“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” –Proverbs 19:20

I just got back from a training to become a Making it Count Speaker. Man did I get stretched! To make a long story short, I had to memorize 2 presentations and present them before trainers (who are all veterans with the company) along with the other speakers trying out. I felt like I was in front of Simon trying out for American Idol!

Did I mention I was probably the youngest one there?  Everyone else consisted of professional actors, professional speakers, pastors, business owners, teachers, etc… A ton of talent was in the room…just a little intimidating – So what did I learn through the process??? SOME VALUABLE LESSONS!

1.) The Value of CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM – Speaking in front of other professional speakers and having them critique my communication skills was very humbling, but they did it in love and gave me things to work on that will make me better. I’m so glad they were willing to be honest with me.

2.) To Check the Source of Compliments – We should want complimented by people who do what we do. That should actually encourage us more than someone who is just saying “good job” because they appreciate our gifting.

3.) Our Gifts Need Challenged - When was the last time you were actually stretched in the area of your gifting? It took this weekend to realize it’s been a while for me.  If it’s been a while for you, I strongly recommend you do something to get out of your comfort zone.

4.) I Need Coaches, You need Coaches – Definitely want to start pursuing coaches in the areas of communicating and writing… anyone have any contacts that would be good?  If you’re gifted in an area – find a coach in that area, no matter how good you think you are.

Thoughts?

This book is a must read for anybody who communicates for a living, especially pastors. Andy Stanley literally goes through all of the principles he uses while constructing and preaching a sermon. This is every pastors dream book! The first half of the book is actually a story written by Lane Jones, one of Andy’s campus directors, about a pastor who connects with a communication mentor who runs him through some great communication principles. The second half of the book was written by Andy and consists of all of the practical things that communicators need to do before and during a speaking engagement.

I think the last paragraph sums up the importance of learning to be a great communicator:

“The church needs your voice and your insight. As does your community and the woorld. For that reason, never stop growing and developing as a communicator. Find what works. Find what works for you. And everytime you have an opportunity to communicate God’s Word, communicate for a change!”

Here were some of my key takeaways:

• You’ve got to care more for the people in the audience than the person on the platform. Then our presentations will take on real significance. Until we do, communication is really all about us.

• Determine your goal, pick a point, create a map, internalize the message, engage your audience, find your voice. start all over.

• Our goal as communicators should be life change.
  

• We need one point messages – the biggest challenge won’t be finding the one idea, but eliminating the other three

• You need to have your message internalized to the point where you could do a 5 minute version from memory
  

• The goal isn’t to cover everything in your notes, it is to take your audience on a journey with you

• Having too much to say has almost the same effect as saying nothing

• Presentation trumps information… Presentation matters. A lot.
  

• Your first responsibility is to pose a question your audience wants answered, create tension that needs resolved, or point to a mystery that they have been unable to solve.

• “Being who you are” is not an excuse for poor communication.

• Clarity will trump style every time

Final Grade: A+ (Must read)    Buy it here!

I just got back from an amazing week at Jumonville with all the 180 Student Ministry students. It was great seeing a lot of the students give their lives to God and see others recommit their lives. I had an absolute blast hanging out with all of the students – so many good times. About a Mile was the worship band – these guys are young, but awesome! Looking forward to seeing where God takes them! Next week I’ll post some thoughts on youth ministry and what I love about teenagers… Until then – enjoy the highlights:

In the morning sessions we covered:

1. Expecting from God
2. Getting in the Word of God
3. Hearing from God
4. The Importance of “Faith Buddies”

In the Evening Sessions we Covered:

1. Jesus is the only Way
2. How to Live Free from Sin
3. Vision – Vision of God, of Yourself, and of Your Future
4. Love – The Best Way

Some highlights:

We definitely had the best small group ever!

Our Volleyball team – The Pringles – Started off 3-0!

JD and Susan Lowry – The Youth Pastors of 180!

Porch Talks with Ali and Bekah were awesome!

These guys were awesome! They’re going to change the world for Jesus!

Here is a slide show with all of the pictures from the week: