Home Pastors Pastor Blogs 3 Suggestions to Make a Good Speech or Sermon Great

3 Suggestions to Make a Good Speech or Sermon Great

One secret to effective speaking is to learn what not to say…

Don’t give everything you’ve got in a message.

A standard joke is about the young preacher giving his first message. After he has studied hard and has lots of information, he can’t help but share everything he’s got. One key, however, to an effective message is when the speaker learns what to say and what not to say. The “what not to say” is perhaps the more important part. I’m not an expert speaker, but for me, the best part of my sermon message preparation is after it’s written, going back and cutting parts of it to tighten up the talk.

Here are 3 suggestions to make a good talk great.

Be intentional to say the right things – It’s easier just to throw everything in the talk. Deciding the right thing to say takes more effort, but makes the talk better.

Honor people’s time – Let’s face it. People are busy. They get bored easily. They check out before you make your final points. Understand this and you’ll keep their attention long enough to say what you need to say.

Leave them wanting more – It’s always good to leave your audience with an anticipation, rather than looking at their watch.

Unless you and I are exceptional communicators (the kind of communicator who is better than they even think they are), then we need to learn how to trim our messages, leaving the best parts and cutting the fluff. We will be more pleased with your results.

Have you sit through a speech or message that went too long?

BTW, what do you do when you get bored listening? Do you sleep…check your phone…doodle? Seriously…I’m curious…  (Grace Community Church peeps need not reply…Ha!)

(Pastors, there’s still time for this Sunday!)