By Richard Bewes
Christian Focus. 204 pages. £6.99
ISBN 1 85792 40 02
This is a stimulating book for all involved in public speaking. There is practical advice for those who speak for God in the pulpit, in evangelistic events, in the open air, at after-dinner talks or even in the radio studio. It is a good read for those new to public speaking while providing a necessary refresher course for those who have been proclaiming God's truth over many years. The author, Richard Bewes, is a church minister who speaks to hundreds every week. His content is distilled from a lifetime of experience by this international conference speaker.
The 15 chapters are divided into three equal sections - how to prepare, how to present and how to progress.
The first section begins with a necessary chapter on being called and prepared by God for a public speaking ministry: 'In no biblical case that I can recall was there ever a speaker for God and his people who was self-appointed.' To this end, the author reasons that the church must recognise, harness and endorse your public ministry. There were be fewer 'square pegs' if this chapter were taken seriously! The section also includes wise counsel on allowing the Scriptures to 'take hold of our convictions' before we set out on the path of public speaking. There is practical advice on preparing your material, using the Bible and recommended reference books; that testing 'waiting time' until your message is clear; writing your notes; choosing your headings and gathering and recording your illustrations. The author is committed to his 6 x 4 cards!
The second section majors on the presentation with challenging encouragement to rely upon the Holy Spirit: 'Speaking glows with life - transforming energy when both speaker and listeners are aware that another voice has taken over.' The chapters that follow include good advice on using your voice: 'Your voice, like your fingerprint, is unique, it's your trademark'; speaking for a verdict: 'Be aware that whatever 'ending' is favoured, this is the work of the Spirit of Christ'; and extempore speaking: 'The best spontaneity is invariably rehearsed.'
Part three covers issues many speakers will never have considered seriously. It includes 'putting the talk to bed' - debriefing, and asking hard questions about length, jargon, illustrations and mannerisms. The last chapter puts the travelling speakers on the spot. There are pearls in every chapter.
