6524 —עצה לניירווען, דיבור בציבור, וחיזוק הבטחון

B"H, 19 Tishrei, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a prolonged interruption, your letter from the eve of Sukkos has arrived, and at an auspicious time you and your children will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, of righteous and saintly memory, whose soul is in the hidden treasuries of heaven, may his merit shield us, each one for what they need according to the content of your writing.

Regarding what you write about your manner of speaking: it is understood and simple that this is nothing more than a matter of nerves. The advice is to meditate on matters that strengthen the trait of bitachon (trust) in Hashem Yisbarach, especially on the subject of Divine Providence—that Hashem Yisbarach watches over everyone in every detail and at every moment. Especially since in the matter of Torah reading this is done for the honor of Hashem Yisbarach and for the honor of Torah; it makes no difference what people think. All this diminishes attention to those standing around you, and as a result, the agitation lessens and goes away.

If it happens that a certain word is hard to pronounce, then the simple advice is to reread several words before it (if there is no Divine Name among them), and then the word comes out more sharply together with the others. Surely the doctor treating you can find and advise you more details about this.

And when the general state of health becomes stronger, an improvement is also felt in the nerves and in what results from them.

With blessing for good news.

Because of the holiness of the festival, the Rebbe did not sign personally; I am signing on his behalf—the Mazkir (secretary).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that strengthening trust in Hashem and focusing on Divine Providence can help overcome nervousness in public speaking. Practical steps like reviewing words beforehand are suggested, along with seeking medical advice as needed.