Christ, the Great Communicator

Developing Your Communication Skills by Imitating the Master

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit”

Proverbs 18:21

1. 1. Simplify the MessageSimplify the Message

Matthew 13:3, 10-13

Our Lesson - It’s not what you say, but how you saysay it.

Jesus’ Rules of Communication

a. Strong beginning

b. One theme

c. Simple language

d. Familiar pictures

e. Clear objective

f. Heart response

2. 2. Know the PeopleKnow the PeopleMatthew 13:3, 10-13

Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but how they hear hear it.

Communicator1. Puts the message before

the people

2. Asks: “What do I have?”

3. The key is techniques

1. Puts the people before the message

2. Asks: “What do they need?”

Public Speaker

4. Content-oriented

3. The key is atmosphere

4. Change-oriented

5. Goal is to complete the message

5. Goal is to complete the people

3. 3. Seize the MomentSeize the MomentMatthew 13:2, 14-17

Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but when when you say it.

1. Who is my audience?

2. What are their questions and needs right now?

3. What needs to be accomplished most?4. What is God’s answer to their questions and needs?5. Are they ready to receive it?6. How can I build a bridge of relationship that will bear the

weight of truth?

Questions To Ask about Timing:

4. 4. Show the TruthShow the Truth

Matthew 13:54

Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but how you show show it.

a) Why should I listen to you?

b) Can I trust you?

c) Do you care for me?

d) Do you know your subject?

Every time you speak, your audience is quietly asking:

5. 5. Share the PassionShare the Passion Matthew 13:53-57

Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but whywhy you say it.

b) Be impact-conscious rather than image-conscious.

c) Be authentic.

Tips on speaking with passion:a) Speak on themes that you own for yourself.

d) Paint pictures in their hearts.

e) Know what your goal is when you speak.

f) Prepare with prayer and let God build a fire inside you.

6. 6. Seek the ResponseSeek the Response

Matthew 13:51Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but

how they respondrespond to it.

• Reduce it to a simple phrase and write it down.

• Use a “hook” the listener can grasp and remember.

Tips on helping people respond to the truth:• Have a clear objective for your listener to act on.

• Give them a point for their head and a picture for their heart.

• Provide a vehicle for them to use to respond.

• Ask for what you want them to do.

Steps to Reduce Your AnxietySteps to Reduce Your Anxiety

2. Memorize your first burst.

3. Speak to friendly eyes.

1. Prepare extensively.

4. Dress comfortably for the audience.

5. Take deep breaths before you begin.

6. Visualize yourself being effective.

7. State your goal to yourself before you begin.

Steps to Reduce Your AnxietySteps to Reduce Your Anxiety

9. Come to the meeting room early.

10. Pray, pray, pray!

8. Use visual aids.