Minimum takeaway lesson: I appreciate my pastor/Bible study teachers a whole lot more!!!

books:


	• Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication Andy Stanley, Lane Jones Multnomah Books, 2006 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 57 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Make a Point and Make it Stick!

Many thanks to Andy Stanley for sharing his process and insights with the rest of us. So many communicators could benefit from this book. I speak mostly to MOPS groups and this book is spot on for communicating in that venue. It's great for anyone who wants to see people remember what they've said so the principles can lead to life change.

Amazing tool for pastors/speakers

On my top 5 favorite books! Easy to read and understand...so practical!!! Part one is written in story form instructing through a story. I'll likely use it as a reference for many years to come. I've recommended it to all my speaker friends... I loved it! If you are a teacher/pastor/speaker....just buy it!

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Andy Stanley's helpful guidance on communication

Whether you're a veterna preacher, new to the ministry, or you just want to communicate to groups more effectively, Andy Stanley's book will be very helpful. Eschewing the normal three-point-sermon mentality we see in much of evangelical Christian churches, he makes a persuasive case for the 'one point sermon.' Using a specific sequence of themes to draw the congregation in to the sermon (Me-We-God-You-We), he makes a simple case for a powerful style of communication.
While the introductory 'parable' that sets up the actual meat of the book is longer than necessary, the description of the method is compelling and easy to understand.
What some pastors might struggle with is the challenge of changing old habits. If they're successful and adopt this outline, they will truly be communicating for a change.

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Minimum takeaway lesson: I appreciate my pastor/Bible study teachers a whole lot more!!!

After finishing this book, I was reminded of the following verse in 2 Timothy 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Not everyone is called to preach or to give Bible studies but this book, at the very minimum, allows us to see how much work and thought is involved when a pastor gives a sermon/Bible study. Because of that, I very appreciate my pastor who must have worked really hard to preach God's word. Here are the takeaway lessons that are transcribed verbatim from the book for each of the relevant chapters. In order to see how these points were derived, you'll need to read the book which I highly recommend:

1. Determine your goal
1a. Our approach to communicating should be shaped by our goal in communicating.
1b. Our goal should be life change. Specifically, to teach people how to live a life that reflects the values, principles, and truths of the Bible.
1c. When you commit to preach for life change, your preparation is not complete until you have answered two very important questions: So what? and Now what?

2. Pick a point
2a. In a one point message it is essential for the communicator to know the answer to two questions: What is the one thing I want my audience to know? What do I want them to do about it?
2b. For most communicators, the biggest challenge will not be finding the one idea, but eliminating the other three.
2c. The process for developing a one point message is as follows: 1) Dig until you find it. 2) Build everything around it. 3) Make it stick.

3. Create a map.
3a. An outline built around your relationship with the audience, rather than the content, best matches the way they naturally process information.
3b. ME-WE-GOD-YOU-WE
3c. Begin writing these five words in the margin where they apply in your current way of outlining. Add the sections you are missing.

4. Internalize the message
4a. Before you stand to deliver a message you must own it.
4b. Reduce your entire message down to five or six pieces. Not points, pieces or sections of information.
4c. If something doesn't support, illustrate, or clarify the point, cut it.

5. Engage your audience.
5a. Engage your audience.
5b. Engage your audience.
5c. Engage your audience.

6. Find your voice.
6a. Being yourself is not an excuse for poor communication habits.
6b. Be yourself. But become the best communicator yourself can be.
6c. Continually ask yourself, what works? What works for me?

7. Start all over.
7a. Don't allow the pressure to get the sermon finished override your passion to bring something fresh to your audience.
7b. When you get stuck, pray!!!
7c. When you get stuck, go back to basics: What do they need to know? Why do they need to know it? What do they need to do? Why do they need to do it? How can I help them remember?

Like these points? There's a lot of great insights that pastor Stanley gives in his book, which is why you should go out and buy this book. I hope that this helps.

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Great for communicators

I have bought into the idea of communicating through 3 - 5 points, but totally agree with Andy Stanley that hitting a one point message and giving the congregation one main focal point to take home is critical. I wish I read this 5 years ago!

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

When You Talk, Are People Changed?

Whether you speak from the pulpit, podium, or the front of a classroom, you don?t need much more than blank stares and faraway looks to tell you you?re not connecting. Take heart before your audience takes leave! You can convey your message in the powerful, life-changing way it deserves to be told. An insightful, entertaining parable that?s an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively. Join Pastor Ray as he discovers that the secrets to successful speaking are parallel to the lessons a trucker learns on the road. By knowing your destination before you leave (identifying the one basic premise of your message), using your blinkers (making transitions obvious), and implementing five other practical points, you?ll drive your message home every time!

?Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away??

?Once upon a time??

?In the beginning??

Great stories capture and hold an audience?s attention from start to finish. Why should it be any different when you stand up to speak?

In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley and Lane Jones offer a unique strategy for communicators seeking to deliver captivating and practical messages. In this highly creative presentation, the authors unpack seven concepts that will empower you to engage and impact your audience in a way that leaves them wanting more.

?Whether you are a senior pastor with weekly teaching responsibilities or a student pastor who has bern charged with engaging the hearts and minds of high school students, this book is a must-read.?

Bill Hybels

Senior pastor, Willow Creak Community Church

?A very practical resource for every biblical communicator who wants to go from good to great.?

Ed Young

Senior pastor, Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas

?To communicate effectively, you have to connect. Andy has been connecting with people for years, and now he?s sharing his insights with the rest of us.?

Jeff Foxworthy

Comedian

INSIDE LEFT FLAP

In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley shares the seven imperatives that define his approach to challenging people?s minds in order to change their lives: Determine Your Goal Pick a Point Create a Map Internalize the Message Engage Your Audience Find Your Voice Start All Over

These seven concepts will simplify your approach to communication and transform your sermons, lessons, and presentations into powerful life-changing experiences for your listeners.

Story Behind the Book

Andy Stanley and Lane Jones are on staff at one of America ?s largest churches, North Point Community. Leaders of thousands of people, they regularly speak in front of large groups. They also listen to numerous speakers and know the disastrous effects of a poorly delivered message. This book is the result of their efforts to make public speaking?one of the most common fear-inducing activities known to mankind?simple, easy, and even enjoyable, so that God?s messages will readily produce the life-changing results they should.

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