Weekly Thought – February 10, 2015
Fred’s speaking abilities gave him opportunities throughout his life. Even in his last years of immobility groups gathered to hear what him. On Saturdays they encircled him in what affectionately became known as “Fred in the Bed.” His last session was less than two weeks before his death.
We thank you for the gracious support through prayer, financial gifts, and words. We want to continue sharing Fred’s wisdom. And, as we grow the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute, our goal is to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”
Fred’s article on Imperatives in Effective Speaking will be excerpted over the next five weeks in a series of Weekly Thoughts. Today’s is an overview of the points. Build a file for these excerpts – they are keepers.
Effective Speaking – Introduction
Speaking to an audience is an awesome responsibility. When you speak to a thousand listeners for thirty minutes you have used five hundred hours of human life.
Only a few speakers are great, but many could be better by recognizing both the science and art of speaking. Like great musicians, there must first be a natural talent, then years and years of coaching and practice to achieve the art.
The basics are the science and the nuances are the art.
In this article I’m attempting to share my personal experience as a former professional speaker and lifelong student of communication. I am saying little of the most that can be said. I hope this will be helpful.
1) Prepare your attitude
2) Prepare your content
3) Be believable
4) Be audience oriented
5) Be personal
6) Be enjoyable
7) Be human
8) Utilize basic presentation skills
9) Communicate with purpose
10) Be empowered
11) Pray before speaking
12) Discover the sacredness of brevity
This week think about: 1) Which point intrigues me as I improve my communication skills? 2) How can I apply these coming weeks to grow? 3) Who needs to receive these thoughts?
Words of Wisdom: “The basics are the science and the nuances are the art.”
Wisdom from the Word: “A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, and the work of his hands will be rendered to him.” (Proverbs 12:14 NET Bible)