#51: Sam Woods - How to Better Prepare for Communicating

Leadersheep Podcast

ABOUT SAM WOODS Sam is the youth pastor at Oneighty, the young adult ministry for Church on the Move. He has been involved in Oneighty for almost 18 years after starting as a volunteer. A Florida native, he moved from his home in Destin to attend ORU, where he met his wife and was first invited to attend a service at Oneighty. Sam has grown as a leader and pastor and has become a phenomenal communicator reaching people for Jesus. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #51: Sam Woods - How to Better Prepare for Communicating Google Play - Episode #51: Sam Woods - How to Better Prepare for Communicating GUEST LINKS Sam Woods Twitter Sam Woods Facebook Sam Woods Instagram MENTIONED LINKS Finding Your Calling Podcast by Todd Wilson: Rick Warren Finding Your Calling Podcast with Todd Wilson: Carey Nieuwhof The Moment Podcast with Seth Godin Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast: Sharpening Your Communication Skills Part 1 Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast: Sharpening Your Communication Skills Part 2 Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast HOW TO BETTER PREPARE FOR COMMUNICATING Topic Preparation: Try to find a balance between "felt" need and "need" need. What do they need to hear about what's going on in their lives? What are they really feeling and going through? = "Felt" need What do the need to know about God (doctrinal)? = "Need" need Follow the natural flow of the calendar: What is going on at this point in the year? Preparing a Message/Communication: After choosing basic subject manner, develop message through this process: 1. Scratching: look for inspiration from multiple sources, be on the hunt for anything that can help you accomplish what you need to do/say. First find what the bible says, but then: What does culture say about this thing? What do students believe? What do psychologists say? Brain dump Addressing a post-Christian society: they have heard the gospel and chose not to believe it. As students get older, “Because the bible says so” doesn't work. Ask God, "Of everything that could be said, what SHOULD be said?" 2. Whittle it down What’s the MOST important thing to say for this message? A single phrase that summarizes the whole message Talk it out: read it out loud to bring clarity to what needs to be said. 3. Pen to paper Write down the content Organize and format Format for Speaking: Common ground: principle of identification (personal), “Oh, me too” effect, building rapport Problem: the tension we have in common Solution: biblical application Practical application: the “Now what”? How can this be used in real life? Be Yourself: Always look for new ways of doing things, increasing productivity, learning best practices, and finding what works best for you in your context to whom you're speaking. Authenticity trumps imitation. There's a danger in trying to be just like someone else. People will be able to see through anything other than the real you. God created each of us uniquely; be who God created you to be. Don’t confuse inspiration with imitation. Keep Jesus in the Process: "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." - Saint Augustine Make it about God: Quality time with Jesus comes first; keep Jesus central. Find a routine and stick with it. Message prep is NOT a replacement for your personal relationship development. If you don’t model it, they won't follow it. Encourage listeners to be note takers. "Note takers are history makers." Nothing of any significance or value is done without leaning in & learning. Leaders are learners. CONTACT [e-mail] SUBSCRIBE to the Creative Sheep Podcast On the Creative Sheep Podcast, we talk to people who are good at what they do to inspire leaders to get better. Don't miss an episode. SUBSCRIBE now!