That was the conclusion of Solomon in the opening verses of Ecclesiastes. What has been before will be again. That truth emerges in many places, even in our fast-changing media world. The technology may change, but even the ancient principles of communication hold true.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle, who lived four centuries before Christ, developed a model of communication that still guides us today as we seek to share information with others, especially biblical truth. Here are the things to consider:

  1. Speaker – the person delivering the message
  2. Speech – the message itself, including content, language, and delivery style
  3. Audience – the group of people who passively receive the message
  4. Occasion – the context or setting where the speech is delivered
  5. Effect – the impact or result the speech has on the audience

It seems obvious that the message content is important, but what about the speaker? Do we like them? Do we trust them? Do they have a style or mannerism that distracts from the message?

We also need to consider the audience. Who is receiving the message? Where are they? What are they doing? Are they in a car, distracted by other drivers in traffic? Are they at home or in a hospital room? Are they in a worship service? And what is the mindset of those listening to the message? These factors are crucial for knowing what to say and how to say it if we want to truly impact lives.

It is essential to consider how the message affects the audience. Have they been prompted to take action? Are they bored or show little or no positive response? Think about Paul’s speech to the men of Athens found in Acts 17. Paul needed to understand who he was speaking to. They were the elite of Athens, sitting around doing what they usually did—listening to every new idea. Paul understood that and crafted a brilliant message.

The Apostle started by acknowledging the many statues across the city, then announced to the crowd:

When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently…

Acts 17:23 MSG

That is a dramatically different speech than the one Paul delivered to King Agrippa, as found in Acts 26. A different audience. A different setting. Therefore, a very different message.

As Paul did, the next time you deliver a message, take to heart the five elements of communication that Aristotle outlined. And see if the results bring more impact and action, all for the Lord’s purpose.

God’s best,