares, and go
Downtown -- where all the lights are bright
Downtown -- waiting for you tonight
Downtown -- you're gonna be all right now...

Downtown...Downtown...Downtown...

Downtown!

Downtown!

And you may find somebody kind to help and understand you;
Someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to
Guide them along...
So maybe I'll see you there,
We can forget all our troubles; forget all our cares, and go
Downtown -- things will be great when you're
Downtown -- don't wait a minute more
Downtown -- everything's waiting for you...

Downtown...Downtown
Downtown...Downtown
Downtown...Downtown
Downtown...Downtown
Downtown...Downtown (fade)

Also check out these lyrics by Petula Clark:


Petula Clark - DOWNTOWN


and frankie is now channel surfing
new innovation
remote control
and who's dancing in the streets but

Irene Cara lyrics - Fame

Artist: Irene Cara
Song: Fame

Baby look at me
And tell me what you see
You ain't seen the best of me yet
Give me time I'll make you forget the rest

I got more in me
And you can set it free
I can catch the moon in my hands
Don't you know who I am

Remember my name
Fame

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly
High

I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry
Fame

I'm gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame
Fame

I'm gonna live forever
Baby remember my name

Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember

Baby hold me tight
Cause you can make it right
You can shoot me straight to the top
Give me love and take all I've got to give

Baby I'll be tough
Too much is not enough
I'll grab your heart til it breaks
Ooo I got what it takes

Fame
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly
High

I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry
Fame

I'm gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame
Fame

I'm gonna live forever
Baby remember my name

Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember

Fame
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly
High

I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry
Fame

I'm gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame
Fame

I'm gonna live forever
Baby remember my name

Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember

Remember my name

Fame
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly
High

I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry
Fame

I'm gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame
Fame

I'm gonna live forever
Baby remember my name

Fame
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly
High

I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry
Fame

(fades out in last section above)


the reason this is now a "holy cow" thread
is i got itchy with the old compro computer
decided to do a domain thing for 10 bucks

compro@compro7.com
and
got a hankering to do a music thing on the site
and my higher power made especially for me
a web site
he decided to call itunes
and
told "google" to send me there
and
now i am in the process of downloading fraankie's top 100
for .99 i'm at on stage at bishop ford singing with eddie, tommy, louie "the impossible dream"
no more bus fare to get "downtown"
i'm telling no lies, dandelion
cause frankie's gonna live forever
don't need no fame, just a face in the crowd is fine with me
oh, what a feeling
what, wait, are you kidding?
for real, like far forgetaboutit out

is that here jennifer beals here for a tryout for flashdance
ok, jen
i'll start the music
go for it

First, when there's nothing but a slow glowing dream
That your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind
All alone I have cried silent tears full of pride
In a world made of steel, made of stone

Well I hear the music, close my eyes, feel the rhythm
Wrap around, take a hold of my heart

[Chorus:]
What a feeling, bein's believin'
I can't have it all, now I'm dancin' for my life
Take your passion, and make it happen
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life

[Solo]

Now I hear the music, close my eyes, I am rhythm
In a flash it takes hold of my heart

[chorus (with ... "now I'm dancing through my life")]

What a feeling

What a feeling (I am music now), bein's believin' (I am rhythm now)
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life
What a feeling (I can really have it all)
What a feeling (Pictures come alive when I call)
I can have it all (I can really have it all)
Have it all (Pictures come alive when I call)
(call, call, call, call, what a feeling) I can have it all
(Bein's believin') bein's believin'
(Take your passion, make it happen) make it happen
(What a feeling) what a feeling... [to fade]

[Tazman53]

What's a "lead"?

Varies from area to area and meeting to meeting. God answer huh!!! About as clear as mud!!! LOL

Okay here is a real partial answer:

In my area a lead is simply someone who leads/chairs a meeting.

In other areas I have been to a lead not only leads/chairs a meeting, they also give a brief talk of their story and then open the floor for sharing.

I am sure there are probably close to as many types of "leads" as there are meetings!

[jimhere]

I was sober about a year when I took my first Fifth Step. Up to that time I couldn't express myself in meetings, except by a lot of swearing and anger, which was the only way I could express what was going on within me.

After my Fifth Step my sponsor had me go home to take an hour, quietly reviewing the work I had done. He was going to Seattle to speak at a large speaker meeting later on and said he would stop by to pick me up.

When we got to the meeting he said "Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you that you are the first speaker." Needless to say I was terrified. I told him "I don't know what to say," and he he replied "Go in the prayer room." I said "What prayer room?" and he replied "The bathroom!" Go in there and kneel down say a prayer. Ask God to be expressed through you in a spirit of truth and of love." I've been doing that ever since. I do it for the same reason I drank alcohol, because it works.In case you didn't know, every meeting hall has two prayer rooms. One usually says "men" on the door and the other says "women" on the door.

I went in, kneeled down and said the prayer. I went out and got behind the podium in front of about three hundred people. I don't remember what I said, but I remember looking out at those people and feeling connected. It didn't occur to me until afterwards, but I had just just spent an hour being alone at perfect peace and ease for maybe the first time in my life and I realized I had spent about twenty-five minutes being able to look the world in the eye and that my fears had fallen from me. I had experienced the promises that come after the Fifth Step.

The down side is that they haven't been able to shut me up since!-LOL!!
Jim

All Big Book references Alcoholics Anonymous, First Edition

[CarolD]

I too made an outline before the first time
I forgot to take it to the podium.

I said a quick "Help me help someone with my words"
and let 'er rip.

I never know what I will share when I speak.
I doubt most are listening anyway!

[Debaucher]

Thanks all...

The lead I have been asked to give is one where I am asked to be the lone speaker. I will stand up and tell my story. What I was like... how I recovered... what it is like now. Afterwards the floor is opened for comments.

As it approaches I am growing less anxious and while out running today I became calm.

Reading the posts here has also helped me. Thank you all... even Fraankie... I don't know what that was but I read it twice trying to find the hidden meaning. ;-)

[Sheryl85]

Good luck on your speaking engagement. If you would indulge me I wanted to share with you some of my ESH on the subject.

When invited to speak, I always try to remember to have a quiet moment with God before taking the podium. I ask Him to allow me to carry the message that needs to be heard. It’s never failed me. Does it help me from feeling like I should be wearing Depends? No more than it stops me from feeling like I may have a quick meeting with “Ralph.” Speaking in front of a crowd has never been my long suit. Once I’m there I try to remember to do as is written in “How It Works” and tell about what it was like, what happened, and what it is like today. Long drunkalogues are trying on both listener and teller so making know my qualifications for membership to our fellowship doesn’t take me too long. The journey within sobriety is the story worth telling.

Again, good luck. I’m sure that you will do a fine job in carrying the message…

[namelessone]

The first time I had to give a lead. I told my sponsor that I was really nervous and he said "If you are not nervous you are not human", he went on to explain that we get nervous because we will be potentially sharing some very private things.