Preaching and public speaking is a powerful tool for change. Throughout the centuries, many leaders and visionaries have expressed ideas that have moved audiences, inspired nations, forced change and ultimately found a way into our history books. Preaching is one such oratory form responsible for immeasurable impact of eternal significance. This art, science or skill be informed and developed to great effect. Great textbooks exist for the benefit of preachers and public speakers and The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource is one such source.[1] However, to further develop effective communication skills it may be useful to analyse additional resources that address particular areas of preaching and public speaking. This paper attempts to do that. The paper has divided the resources into eight categories relevant to contemporary communication and these are content, structure, audience, style, delivery, multisensory, video communication and online courses. The categories are examined in order of suggested relevance and concluding comments are offered last.
Content
One of the first large scale empirical studies of people who listen to sermons found that the largest majority of people (46%) of the sample thought ‘content’ was the single most important factor in effective communication.[2] To help develop the content material, a variety of sources are available to preachers and speakers that want to develop this. Fee et al.’s widely used seminal book, How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, is a scholarly yet accessible hermeneutical resource written by two leading professors of Old and New Testament interpretation (both of whom are from Pentecostal traditions). In the thirteen chapters published in 2014, they outline rules for textual interpretation in language that is easily understood. The book would inform the preparatory phase of sermon writing and would be a useful companion to other more exegetical resources (such as Teach the Text[3] exegetical commentary series or Logos bible software). Similarly, Christ-centered preaching: redeeming the expository sermon[4] is another seminal book that seeks to aid the development of textual exposition and Christ-centered content. The third edition of the book published in 2018 by Chapell, who is a Professor of homiletics and Presbyterian Senior Pastor (from a Reformed tradition), outlines the principles and practices of expository sermon writing. It is a readable yet technical book that favours a diagrammatic communication style. The usefulness lies in its ability to help speakers form sermon and message content that is Christocentric and redemptive. Therefore, it would be helpful to pastors or students that have emerged from traditions where moralistic or legalistic preaching was the norm. Helpfully, the book has become available as a free interactive online lecture course on The Gospel Coalition website.[5]
Structure
Once content has been created, the messages structure becomes an important factor in the development of effective communication. To help this, Murray, a Professor of Practical Theology (from a puritan Reformed tradition), published his book called How Sermons Work[6] and an accompanying video lecture series called How Sermons Work: Video Lectures On Preaching.[7] These resources are practical tools to help communicators understand a variety of sermon structures. His video lecture series takes a systematic and highly structured approach that would suit the development of a clinical communication style. However, this may not be suitable for particular contemporary church settings or traditions. Alternatively, contemporary communicators may find Webb’s book Preaching For The Contemporary Service[8] a useful resource. Webb notes the rise of multisensory ministry and suggests that traditional message structures are not necessarily effective in these environments. He advocates a less structured (but storyboarded) improvisational communication style that borrows from the performing arts and stand-up comedy so that a conversational message can be delivered (without notes). However, a balance between structure and audience connection may suggest that Stanley et al.’s book Communicating for Change[9] is a suitable option for contemporary contexts. Stanely, a non-denominational evangelical megachurch pastor, outlines his unique message structure (Me-We-God-You-Me) that focuses on connection with the audience and the need for an application. The book is written in a popular practical style but the usefulness centres around the ‘one point’ sermon concept and his structure is developed to achieve that. It is a practical guide for any communicator that wants to create ‘sticky’ content that is easily remembered and applied.
Audience
Understanding who the audience is and what they need is also an important factor in the development of effective communication skills. Maxwell, a high profile speaker, author and Wesleyan minister, published his book Everyone Communicates, Few Connect[10] to highlight the primary needs of all audiences, connection. His central argument helps clarify what an audience needs (care, help and trust) and offers highly practical ways in which to develop an audience-speaker connection (for example ‘the four components of connection’). His approach is anthropocentric and his popular book is useful because it encourages speakers to develop audience awareness (by doing research and asking questions about that group). This book appears to apply to the contemporary context as it gives a glimpse into the motivators of people and supports the current ‘connection’ based preaching styles that appear to be having resonance with post-modern audiences. Some argue that the book is too anthropocentric, nevertheless, it is a useful source for the development of effective communication skills in this period of history. Also, another book that seeks to blend anthropology with effective communication is Johnston’s Preaching to a Postmodern World. His book, written in 2001 from a pastoral practitioners perspective, seeks to be a tool for reaching the twenty first century listener. He suggests that communicators are to be like missionaries within their context and seek to understand their audiences paradigm while remaining faithful to exegetical integrity. Useful to contemporary communicators, this book unpacks the postmodern paradigm and offers practical ways in which to communicate effectively. Unquestionably the book is written for preachers, not scholars of postmodernity and the goal is not to critique the culture but to engage with it.
