8 Practices To Increase The Quality Of Your Speaking

I have no problems talking.  I could go on and on.  That’s part of being an ENFP (Extrovert, iNtuitive, Feeling and Perception).  I never needed practice, or least I thought.  Early on I was losing people left and right.

Courtesy of MattJiggins/Creative Commons License

Speaking is an important part of youth ministry.  You need to be able to speak in front of parents, volunteers and of course teenagers.  If you communicate clearly you can mobilize the next generation.  

To improve upon the quality of your speaking you need to have a few best practices.  Does not matter if you are naturally gifted.  What makes a great speaker is someone who puts time, and attention behind what they do.  

8 practices that are essential to increasing the quality of your messages are:

PROTECTING YOUR PRACTICE TIME

Once you finish writing a message it’s easy to tell yourself, “I’m done.”  The reality is you are just getting started.  The amount of time you practice is what will take your message to the next level.  Designate time to this practice by writing it into your schedule.  Treat it like a mandatory meeting and avoid scheduling it out.

MAKING NOTES IN THE MARGINS

As you practice make notes to remind you when to slow down and when to speed up.  Circle important words so you remember to emphasize them.  Making notes in the margins serve as a reminder.  When you write something down you’ll be more likely to remember it.

CREATING OUTSIDE SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES

Speaking in different venues and to different audiences will help your speaking improve.  It will allow you to keep your craft fresh, test out new material and even improve upon old information too.  Look at leading meetings, and speaking to your peers practices to grow.

PRACTICING IN FRONT OF A CROWD

You need the insight of others.  Let people listen to you live so that they can give you feedback from body language to tone.  Just take in what they are telling you, write it down and use what’s helpful.  Getting an outside perspective will give you ideas to improve upon your speaking.

REVIEWING WITH A TRUSTED TEAM

Just like most athletes you as a speaker need to review some game tape.  Record your delivery and follow up with others.  Discuss what practices worked and what should have been reviewed slightly more.  Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to give you truth.  It might hurt at first but in the end it will only make you stronger.

FOCUSING ON ONE PERSON

It helps to think about one person when you are speaking.  Even if this person is totally imaginary think of someone you want to hear your message.  

1. What do they look like?  
2. Why do they need to hear your message?  

During your delivery imagine the in the audience.  This will bring passion into your words.

BREAKING IT DOWN INTO SECTIONS

Practicing your message should not be as simple as reading front to back.  Most times you’ll find yourself too tired to poor as much energy in the conclusion as you would in the beginning.  Take paragraphs or sections, go over them and embrace the words.

ASKING GOD FOR GUIDANCE

Find time to pray over your message.  This will open you to the Spirit who will guide and inspire you.  Ask God to make his words your words.  Trust him to give you the wisdom and insight you need.

The better you speak the more clear people will be with what you want them to do.  Be intentional with not just the content but context it is delivered in.  Embrace these practices and watch your ministry grow.

What practices would you add?  Which ones would you omit?  Leave your thoughts.