Lessons from Preachers: How to Improve Your Communication
On Sunday, I find myself fascinated by the art of preaching. Sometimes, the lessons I take away have nothing to do with faith itself, but rather with the power of effective communication. Let me share two contrasting experiences:
The first preacher spoke for a grueling two hours. Sadly, there was no title, no introduction, and no clear focus. He jumped between disconnected points, skimming the surface of each without depth. By the weak ending, I'd lost the thread entirely. It was clear he was well-intentioned, perhaps just lacking in training.
In sharp contrast, another church adheres to a time-tested formula: the 3-part sermon. It's clever; studies show we best retain information in groups of three. This streamlined approach creates memorable, impactful messages.
The lesson translates seamlessly to business communication and social media. In your own posts, resist the urge to cram in every thought. Share 1-3 focused insights – your readers will thank you for respecting their attention spans.
Take the time to research and offer thoughtful points. Just like a good sermon, structure and focus will make all the difference in whether your message truly resonates.
So the next time when you listen to the sermon, take notes and follow the flow of the message. See what you can learn from it.