DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to develop communication skills, especially in the preparation and delivery of spoken messages. Attention will be given to speaking situations frequently encountered in ministry: speeches to persuade and to inform, self-introductions, sharing of Christian experience, storytelling, and biblical messages. Emphasis will be placed on the creation of original material for delivery, writing for the ear instead of for the eye. Questions about voice, gesture, nonverbal communication, and speech anxiety will be considered. The course will use videotape recording. Enrollment is limited to ten students.

Oral presentation is important in the communication of the gospel.

The class will meet weekly for a two-hour session for ten weeks. There will be opportunity for individual conferences with the instructor outside of regular class time to evaluate the video tapes. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory. If the class is over-subscribed, the first two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session in case there are openings which develop due to dropped registrations.

Litfin, Duane. Public Speaking: A Handbook for Christians. 2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1992.

Four brief oral presentations will be prepared and delivered. Outlines and self-assessments will be submitted for each message. In addition, students will prepare an independent study project in communication. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Any absences must be excused and will require some additional work.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).

None.