Style
In communication, finding your style and learning from others is also an important factor in the development of effective communication skills. Stone’s book Refining Your Style: Learning from Respected Communicators[11] is a fresh interactive approach that helps the reader learn from other high profile communicators. Stone, an American megachurch pastor, published his 2004 book to outline thirteen communication skills used by successful preachers. Written to those who are already in public communication roles, the author offers practical style changes through qualitative research (personal interviews) and audio clips on an accompanying CD. The list of thirteen communicators includes high profile names such as Graham, Lucado, Keller and McManus. Each person has his or her communication style defined, examined and illustrated with a corresponding audio clip on the CD (for example, styles included the storyteller, the analytic, the humourist and the visionary). Although it is a popular pastoral book, the communication analysis is thorough and offers communicators extensive contemporary information sourced from speakers who are active (and successful) in their craft. However, a more scholarly approach is Mulligan et al.’s seminal book Make the Word Come Alive.[12] It bases upon professorial homiletical research and analysis that draws upon interviewee’s responses to help outline components present in effective communication styles. The book derives its conclusions from a large-scale systematic study of how listeners describe the experience of hearing sermons. Mulligan et al. categorise their findings into twelve communication styles all of which are based upon qualities or characteristics that listeners most commonly seek. For example, ‘keep it short’, ‘don’t oversimplify’, ‘use your own experience’ and ‘be lively’.
Delivery
Another scholarly text that seeks to aid the development of effective communication is The Handbook of Communication Skills (4th Edition)[13] by Hargie, a Professor of Communication. The textbook is one of the core resources in communication, offering a state-of-the-art overview of this rapidly developing field of study. Hargie’s handbook is based on the core tenet that communication is a form of skilled activity, and therefore, covers topics such as non-verbal behaviour, humour, self-disclosure (strategic revelation of personal information), contextual communication and the use of digital technology. The communication skills addressed in this book offer communicators the information needed to develop more than just technical competencies. However, the verbal and non-verbal technical skills section is of particular use to public speakers. Topics such as voice speed, volume and intonation are coupled with non-verbal skills such as eye contact, gestures and facial expressions. These chapters are particularly useful when considering an online audience. His research suggests that effective communication in contemporary settings often requires the speaker to convey ideas without the use of notes.[14] Therefore, an analysis of Webb’s book Preaching Without Notes[15] appears to be relevant. Webb, a Professor of Communication Studies, argues that preaching without a manuscript is a matter of preparation (not talent) and the payoff is the development of messages that are more effective, free-flowing and engaging. This source is expertly written and offers transcript examples of a sermons preached without notes. Although not everyone will agree with his emphasis on preaching without paper, his assertions are contemporary and in line with current communication trends.
Multisensory
Another contemporary trend that has gained significant momentum is the use of multisensory preaching and teaching that interfaces with multiple human senses. In his book, The Power of Multisensory Preaching and Teaching: Increase Attention, Comprehension, Retention,[16] Blackwood, a researcher and senior pastor, presents biblical and scientific evidence showing that multisensory communication is linked to greater the levels of learner attention, comprehension and retention. The author addresses both the “why” and the “how” of multisensory communication and includes examples and worksheets. Helpfully, he refers to the use of props, object lessons, interactive tools, video clips, drama, art, music, thematic backdrops, food, smells and other creative elements that stimulate sensory perception. Through this resource, communicators gain an understanding of effective multisensory options and are likely to increase listener retention. Also, the argument for multisensory preaching is further complimented by Cummins in his paper Creative Preaching: How Multi-Sensory Preaching Connects the Word of God to the Twenty-First Century Culture. As the title outlines, this scholarly work argues that a multisensory communication style (which he classifies as science rather than art) is conducive to twenty first century culture and therefore an effective contemporary method and style.[17] Helpfully, he offers a robust and convincing theological framework for multisensory preaching by examining Jesus’ methods (of using touch, sound, objects and multiple sense scenarios, like the last supper). His research supports the impact of eight multisensory options (video, drama, object lessons, movement, lighting, music, smell and sound) and his findings become useful tools for the development of effective communication skills.
