According to Carol Kent, attitude is the key to becoming a successful public speaker. Carol invites the reader to check to see if she has a negative or a positive attitude towards speaking: What responses apply...An attitude that says, “Not Me!” or “Why Me?” or one that says, “Yes, Lord!” She warns the prospective speaker that comparing yourself with others can cause spiritual debilitation and poor performance. The purpose of her book is to help the reader use their God-given abilities to exalt Jesus Christ and communicate His truth in the most effective way.[1] In the book, “Who Me, Give a Speech?” Nancy I. Alford, writes, “We Christian women are powerful tools for Kingdom work. There is a dying world weary of sin. There is a Christian world weary of battle. How wonderful to be able to reach others with articulated hope.”[2] Both of these writers give genuine motivation for women to seriously consider sharing Christ through public speaking.
CHAPTER TWO – MOSES, ME, AND OTHER UNLIKELY PUBLIC SPEAKERS
Ordinary People with an Extraordinary God
A list of people God picked to be His representatives are presented. Carol leads the reader to find the one that he or she can most identify with in terms of qualifications, fears or emotional responses. Moses was a man without natural speech ability; Joseph had great ability that was put on hold for years; Peter and John were unschooled and ordinary men who had been with Jesus; Paul was highly educated with a Christless background; Joshua was a reluctant leader at first, yet, God gave him an important assignment; David was the least likely candidate for leadership and yet was greatly used by God; Jonah was a disobedient leader who got a second chance; Esther was a woman not raised in the home of her biological parents and yet used her gift of influence to bring about national change; Peter often spoke before he thought and yet finally learned self-control; and finally, Matthew was a “meticulous person with great organizational ability that gave his potential to the Lord”. [3]
Carol’s approach of presenting people that God has used to effectively serve Him in spite of having human traits like ours was very effective. After reading about these Biblical characters and seeing how human they were, I felt encouraged that I, too, can serve God.
Part Two – How do I Prepare a Talk
CHAPTER THREE – IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING, YOU WILL PROBABLY WIND UP SOMEWHERE ELSE
An Overview of How to Prepare a Talk
Every speech starts with an idea and it is important to eliminate all but the best information and illustrations. Carol teaches that preparing an outline is an effective way to narrow the focus of the talk. It is important to rely on God’s direction as topics are chosen and messages come together. An idea about what other people are interested can be discovered by reviewing magazines. When deciding on a topic it can also be helpful to ask yourself what you know a lot about and if you have an urgency to speak about it. When preparing a speech for a particular group, ask the following questions of yourself: Who? What? Why? How? Asking these questions can help to think in outline form and can be helpful in finding good illustrations to use. Carol encourages the reader’s outline to be brief, simple, visual and correct. She gives detailed examples and illustrations to help with understanding how to prepare a good outline. The charts included are a wonderful resource when preparing for a speech. [4]
CHAPTER FOUR – BIG LIPS AND OTHER BEAUTY MARKS
The Art of Developing Personal Illustrations
Defining the purpose of the speech and then developing illustrations will make the truth you are conveying memorable to your audience. According to Carol, “Illustrations move people from the outline to the heart of the talk”.[5] Carol checks each speech for balance between laughter and tears because she has discovered that people listen more closely and make more life-changing decisions when her illustrations include a variety of warm humor and meaningful experiences. But, she warns against having too much of either in your speech because having too much of either can be exhausting to the audience.
In getting started in writing a speech, it is helpful to make use of your past, nationality, birth, childhood, or whatever would be appropriate. Then develop spiritual applications around the subject chosen: What emotions did I experience? What spiritual lesions did I learn? What scripture passage comes to mind? How could my willingness to tell this story help another person? Some useful guidelines for illustrations are given.[6] I agree with Carol that illustrations are a good way to communicate our message. I use illustrations freely when counseling others because it is a great way to convey important principles to the person I am trying to help.
CHAPTER FIVE – START WITH A BANG!
Gaining Rapport
The audience will decide if it’s worth their time to listen to you in the first thirty seconds. This is the reason that the first twenty-five words of your speech will need to seize the attention of the audience. The opening should be kept brief and the words chosen carefully. It should capture attention, create warmth, surface needs of the audience and introduce the subject of your talk. Carol quotes Paul O’Neil, a writer for Life magazine, who says, “Always grab the reader by the throat in the first paragraph, sink your thumbs into his windpipe in the second and hold him against the wall until the tag line.” [7]
It is important to have a thorough understanding of your overall aim prior to preparing the introduction or what Carol refers to as the “rapport step”. She recommends beginning with a humorous anecdote because the bottom line is that the audience will feel better after they’ve had a good laugh. The audience will always remember your opening longer if you use a visual according to Carol. After preparing a grabber opening, the transitional statement needs to be planned carefully. It is the bridge into your main message and will tie your opening to the subject of the talk. A good transitional statement could include an illustration from a related topic, a series of thought-provoking questions, a reference to the music, occasion, or problem of the meeting, an interesting description of your topic, a quotation, a rhetorical question, a list of statistics, a startling statement of fact or opinion or a visual aid.[8]
CHAPTER SIX – FINISHING TOUCHES Preparing the Conclusion and Putting it all Together
The purpose of the conclusion of a speech is to spotlight the thought and feeling of the audience on the important idea that has been developed. Carol emphasized the importance of being sure that your conclusion is forceful. Do you want them to be challenged or to believe something or to just to inform them? Some of the most effective methods of closing a talk are ending with: 1) a quotable quote; 2) giving a dynamic; 3) challenge; 4) suggesting a plan of action; 5) giving a thought-provoking question; 6) giving a summary of the main points; 7) making a statement of personal intention; or, 8) using a closing story that is a personal illustration or from someone else. [9]
PART THREE - HOW DO I DELIVER A TALK?
