Public Speaking: 

In 1980, I was in a business that required that I talk in large and small groups publically. I decided to become a member of Toastmasters to overcome my fear of speaking and gain a facility in presenting in front of groups. Since then I have been a frequent presenter in churches public events, classrooms- high school and university- small groups and workshops. My current project is bringing to life the stories of men and women from Ghana whom I found to be inspiring and illuminating in my several travels there. These presentations will be informative, entertaining and inspirational. They will be for direct presentation, or in a workshop context for reflection on global and personal issues. See Story Project on African Projects page.

Comments for Public Speaking:

My impression of Barbara Gilday as a speaker could not be more positive. I have heard her speak on a number of occasions and found her presentations well organized, insightful, interesting and most of all relevant to my life. When I hear an announcement of a presentation by her I make a point of attending.
-Richard Feringer, Professor Emeritus & author, WWU Bellingham UU

Barbara Gilday - she's a winner as a speaker, and we're lucky to have her in our congregation. Barbara is always well-prepared, articulate and at ease. She is a polished professional: thoughtful, gentle, persuasive, and genuinely concerned about important things. How fortunate we are to know such people.
-Frank Morrow – Retired Judge Bellingham UU
- Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

Ms. Gilday is a fantastic speaker! Her knowledge and enthusiasm of developmental issues are grounded in the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity -motivating oneself to both reflection and action. She is an inspiration to us all and much appreciated by my classes at UW!
-Robert Farkasch, Ph.D Skagit UU
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, U of W., Bothell

In a world and nation increasingly polarized and xenophobic, a clear message of our common humanity is essential. The human spirit can only thrive in harmony and cooperation.
Barbara Gilday, whom I've been privileged to hear speak on a number of occasions, has the ability to bring home vividly her experiences in other lands, primarily in Africa, that are a wide departure from commonly shared perceptions of life in the US. She helps us better appreciate the hardship others endure while Americans pursue a culture of accumulation and waste.
Yet, despite the burdens of life in the "third world", Barbara shows the hopefulness that shines through. In every way, a spiritually uplifting message that will broaden horizons too often limited here at home.
-Richard Treston - Alger -Retired probation officer. Member of the church's program, social justice and ministerial search committees. Skagit UU

Recently I had the pleasure of hearing Barbara Gilday's presentation on her visit to Nigeria. In less than an hour, Barbara was able to fast forward the audience's awareness of its many important features. Not only did we learn a lot, but her obvious affection for the Nigerian people warmed our hearts and helped us to feel our connection to them. We were shown a series of beautiful PowerPoint photos as she narrated her experiences and encounters in various settings. Clothed in a beautiful Nigerian dress, she played recorded traditional music for us and showed us examples of everyday objects and art pieces as well. Explaining the joys and challenges of daily life, Barbara shared several deeply moving experiences with individuals and groups she met along the way. One came away from her presentation better informed and reflective upon how we are indeed all part of one human family, utterly connected even though separated by great distances. If you have the opportunity to hear her presentations, don't miss them!
-Becky Pillai – Teacher Bellingham UU

I did thoroughly enjoy your presentation! It could have easily slipped over the line and become a lecture we could have heard at Whidbey Institute. Somehow, though, through your readings, demeanor, songs and chalice lighting you held us in sacred space so I felt I was still at a UU service. Thank you for that - it could not have been easy and you accomplished it with immense grace.
Your presentation certainly stirred me deeply. So, yes, your subject is timely, relevant, inspiring, appreciated, eye-opening. It is a call to action. And your personal story compliments your story about Africa in a very graceful manner. I do support what you are about and firmly believe any and all UU churches would appreciate your presence in their pulpits.
-Terri Anderson – Worship Chair Whidbey Island UU

Barbara, Thanks again for your wonderful workshop today! I saw people opening up in ways I hadn't seen before. I liked the way you opening each segment with a personal story. This helped us understand what kind of person you are and encouraged other workshop participants. You left me with a lot to think about.
-RM - Group Facilitator

I don’t remember when I’ve had more positive feed back from our members about a guest speaker! Barbara is comfortable in and out of the pulpit and has so much to share. She’s a very warm and gracious lady. How fortunate we are to have her in our UU world.
-Theo Hull, Program Chair, Free Church Unitarian, Blaine.

Barbara Gilday is an engaging speaker who touches the heart. Her many years of chaplaincy work with terminal patients has shown her the many important issues around the dying process for both the patient and the family and she is able to portray these common issues in meaningful ways. She was the highest rated speaker at our recent "End of Life" seminar.
-Ginny Baker – Counselor, Finance Committee and organizer: End of Life Seminar, Bellingham UU

Thanks again for being with us at Pilgrim last Sunday. It was a wonderful service. I especially appreciated your story telling and how it wove into the singing and remainder of the service.
-Denny Palmer – Layperson, Hymn Writer, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Anacortes.