The fear is often there 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 times like that we have to fall back on our prior experiences and apply some simple principles…such as have an interesting opening, know the audience, and simply be yourself.

A while back I 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.

  • TELL STORIES. People love stories. Jesus communicated by asking questions and telling stories. People also remember stories well.
  • SPEAK WITH PASSION. If you speak with genuine passion people will listen.
  • PREPARE WELL. 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).
  • START STRONG. This helps build confidence and sets the pace for the rest of the talk.
  • BE YOURSELF. 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.

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). Remember…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?

God’s best,