I was reading in Proverbs this morning and came across two interesting verses…
Proverbs 15:2 “The wise person makes learning a joy…”
Proverbs 16:21 “…instruction is appreciated if it’s well presented.”
We hear a lot these days about “people’s short attention span.” I don’t believe it. We can watch a two hour movie without getting bored; we can listen to Jeff Foxworthy for over an hour without wishing it would end; we can go to a concert for over an hour without “checking out.” We do have the capacity to pay attention with interest!
It seems to me that the issue is not so much our ability to pay attention as it is the speaker’s ability to present well.
Andy Stanley says it like this, “Presentation determines attention.”
So help me out here, what enages you and what bores you? What makes you want to sit on the edge of your seat, and what makes you want to slither out the back door? What do effective communicators do that makes them effective?
Filed under: leadership
I agree. People will listen for incredible amounts of time if they are engaged.
I listen to speakers who are:
Engaging story-tellers. They don’t have to be all the time, but a good story helps.
Humorous. Funny is a good thing. Always has, and always will.
Honest. I enjoy speakers who are willing to open up and share a piece of themselves. But they must do this with balance. You can go too far.
Well-researched. I can’t tell you how many “biblical” sermons I have heard that misrepresent the text and pull it out of its context.
Application Oriented.
Hi Paul, Just found your blog…what engages me (as a listener)? Speaking just for myself… I “connect” with someone who is genuine, transparent, passionate…Who does the thinking/digging to answer the question…”So What”? when they are teaching on a subject…I don’t care what the subject is….I think a lot of us are already up to our ears in biblical truth..we need to have it taken to the next level…how does this specfic truth intersect w/ my life? Humor, and good illustrations will keep my attention…I read Eric’s comments (above) and thought he covered everything I was thinking….not having heard you I don’t know how you communicate…but in the past I’ve sat under pastors who used too many big words../or “christianese” speak which would turn me off….DM
I totally agree with these guys. If I can apply what you’re preaching/teaching to my life I will tune in more. Unfortunately we live in a world right now where people want to be entertained, including in church. That puts a lot of pressure on the pastor to come up with some way to “entertain” the congregation in order to keep them involved and interested. I love a speaker who has a sense of humor and uses good illustrations. Personal stories are good, as long as they relate to the topic. Some magic tricks, maybe alittle juggling, especially while riding a unicycle would also catch my attention–just kidding, although it would be entertaining!!
I know I get frustrated when a speaker gets off point, which is when I start tuning out. Also, if he/she goes on too long or has too many “points” my mind tends to wander.
Just a couple thoughts!
Paul, next week at the Bus & Outreach Convention I am giving a session on communicating to teens. But the principles I am sharing are applicable for any age group. Let me just give the 5 main points:
1. Be Real.
2. Be Simple.
3. Be Creative.
4. Be Relevant.
5. Be Connected.
Hey Paul,
How about using a lot of allitttterrrrationnn?! Like saying things that start with the same letter and making everything rhyme. You could also use redundancy a lot over and over like someone we used to know where we used to go to get in the know. Just kidding – actually I enjoy a fresh look at things we’ve heard all of our lives. Anybody can stand up and preach it like they’ve grown up hearing it. I like the message staying true while the method is as cutting edge and relavent as possible.
Paul,
Good post. Someone once mentioned that your opening remarks determine if the audience will stay with you. Hook them early.
My communication skills were challenged, stretched, and made much better by attending Ken Davis’ Dynamic Communicator’s Workshop. It probably sounds like a commercial, but it was some of the best training I have ever taken.
Keep up the good work!
Scot
For me the speaker has to be interesting and not boring. They should be excited about what they are discussing and explain it as best as they can so people can understand what they are talking about. I could be better also if there is more than one speaker, just like in the church every thursday night.