Video communication
Similarly, communicating online is an important aspect of contemporary communication, however, the resources available to preachers and public speakers are limited and could be categorised as popular but not scholarly. Hilgemann, a pastor and founder of propreacher.com, offers practical advice in a series of online blog articles. On his website, www.propreacher.com Hilgeman addresses three main topics and these include preaching to a camera,[18] how to film preaching videos[19] and the post editing process.[20] His online articles and accompanying videos are highly practical (offering suggestions on equipment and specific technical skills) and current (created within the last two months). However, his assertions are derived from personal experience and not validated by research. Alternatively, there is robust research in the field of communication and media. Welbourne et al.’s peer-reviewed paper Science communication on YouTube[21] utilises statistical analysis to help understand what makes online communication effective. Their findings are useful, in particular, the emphasis on communication speed and the necessity of being relatable or ‘real’. Also, Stoorvogel’s 2019 doctoral thesis Moving Sermons: Studies into the Persuasive Effects of Preaching[22] uses qualitative and quantitative analysis to better understand contemporary effective communication skills. Helpfully, his findings suggest that human-interest stories, humour, multimedia, direct appeal, invitation and ritual are effective online communication strategies. Also, The Handbook of Media and Communication Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies[23] (second edition) outlines research from twelve professors specialising in communication and media and offers suggestions for communicating via video. Preachers and public speakers will benefit from the analysis of effective videography environments (which emphasises the importance of lighting and video framing) and suggested technical skills such as focalization and eye contact. Jensen et al.’s findings offer an approach to online communication that is extensively researched using multi-method research tools and analysis.
Online Courses
Also, many online courses offer preachers and public speakers practical information for the development of effective communication skills. Although many are popular, Professor Hale, from the University of Cambridge, offers a twelve unit lecture series called the Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History. His lectures offer a scholarly online learning experience that covers useful topics like practising delivery, being yourself, making it a story, painting pictures with words and the call for positive action. Hale’s work is based upon the research of effective historical orators and offers practical advice applicable to numerous communication contexts including corporate presentation, interviewing, lecturing and preaching.
Conclusion
This paper has sought to analyse several relevant resources available to a preacher or public speaker for the development of effective communication skills. The paper has divided resources into eight categories relevant to contemporary communication: content, structure, audience, style, delivery, multisensory, video communication and online courses. From the resources that have been analysed, communication appears to be understood as either: an art (that mimics performing arts), a science (that utilises multisensory technology) or a technical skill (incorporating learned and practised human behaviour). Also, of the eight resource categories, content and audience appear to be generalisable topics that every communicator must grasp, despite his or her specific speaking role. However, resources that address structure and delivery can be suitably selected depending upon communication style. Also, despite the numerous popular and scholar resources outlining effective communication skills, there are indications that more scholarly research is needed in the field of video and online communication. The emergence of this field requires further examination and this may be the subject of further research.
[1] Haddon W. Robinson and Craig Brian Larson, eds., The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators, 1st ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2005).
[2] Ronald J Allen and Dale P. Andrews, Listening to Listeners: Homiletical Case Studies, ed. John S. McClure (St. Louis, Mo: Chalice Press, 2004).
[3] John H. Walton and Mark L. Strauss, Teach the Text Commentary Series, 9 vols., Teach the text commentary series (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013).
[4] Bryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon, Third Edition. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018).
[5] www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/christ-centered-preaching/#course-introduction
[6] David Murray, How Sermons Work (Welwyn Garden City, UK: EP Books, 2017).
[7] www.headhearthand.org/how-sermons-work-video-lectures
[8] Joseph M. Webb, Preaching for the Contemporary Service (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2006).
[9] Andy Stanley and Lane Jones, Communicating for a Change (Sisters, Or: Multnomah Publishers, 2006).
[10] John C. Maxwell, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently (Nashville, Tenn: Thomas Nelson, 2010).
[11] Dave Stone, Refining Your Style: Learning from Respected Communicators (Loveland, Colo: Group, 2004).
[12] Mary Alice Mulligan and Ronald J. Allen, Make the Word Come Alive, Channels of listening (St. Louis, Mo: Chalice Press, 2005).
[13] Owen Hargie, ed., The Handbook of Communication Skills, Fourth Edition. (New York: Routledge, 2019).
[14] Webb, Preaching for the Contemporary Service.
[15] Joseph M. Webb, Preaching without Notes (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2001).
[16] Rick Blackwood, The Power of Multi-Sensory Preaching and Teaching: Increase Attention, Comprehension, and Retention (Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2008).
[17] Mark D Cummins, “Creative Preaching: How Multi-Sensory Preaching Connects the Word of God to the Twenty-First Century Culture,” Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (2004): 145.
[18] www.propreacher.com/preaching-to-a-camera
[19] www.propreacher.com/how-i-film-videos-for-my-church
[20] www.propreacher.com/how-i-edit-videos-for-my-church
[21] Dustin Welbourne and Will Grant, “Science Communication on YouTube: Factors That Affect Channel and Video Popularity,” Public understanding of science (Bristol, England) 25 (2015).
[22] Henk Stoorvogel, “Moving Sermons: Studies into the Persuasive Effects of Preaching” (PhD, University of Twente, 2019).
[23] Klaus Bruhn Jensen, ed., The Handbook of Media and Communication Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies, 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge, 2012).