The fear is often there with us at one level or another. We are called on to speak in public…to present our ministry or share new plans to a board or donors. It may be that we have the opportunity to talk before college or high school students. And if we are honest with ourselves, we are a bit nervous about doing it.

Most public speakers, even those who do it often, would admit to various levels of nervousness or even fear. And that’s not a bad thing. Often it drives us to prepare better…or it should. Yes, there are times when we are called upon in an impromptu setting to speak. It is in those times that we must fall back on our prior experiences and apply some simple principles…such as have an interesting opening, know the audience, and simply be yourself.

I recently came across an article by Sean McDowell. I don’t know Sean, but I have known his father, Josh McDowell, for many years. In the blog, Sean listed nine tips for public speaking. I won’t list all of them, but here are a few that may help you next time you have the opportunity to stand before others and share a message.

Public Speaking Tips by Sean McDowell

• TELL STORIES. People love stories. Jesus communicated by asking questions and telling stories. The first time I ever spoke at a weekend retreat my dad offered me three words of advice: stories, stories, stories. People also remember stories well.

• SPEAK WITH PASSION. I love listening to speakers who really care about their subject, regardless of what it is. It’s important not to overdue passion and sound like a salesman, but if you speak with genuine passion people will listen.

• PREPARE WELL. My dad spends about an hour of research for every minute of a talk. This may not always be possible, but you will be much more confident and effective if you have prepared well. And the audience can tell.

• IF POSSIBLE, HAVE ONE KEY POINT PER TALK. People typically forget the majority of what they hear in a talk within a few hours. But they remember stories and the key theme of a talk (if it was communicated well). Have one key point you want the audience to remember and repeat it and support it with stories, illustrations, examples, stats and more.

• START STRONG. Even though I have been speaking for a decade, I still get nervous every time. One of the ways I am able to overcome my nervousness is to start with a story or joke that immediately connects me to the audience. This helps me build confidence and sets the pace for the rest of the talk.

• BE YOURSELF. I made a lot of mistakes early in my speaking career by trying to have the same speaking style as my dad. While I’ve learned some amazing tips from him, I’ve become much more effective (and genuine) as I’ve learned my own personal style. Learn from others, but ultimately be true to your gifting, passion, and style.

• LOVE THE AUDIENCE. One of the best ways to win over an audience is to truly love them. My dad does this by showing up early at every talk to meet the audience and shake as many hands as he can.

I saved one of Sean’s points for last, because it is a great one to remember each time you speak.

• TALK TO GOD BEFORE YOU TALK TO PEOPLE. Only God can change someone’s heart, not persuasive words or arguments (although God may use our efforts). I try to always pray for wisdom, understanding, and love for my audience before every talk. It’s about God, not us.

What will be the one point you want to leave with your audience next time you speak? Do you want them to remember you…or remember God’s message to their heart? Many are searching…not for your wisdom and insight…but for that of the Lord. Like the Greeks who came to Philip, many are saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

Speak well…and show others Jesus.