Page 90 - Homiletics Student Textbook

Study Section 15: Polishing the Delivery
By Dr. Kris Bjorgen, Ed.D.

15.1 Connect

One day I was teaching a group of people when suddenly a button from my coat flew off into
the students and hit a gentleman in the face. I stopped, apologized, then asked the
question, “How did that happen?” The class all responded, “You are continually flipping your
button when you teach! I guess you wore out the thread!” I couldn’t believe what they
were saying was true. I flipped my buttons? I had no idea I did such a thing. But sure
enough, hitting a guy in the face was proof.

Sometimes we can do things or says things that can detract from our lesson or sermon and we are not
even aware of what we do or say. We need to record or film ourselves and rewind the sermon to see if
our delivery is free from distractions. Let’s learn about some of them….

15.2 Objectives

1. The student will be able to share the basic principles to become a more effective speaker.

2. The student should be able to identify tics that many fall prey to as they speak.

3. The student should be able to explain how people assimilate information.

4. The student should be able to explain how visual aids greatly increase the effectiveness of a message
and the possibility of more and longer retention.

15.3 Observing basic speech principles.

When you stand up before a group of people, there are some important principles you must
heed if you want your delivery to keep their attention and you want them to understand the
passage of Scripture.

A. Dress.
Dress so that you don’t draw attention to yourself. You want to be in the
background, and you want the message to be up front. People should not
notice anything that you are wearing as really standing out. Neither should
your dress be offensive in any way. Don’t wear your striped red and white
pants with your purple and green shirt! Save it for a costume party. The rule of
thumb is “Be conservative.”

B. Appearance. You should look groomed, have your hair combed, be shaved,
and be clean.

C. Eye Contact. You may be talking to a large group, but you want the congregation to feel like you
are carrying on a personal conversation with each person. You have to look throughout the room

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