Here's something I wrote a couple of years ago about preaching. None of it is original, but it would be hard to accurately cite all the sources. David Thomas and Tom Holland were my speech and sermon delivery teachers respectively at Freed-Hardeman in the early seventies. As you will see if you read this, I've also been strongly influenced by the national news anchors over the years, Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Tom Brokaw, et al. Guy N. Woods, a lawyer, writer and gospel preacher, was a strong influence when I was in my twenties. And, not to forget - my favorite preacher of all time: fellow Lamar Countian, V. P. Black.

Sermon Delivery

Foreword

It is the intent of these notes to address mainly the mechanics of religious public speaking as opposed to the content of the message. The content of a religious message must, of course, be Biblically accurate.

Philosophy of Public Speaking in a Religious Context

It is the purpose of sermon and/or lesson delivery to inform, explain, and motivate. We must answer the questions: What does the Bible say? What does this text mean? and What must I do about it? We must answer these questions in a manner which will secure and maintain our audience’s interest.

Public Speaking Suggestions

1. Present to the audience as confident but not arrogant.

2. Take charge of the situation (you have been asked to speak). Avoid false humility.

3. Be yourself. Everyone has different styles. Work on discovering yours and then exploit it.

4. Learn from the example of others but don’t copy them. Watch the national evening news anchors on TV.

5. Speak up. Don’t mumble. Remember, you were asked to speak, so people want to hear you.

6. Speak clearly and distinctly. Be sure you accurately pronounce the endings of your words. Have an active and nimble tongue.

7. Speak correctly. Say your words properly and make sure you string them together into complete sentences. Incorrect subject/verb agreement is not only embarrassing, but will cause the content of your remarks to lose credibility. You don’t want people to dismiss your message because you don’t speak correct English.

8. Generally avoid slang words such as “ain’t.” Also, “Going to” is not pronounced “Gonna.” If you say the words properly, no one will notice, and that’s the idea. If you say them improperly, people may turn you off. If there is any question as to the pronunciation of or meaning of a word, look it up or don’t use it. Your dictionary is your friend.

9. Present seriously, yet pleasantly. You will likely receive a better hearing if you do not assume an argumentative attitude.

10. Try real hard to avoid our Southern drawl. We are all proud to be from the South, but it is generally better to speak publicly without an accent. Again, listen to the national news anchors. Can you tell where they’re from?

11. As a possible effort to finish quickly, do not speak too rapidly. Slow down and collect your thoughts. The pause is an effective way to hold attention.

12. Avoid distracting and annoying gestures, pacing, etc.
13. Look at your audience.

14. Dress appropriate to the occasion.

John Brown
August 26, 2004