This is about what laypeople need to know about speaking in “big church.” You’ll understand that by big church, I mean you’re addressing a large group in the sanctuary. And laypeople means non-preachers.
Many non-clergy are outstanding (pun intended) on their feet in front of large groups. Schoolteachers and other educators come to mind. But the typical church member, even one who teaches a Sunday School class, is out of his,her element when suddenly thrust in front of the whole church.
They walk onto the platform (let’s not call it a “stage”) and stand at the pulpit, then look around. Wow. Things sure look different up here, they think. They open their mouth and begin to speak.
Anything can happen.