In this book, Teresa L. Fry Brown introduces preachers to the effective use of voice and body in the animation of the word in the preaching moment. Suggestions and exercises for enhancing voice, diction, and nonverbal engagement of the listener are included in each chapter. These exercises may be used with groups or for individual enhancement of sermon delivery.
Delivering the Sermon combines the latest research in communications, speech pathology, and homiletics with the author's own experience as a speech language pathologist to enable preachers to improve their effectiveness in preaching.
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“Rhetoric as classically defined is the art or study of using language effectively and persuasively. Sermons are basically an arrangement of sounds, words, movements, and even silence used to communicate faith claims. The preacher’s ability to transmit these faith claims or beliefs clearly and effectively assists the listener in processing the message.” (Pages 2–3)
“The words of the preacher must be in the language of the people, the vernacular” (Page 8)
“Preaching is an oral medium for sharing faith-centered messages. Preaching is informational and dialogical, melding the call and response of preacher and congregant. In order for this paradigm to work properly, however, there must be a sense of mutuality (see fig. 1.1). Both parties send and receive information in a feedback loop or two-way communicative flow.” (Pages 6–7)
“A sermon is not preached in a vacuum. It is a living speech act and in so” (Page 9)
“Delivering the sermon entails basic knowledge of communication and the preacher’s use of voice and diction to transmit the message. In the midst of singular definitions of ‘good’ preaching, the study of communication is an essential tool for sound delivery of the good news. The content of the sermon may be excellent, the context fully understood, the exegesis may lead biblical scholars to cheer, but a weak delivery can overshadow all the preliminaries.” (Page 2)