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. Simplify the Message Matthew 13:3, say Our Lesson - It’s not what you say, but how you say it. Jesus’ Rules of Communication a. Strong beginning b. One theme c. Simple language d. Familiar pictures e. Clear objective f. Heart response

2. Know the People Matthew 13:3, hear Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but how they hear it. Communicator 1.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. Seize the Moment Matthew 13:2, when Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but 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. Show the Truth Matthew 13:54 show Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but how you 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. Share the Passion Matthew 13:53-57 why Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but why 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. Seek the Response Matthew 13:51 respond Our Lesson- It’s not just what you say, but how they respond 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 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 Anxiety 9. Come to the meeting room early. 10. Pray, pray, pray! 8. Use visual aids.