CHAPTER SEVEN – LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
Delivering a Message Effectively
Because the mind works a lot faster than a speaker communicates her message, the audience will have a lot of time to evaluate your appearance, eye contact, body language and vocal variety. People hear seven percent of the actual words we speak. Thirty-eight percent of the meaning is conveyed through our tone and fifty-five percent is communicated nonverbally. The tone, volume, variety, quality and vibrancy of our voices have a big impact on the way we communicate with others. Facial expression, eye contact and body language convey whether or not we believe our message and have confidence to give it. According to Carol, the most powerful nonverbal communication we have is eye contact, but second on the list is the handshake. She advises that when greeting a person we grasp the whole hand firmly and confidently look her in the eyes.[10]
Getting people to like you is an important part of getting them to appreciate our message. Norman Vincent Peale wrote that Christianity teaches that one basic trait will go far in getting people to like you. Those traits are a sincere and forthright interest in and love for people. [11] I have found from personal experience that even when I must give a difficult message, others are more receptive to my message when they sense my interest and love for them.
CHAPTER EIGHT – PURSUE EXCELLENCE
More Tips for Speakers and Leaders
Fear of speaking is a challenge that many of us face. A little humor can go a long way towards helping us overcome it. Erma Bombeck recognized that problem and suggested, “Demand a podium capable of supporting a dead body (yours) up to 187 pounds. Throw yourself over it, being sure to hook your arm over the microphone so you won’t slip away.” [12] I think Erma gave all potential speakers excellent advice!
A person can overcome stage fright by being prepared and using notes for speeches is also helpful. Write out your speech in manuscript form and then reduce the notes to a sentence outline of the body of the talk. After that, highlight or circle key words and then reduce your notes from a sentence outline to a key word outline using as few cards as possible. It is helpful to memorize your opening and your conclusion, but memorizing the whole speech can sound academic or boring.
The quality of ministry will improve if you have a regular program of proper diet and exercise and you will have more energy and confidence as a result. It is important to dress appropriately for the occasion because according to Carol, appearance does matter. If you have a businesslike, attractive appearance, you might have something worthwhile to say. Non- Christians will be attracted to you before they are attracted to your message. You can involve your audience by using visual aids, passing out printed copies of your outline, or having them repeat power phrases or quotations after you.
In order to pursue God’s excellence, you will need to pray for God’s guidance in your choice of topic, the place of your ministry, and your motive for speaking. Confess all known sin and be an example of the believers in your sphere of influence. Study the bible consistently and remember that you are simply a vehicle for God’s message. Avoid procrastination by preparing early. Above all, depend on God’s power and not your own.[13] Carol’s advice about depending on God is imperative for me to live by, because I believe that an attempt to accomplish any service for Christ in my own strength is a guarantee of failure.
PART FOUR – WHAT DO I SPEAK ABOUT?
CHAPTER NINE – GETTING STARTED
Making Introductions, Leading a Meeting, and Guiding a Discussion
Accepting leadership responsibilities includes effectively introducing other speakers. When making an introduction be brief and personal while remaining appropriate and accurate. This can be done by being well prepared. To effectively lead groups there are important principles to follow: 1) Know your purpose; 2) Narrow your aim; 3) Have an agenda; 4) Stay on schedule; and 5) Learn to delegate. Establish a warm and safe atmosphere by giving the participants time to get to know each other and then go over guidelines before getting started. Encourage group participation and remember to use tact when correction is needed. Most importantly pray for your group.[14] I have not personally led a formal meeting and so I found the knowledge and advice in this chapter especially helpful.
CHAPTER TEN – YOUR LIFE STORY HAS POTENTIAL!
Preparing your Personal Testimony
There are three main reasons why a personal testimony is an excellent place to start as a speaker: 1) Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19); 2) Your life is unique; and[15], 3) You will help to gain the attention of your audience by giving your testimony. It should include your life before Christ and establish why it needed to change. Tell how you solved the problem and explain how your life changed after coming to Christ. Give illustrations, make spiritual application, and then give clear instructions on ways the audience can make the same application. Close with prayer, a word of assurance and a challenge.15
CHAPTER ELEVEN – THE MOST EXCITING BOOK OF ALL!
