![Public Speaking in the Church [Series]](https://churchm.ag/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/public-speaking-in-the-church-image.jpg)
Public speaking.
It’s one of the biggest fears people can have (the fancy word for it is glossophobia, in case you wanted to know). In many surveys, it ranks even above what you’d think was the thing that scares us as humans most: death.
It’s also one of the things that when done wrong, annoys people to no end. We’ve all sat through boring and loooong presentations or talks that dragged on and on and on.
As Christians, we are often involved in public speaking—even those who don’t actually ‘preach.’ We’re asked to lead a Bible study, give a short talk or testimony; we’re leading worship, or doing the announcements. And because of those fears of failing, or getting it wrong, of being rejected, many Christians shy away from any and all occasions where they’d have to say something from a stage.
Yet, public speaking can be learned. Creating a compelling, attractive talk that captivates your listeners is easier than many people assume. Whether it’s a one minute talk in between worship songs or a 45 minute sermon, the principles for creating and delivering an effective talk are the same.
Public Speaking in the Church
In this series on Public Speaking in the Church, we’ll cover these principles. We’ll talk about structure, content, and delivery style. We’ll focus on using technology, like the proper use of a microphone, whether to use a Powerpoint or something similar, and how to use multimedia.
Beginners will get a solid framework to get started, while those who are already speaking will receive tips and tricks to further hone their craft. And if there is any topic you’d like to see covered, or if you have any questions about public speaking in the church, leave a comment and we’ll cover it!
Here are some of the topics you can expect (we’ll keep adding to these, so keep checking this post for reference!):
- What’s your Big Idea?
- Structuring your Talk
- How to Find Your Big Idea
- The Three Act Structure
- Creating a Compelling Opening
- Ending Your Talk Strong
- The Amazing Power of Stories
- Using your Voice to Keep Listeners Engaged
- Speaking with or without Notes
- Ussing Effective Multimedia with Your Talk
- 10 Common Multimedia Presentation Mistakes
- How (Not) to Use a Microphone
- What your Body is Telling your Audience
- What You Need to Know about Your Audience
- How to Get the Tech Team to Love you as a Speaker
- Avoid These Common Slide Mistakes
- How to Connect with Your Audience
- Reading the Audience While Speaking
In the meantime, I would love to hear from you!
What’s your biggest fear when it comes to public speaking?
And what are some weaknesses you struggle with?
[Blue featured mic image via Arkaitz Garro via Compfight cc & mic image via Freely cc]
Rachel Miedema
Rachel is a full-time writer and former youth pastor who devours books. She loves Star Wars, has a weakness for Belgian chocolate, hears the mountains call all the time, and is a walking encyclopedia of completely random facts. Seriously, just ask her.
Excited about this series. This is a huge weakness for me. Becoming less afraid to speak, but finding out just how hard it is to articulate a message that people will retain and take action on. Arguments and facts help, but it’s true that stories create movement. I would say my voice might actually be my biggest weakness. That’s sounds weird, but my voice just doesn’t carry that well.
Anyway, the list of topics look interesting. I’m sure they will be fun reads.
I’d say that if you realize the power of stories, you’ve made a crucial step already 🙂 When you tal;k about your voice, do you mean your physical voice, so volume and stuff like that, or more how you use your voice, so aspects like pitch, rhythm, timbre, etc.? I’ll be sure to cover this!
This should be good. 🙂
Thanks. I’m really excited, as this is a topic that’s so close to my heart!
I have been asked to speak at a 50th church anniversary as my family were founding members and to share God s marvelous works in the early days. I am a senior citizen and am not a good writer and not a good speaker. I will never get such an opportunity again to testify of the Goodness of our loving Saviour to so many people in one sitting. I have scribbled down some of the memories and highlights but need to make them inspiring encouraging and above all to make the audience feel the Wonder working power of God. I also want God to be glorified and uplifted and for people to re energise their faith and draw closer to God.
Could you please help me. This event is soon. I could email what I wrote and if you would be so kind to please make this speech Praiseworthy to the almighty God.
God bless
Mavis