Leaders speak. Sometimes formally, sometimes off the cuff. We always want to have an impact. How do we do that?

There are entire books on the subject of effective speaking. Various courses can be taken to sharpen our communication skills. While most of us won’t have the time to take that course or read that book, we would still like some help.

Ministry mentor Fred Smith spent a lifetime speaking to corporate groups and identified some key elements for effective and meaningful messages as we speak to and lead others.

Here are three elements I have found useful.

  1. Be personal – There should be a one-on-one relationship between the speaker and the audience. That’s true whether we are in person in a small venue or a large auditorium. Through both eye contact and message content, build that personal relationship.
  2. Be prepared – Speak out of the overflow of preparation. Have enough material that appropriate shifts can be made when needed. And don’t be afraid to shorten your message if needed. Just be sure you are delivering enough content to accomplish your purpose in speaking.
  3. Be enjoyable – Always give illustrations that allow the audience to take away the key points…. Giving hope is your job as a communicator. Share good news.

I have often referred to the Apostle Paul’s speech to the Areopagus in Athens, the thinkers of that culture. It is found in Acts 17:22-31. Paul was personal, citing his visit to the beautiful city of Athens and the many statues he saw, tributes to their gods.

The Apostle was prepared. He sought to draw the listener in even further by quoting an Athenian poet to make his point.

And Paul was undoubtedly intriguing to his audience. Though his speech was interrupted when he spoke of the resurrection, the people said, “We want to hear more about this later.”

Was Paul’s message effective? Scripture tells us that some of those listeners continued to talk with Paul and became followers of Jesus Christ.

Our friend and media consultant Valerie Geller also has three points that apply beyond being on the air.

  1. Tell the truth. That should be a given
  2. Make the subject matter relevant to the listener.
  3. Never be boring. Valerie says there are no boring stories, just boring storytellers.

Can you use these suggestions to deliver a message with impact? Will you?

God’s best,