Media Outreach

18.  The first ninety seconds are most important during a presentation.

There are nearly limitless ways to begin a sermon, but the strategic goal remains the same.  We must capture the attention and arouse interest immediately or face losing the audience. The speaker should view the introduction not in terms of what begins the presentation, but in terms of what will open up the audience.  The purpose of an introduction is to invite people into the arena of ideas with you.

While you are preparing the first ninety seconds, think carefully about the characteristics of the people you are trying to persuade to believe the gospel.  Develop a snapshot of your audience.  Answer questions like:

1. Gender?
2. Age?
3. Occupation and profession?
4. Educational level?
5. Setting?
6. Mood and expectations?

Once you have identified the predominant characteristics of the audience and the setting, ask yourself:

• What will appeal to them?
• What will this group consider to be important?
• What will be meaningful and memorable for my listeners in these circumstances?

Answer the following questions, and you will be ready to “get the audience on the train of thought with you” for the entire time:

1. What is the most relevant way to the subject and to the audience?
2. What is most appropriate to the setting?
3. What best suits your own personal style so you can begin comfortably and naturally?

If the preacher does not capture the attention of the congregation at the very beginning of the sermon, the audience may never enter into the heart and soul of the sermon.

By: Dr. James O. Davis, Founder of Cutting Edge International and Second Billion Network

Tune-in tomorrow for the nineteenth law.