Weekly Thought – March 17, 2015
Fred identified his uniqueness early in his life. He consistently challenged others to do the same. He looked at his gifts, and his opportunities to define his purpose. Fred believed each and every person was born with purpose and should operate from this position.
Thank you for believing in our purpose and supporting us. We are always grateful.
Imperative in Effective Speaking (Part 5)
My speaking was greatly influenced by a drive across the farmlands of Indiana on the way to give a business talk in Indianapolis. It was spring and I watched a farmer plowing. In front of him was his faithful mule; following him were about fifty chickens. They were not following him to admire his plowing. They were following him because he was turning up worms. I said to myself, “Fred, turn up the worms and the chicken will follow.” Chickens need a reason to follow; so do listeners.
To me, it is pious irresponsibility to pull some religious Mother Hubbard gown over my lack of specificity by saying, “I want to give the full counsel,” or “We know God’s word will not return void.” My responsibility is to know which part of the full counsel I am to give today.
To communicate with purpose, we need to start at the close. Before you try to communicate, determine what you want to happen at the close:
1) How do you want the audience to feel?
2) What do you want them to do?
3) What attitude do you want them to have?
4) What do you want to happen because you spoke?
And be specific about your answers.
I personally want to change or solidify attitudes into convictions and positively affect behavior. When we are too general in our purpose, we seldom accomplish what we should.
We must remember: people hear what is interesting and retain what is immediately usable. A teacher of a large Sunday School class closes each lesson by saying, “This is how you can use this on Monday.” Then the teacher lists the ways the lesson can be specifically applied.
If after speaking I am complimented on my communication skills, I have failed. If they repeat something that is helpful, then I have succeeded.
Good communication is more than a function – it is a relationship. To be effective, it must be personal.
This week think about: 1) How much outcome prep do I do before speaking? 2) What is my uniqueness? 3) When do I feel I am operating in my sweet spot?
Words of wisdom: “Chickens need a reason to follow; so do listeners.”
Wisdom from the Word: “For I did not hold back from announcing to you the whole purpose of God.” (Acts 20:27 NET Bible)