S2 Ep2172: Teaching Tip 354 | “Plain Speaking - rousing introductions and conclusions” | Malcolm Cox

Malcolm Cox

Teaching Tip 354 | “Plain Speaking - rousing introductions and conclusions” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction

Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.
"The introduction and conclusion of your sermon are like the appetiser and dessert of a meal.” Although a starter and a pudding are optional, they certainly add something special to a meal!
A good introduction needs to accomplish two purposes according to Bercot:

1. Capture your hearer’s interest -
2. Let your hearers know the subject of your message -

“The introduction should provide listeners with a reason to listen. Your introduction should raise the question you are going to answer, create the tension you are going to resolve, or point to the mystery you are going to solve.” Andy Stanley, ‘Communicating for a change’
A helpful conclusion accomplishes two things according to Bercot:

1. Provide a brief summary of what has been said -
2. Stir your listeners to action -

“You should conclude, and the conclusion should produce a feeling of finality. Like an able lawyer, a minister asks for a verdict.” W. Robinson, Haddon. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (p. 223). Baker Academic.
Now put everything together — your introduction, main points, sub points and conclusion. How is it looking? Do all the parts connect to one another logically and make sense?
Conclusion

Next time we will go on to look at the topic of speaking notes.
Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.
Next week: rousing introductions and conclusions
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Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.
God bless, Malcolm