Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 222

5 Lesser-Known Public Speaking Rules Every Young Professional Needs To Know – Part 4

Introduction

“Existing literature on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation and confidence to body language and tonality, the list of ‘golden rules’ is abundant — but mechanical. The following five rules are lesser-known approaches to public speaking and will insert dynamism, nuance, and distinction to your communication toolbox.” Forbes Magasine: Ali Shahbaz

  • Let’s have a look at the fourth of these ‘lesser-known’ approaches and see if it might help our preaching and teaching of God’s word.

4. Be confidently vulnerable

  • “Strong public speakers make themselves accessible to their audiences. They have the courage to acknowledge flaws and the confidence to promise improvement.”
  • Self-deprecation – yes
  • Self-humiliation – no
  • “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:3–5 NIV11)
  • Paul
    • Spoke about himself in a way that would fit with the Corinthians’ own experience of him
    • Spoke about aspects of his feelings and character which were relevant to the situation that caused his writing to them
    • Had God as its ultimate focus

Conclusion

  • The goal is not to make people feel sorry for you
  • The goal is to level the playing field, creating connection and revealing application

Question: “What personal information can you disclose in your next lesson which will help your point have more impact – in a healthy way?”

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John

Music: Purpose by Jonny Easton; https://youtube.com/channel/UCHJVYelCXpsV8P4EVWBgj0A Creative Commons Attribution license; Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-purpose; Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/TT2PftKt1P4