If there’s one thing you never set out to be as a leader or communicator, it’s to lose the audience. And yet everyone who communicates, preaches, or even tries to persuade someone of an idea has discovered that sinking sense that you’ve…
So maybe you’re a preacher, or you listen to preachers (or stopped listening to preachers). Almost everyone has a perspective on what makes or doesn’t make for a great sermon. I’ve been preaching regularly for over 25 years, so I…
So, you want to be a better communicator. You’re just not sure how to do that. Sometimes the art and science of becoming better seems so complex that you’re not sure where to start. After all, most people who hear…
Ever write a message or talk that even you suspected was boring? That’s exactly where I found myself this week. I’d outlined my message for our current series weeks ago, but when I went back into it 6 days before…
Ever get jealous of a line or idea that another preacher or communicator came up with you wish you had thought of? Me too. It’s tempting to think of stealing it and to hope no one notices you didn’t think of it.…
Words matter when you’re a leader, and not all words are equally useful. In fact, you should banish at least three from your leadership vocabulary. Nobody wins when you use these words regularly, and they might be damaging your leadership without…
If there’s one thing you never set out to be as a leader or communicator, it’s boring. And yet everyone who communicates, preaches or even tries to persuade someone of an idea has discovered that sinking sense that you’ve lost your audience.…
Preaching is one of the most demanding tasks required of communicators. You’re not just giving a ‘talk,’ you’re communicating the Word of God—faithfully (you trust). And you do this in front of groups of people who have more communication options and…
When I was just starting to speak publicly, I was always amazed by communicators who could speak without using notes. I wanted to be able to do that, but I had no idea how. I realized communicators who spoke without…
One of the questions I get asked all the time is “how do you speak for 40 minutes without using notes?” It’s a great question. Personally, I actually prepare notes, but I rarely if ever use them when I speak. I…