Teaching the Bible with Clarity
Make a commitment to study the Bible with the belief that it is God-breathed and every word is true. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Carols suggests reading the passage or chapter you plan to teach in at least two different translations. Give each verse a number and then give a verse by verse description. Then find three or four main themes found in these verses and you will have an outline for the lesson that you are teaching. Carol emphasizes the importance of accuracy and diligence in our study of the Bible so that God will be pleased with our work.[16] The Word of God is the foundation my faith is established on. It is the power of God in my life; it directs, encourages and helps me to grow in my walk with God. I appreciated receiving Carol’s teaching regarding how to successfully prepare an outline. It has provided me with a real tool that I can put to use when preparing a Bible study to share with others.
PART FIVE – HOW DO I GET ORGANIZED?
CHAPTER TWELVE – ORGANIZATION INSIDE OUT
Preparing for Leadership and Organizing Your Material
Good listening skills are invaluable for establishing rapport and for building your resource file for speech material. Subscribe to any periodical that will keep you current on the needs represented by the people that are the heart of your ministry. It is helpful to read books and newspapers and keep notes of the relevant information gleaned from them. Carol suggests having a filing system and gives categories to help organize the information you keep. She also suggests customizing a notebook for time management that could include a daily to-do list, a calendar, a prayer list, a journal, sermon or conference notes, expenses and a section for miscellaneous items such as phone numbers or grocery lists.[17] Experience has taught me to utilize the suggestions in this chapter. They were not new to me, but reaffirmed the importance of being organized. I will continue to try to improve the organizational tools that I now use.
PART SIX – WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
Chapter 13 – Disciplines of the Effective Speaker
The Difference Between “Doing” and “Being”
Carol ends with practical principles for ordering our lives. 1) Make knowing God your highest aim. 2) Learn to say no. 3) Realize that public ministry is not more important than other service to God. 4) Expect criticism. 5) Plan for celebration and Sabbath (plan for rest and fun) 6) Have prayer partners. 7) Provide a pattern for others. Are we providing others with a Christ like pattern that is worthy of imitation? Every audience wants to know that your lifestyle is backing up what you say you believe. [18]
I have found that learning to say no is my biggest challenge. I want others to think well of me and to know that I care about them. Saying yes is a short cut to gaining that approval and respect, but one that can cause me to be disobedient to God’s call on my life. Putting God first as Carol suggests is a good way to counter this temptation.
II. INTEGRATION OF THE ACADEMIC AND THE PERSONAL
I can relate to the life of David in that he was the least likely person to be chosen for leadership. Even so, he was chosen by God to be Israel’s leader. And, when anointed with the Spirit David became a man God could use to bring glory to Himself. Like David, I have allowed my emotions to rule at times. Serious mistakes and horrible consequences follow emotional decisions. I believe that all things are possible because of God’s grace and power. He has forgiven me and has called me to serve Him. My weakness has become a great strength in that I now understand that I have nothing to offer apart from God’s guidance and blessing. Given the fact that I’m starting late in life to develop my ministry, it is tempting to compare myself with others. But, by studying books like this one, I can be encouraged that is never too late to get started in serving God. I appreciated Carol’s openness about her own shortcomings and weakness. She presents a strong example of how anyone that is willing can be used by God.
III. APPLICATION TO MINISTRY
In previous years I would have been afraid to consider becoming a public speaker. But, having been forced into speaking by a former employer, I’ve had the opportunity to see that I can speak in public. Carol’s book is loaded with encouragement to get started. The abundant illustrations, examples, instructions and guidelines given in Carol’s book provide tools that will help me to communicate with a greater amount of effectiveness and professionalism. This book will be an excellent resource for years to come.
In addition, the chapter on developing personal illustrations is an encouragement to make use of my past. I’ve overcome challenges with illness, divorce and the abuse of my children by applying Biblical principles. These experiences can be used in helping other women find answers and hopefully also avoid some of the mistakes that I have made.
I was especially motivated by the chapter on how to teach the Bible more effectively. “Luckydipping” is a temptation given my busy schedule, but Carol’s book reminded me that I need to go deeper and discourages me from being slothful in regard to my Bible studies. I will incorporate her suggestion to turn off the television when it would be easier to relax and be entertained. After reading the book I have established a place to study where I can have a surface to write on and where I will have enough space to open my reference books. I’m setting aside a specific time for study to read, take notes, and pray whether I feel like it or not. This book will be an important resource as I work with my church in developing a lay counseling ministry. It is hard to find any fault or criticism for the work presented in Carol’s book. I only have high praises!
[1] Carol Kent, Speak Up With Confidence: A Step by Step Guide for Speakers and Leaders, (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1997), 13-17.[2] ???[3] Kent, 19-37[4] Kent, 41-57 [5] Kent, 60[6] Kent, 59-77[7] Kent, 83[8] Kent, 79-94[9] Kent, 95-111[10]Kent, 115-127[11] Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking, (Englewood: Prentice-Hall, 1952)[12] Erma Bombeck, “A practiced public speaker has nothing (much) to fear.”[13] Kent, 129-146[14] Kent, 149-161[15]Kent, 163-181 [16] Kent, 183-200[17] Kent, 203-219[18] Kent, 223-238
All pages copyright 1999 - 2008 Leslie Shaw Holzmann
