A Formula for Writing, Public Speaking, Teaching, and Preaching

Many people have a fear of writing and public speaking. However, there is a proven formula I use in writing, speaking, teaching, and preaching. I wish I could get others to use the formula because I have been using the formula for over seven decades, and it has always been helpful. When I share the formula, people can't believe it works because it is so simple.

• The formula keeps me from rambling.
• It keeps me on track.
• It helps me write, give a speech, teach a lesson, and preach a sermon constructively.

One of the beautiful things about the formula is that it never changes. I use the same formula whether it for a written piece, public speaking, teaching a lesson, or preaching a sermon. I don't have to come up with a different sermon for each activity.

The 3-Part Formula

There is no need to share your tip with the audience. People don't need to know how you are framing your presentation...just do it!

Tell them what you will tell them (15%).

Tell them (60%).

Tell them what you told them with a call to action (25%).

Writing

When I write an article, I tell my readers what I will tell them. Then, I tell them. Then I conclude by telling them what I have told them. Simple, right?

Public Speaking

Whenever I stand before an audience of 4-5 people or 400-500, the formula is the same. No matter what the t0pic is, I let the audience know what I will tell them. I then tell them what I have promised. Then I clinch my speech with what I have told them.

Teaching

I discovered long ago that students learn better if they know what to expect. First, I tell them what I will tell them. They look forward with expectation. Then, I tell them what I promised to tell them. Finally, I summarize what I have told them. Therefore, they heard the information three times in different ways.

Preaching

I have been preaching for 30 years, and my formula has not changed. It is the same one I use for writing, public speaking, and teaching. In the introduction, I tell them what I will tell them based on a particular passage or scripture. I transition into the body of my sermon by telling them what I have introduced. Finally, I tell the congregation what I have told them with a call to action. If the sermon has been as promised, the listeners will be provoked to take that information and do something with it.

About the Formula

Don't think for one minute that the formula is redundant. Remember, it is a formula that you use in your preparing and delivery. However, listeners might not detect that you are using a formula. They only know that they are learning from it, and that should be the goal of every written piece, every speech, every lesson taught, and every sermon preached.

The formula above is the major part of writing and public speaking. Here are some other tips to help your presentation be all it should be.

• Know your audience so you can tailor your message accordingly. This helps in crafting a more engaging and relevant written piece, speech, lesson, or sermon.
• Prepare in advance means planning for your next written piece as soon as you submit your current piece.
• For a speaking engagement, begin gathering information and writing your first draft as soon as you get the assignment.
• For teaching, begin preparing the next lesson as soon as the current one has been completed.
• For sermons, begin preparing for the next sermon as soon as you give the benediction for the current one. During the week, prepare a sermon and let the sermon marinate until you are ready to deliver it.