Communication Lessons I’ve Learned from Perry

May 22, 2007 in Communications with 10 Comments

One of the great opportunities I’ve had since joining the NewSpring team is to get an insider’s look at how Perry prepares his messages. In the process, I’ve learned a few things and had a few other previous learnings reinforced. Here’s some of what I’ve discovered…

  • Prepare your messages weeks in advance. Tomorrow we’re talking about the message for June 24. You’d be amazed at what the Holy Spirit will reveal in a month compared to what he reveals in a week. And, you’d also be amazed at what your artists can create to support your message with more time to brainstorm and execute.
  • Speak the truth. The Story is intriguing. The Message is dangerous. People want to be challenged. Deep down, we all crave truth. People will respond when we deliver the truth of God’s Word. (Of course, this also assumes you’re being transformed by God’s Word.)
  • Keep it simple. Perry teaches on one topic in every message. He typically highlights no more than three subpoints on that topic. The less you teach, the more your audience will retain…and (more importantly) live out.
  • Sweat the outline and not the manuscript. This is a new learning for me. When you sweat the outline, you pay more attention to focusing the content, providing supporting illustrations and creating a good flow. Because you’re not preparing a manuscript, you also have more time to prepare/rehearse your message. And, when you speak from an outline, you have more freedom to engage your audience.
  • Tell stories. The story is just as important as the truth. This is the way Jesus taught. He used parables to reveal the truth. People will tune out unless you engage their emotions. (By the way, take time to rehearse your stories. How you deliver a story is just as important as the story itself.)
  • Invite others into the process. Perry talks about "evaluating the message on the front end." It’s amazing what the team contributes in the way of additional biblical content, illustrations, stories, arts elements, visuals, etc. Perry is a phenomenal communicator, but one of his secrets is that every message is prepared with the input of a team.

10 Responses to “Communication Lessons I’ve Learned from Perry”

  1. Bryan May 23, 2007 at 7:38 am #

    Great advice, Tony! And, as our students say, “mad props” for giving Perry a “shout out” on your blog.

    I give you guys a lot of credit because he does the same for you on his blog.

    “Fo’ shizzle!” (I can’t make it stop)

  2. nathan May 23, 2007 at 7:59 am #

    Right on.
    that is good stuff.
    Thanks a lot for your blog. it is a joy to read.

  3. Fred McKinnon May 23, 2007 at 8:05 am #

    Tony,
    Everyday is a win for me when I read your blog. The content is compelling, informing, and I brag about you guys all the time!

    Thanks for helping me become a better worship leader, communicator, and minister.

    For the Kingdom,
    Fred McKinnon

  4. Steven Gibbs May 23, 2007 at 9:15 am #

    Thanks, Tony. I like the comment on sweating the outline. This topic would be a good extended post.

  5. Phil May 23, 2007 at 9:42 am #

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while…very good stuff!

    I’d say that manuscript vs. outline spoke to me the most…I’m really working on that one! It’s tough!
    I’m only 24…so I think I’ve got time to work hard and improve on that one!

  6. Just Jason May 23, 2007 at 3:52 pm #

    Really appreciate you sharing some of the “insider” information that helps make you guys effective. It should be obvious, but since it’s not, I’m trying to unlearn some bad habits I developed and pick up some new ones…this helps. Thanks

  7. Bob Hicks May 24, 2007 at 2:58 pm #

    Great post! I still do a manuscript for the media guys, but focus on the outline. Using no notes (Andy Stanley’s Communicating For Change) has been a huge improvement to my speaking. And the manuscript is there to help me prepare. Thanks for who and whose you are!
    http://www.bobhicks.typepad.com

  8. churchrelevance.com May 25, 2007 at 8:43 am #

    Perry Nobles 6 Preaching Tips

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