Tag Archives: Clayton King

Feb20

speak like a pro

Posted on by
Standard

If you don’t know who Clayton King is, you are missing out. Over the past couple years at Kalahari, I’ve had the chance to hear Clayton share incredible messages. In particular, Clayton’s gospel presentations are remarkable. He’s the kind of speaker I dream of becoming.

Last month, a group of us had the chance to sit down with Clayton as he explained the basic process he walks through as he builds a message. If you are a communicator, I seriously think these are pure gold:

  1. Inspiration : Most of us are too busy or too lazy to take time to find inspiration. Inspiration can be found anywhere and is simply the Holy Spirit nudging you and saying “Use this.”
  2. Perspiration : We have to be willing to work hard in building a message. We need to exert self-discipline and effort.
  3. Preparation : “Craft a message they can’t ignore and that will not bore.”
    Read books, listen to podcasts, become well educated on what you want to communicate about. This one is challenging to me, because I love to shoot from the hip. However, even the most gifted communicator can only get better through disciplined preparation.
  4. Illustration : Use STORIES. (I love this point.) Jesus used lots of stories to engage and connect with the people around him. Stories make your point more memorable.
  5. Revelation : Choose ONE MAIN POINT. This one is hard for a lot of us. We want three or five or eighteen points. People will not remember all of those things. PICK ONE and drive it home.
  6. Illumination : Give your message to Jesus. He changes hearts, not you. Pray specifically for the Spirit to anoint you and your words. Let the Lord do what he wants through you. It’s all his truth anyway; we are simply vessels.
  7. Culmination : Simply put – LAND THE PLANE. A message loses its impact if it doesn’t end well. Know where you are headed. Decide and practice how you will bring attention back to your ONE MAIN PAINT and what you want people to DO now. If there is no application, what’s the point?

As I put together messages, I have begun to intentionally walk through these 7 steps. I find I am more organized, more comfortable, and more confident in what God wants to communicate through me. I bet you’ll find the same.