Biblical Preaching
Improving the Speaking Voice
1 Timothy 4:13 – Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
Specifics of Vocal Delivery
I have a problem with being monotone.
Pitch is the musical steps of voice. The proper use of pitch gives added meaning and
emphasis to your words. You can use rising pitch to emphasize certain words and falling
pitch to give closure to phrases. Monopitch drones the audience to sleep or gets on their
nerves. Note how pitch would determine the meaning of this question: “Do you believe
in hell?” Pitch is the answer for monotone speakers.
I am uncomfortable with silence in my sermons.
Pause is a thoughtful silence. Pause always feels longer to the speaker than to the
audience. A speaker should not be afraid of silence. Pause can help draw attention to a
thought. Pause is the answer for meaningless words and sounds.
I speak too quickly.
Pace is the rate of words per minute. For a small group of listeners, the speaker
should keep his pace fast. For a large group of listeners, the pace should be slower. If
there is much noise in the room, whether physical or psychological, the pace should be set
slower. If the speaker is far away from the audience, the pace should be slower, and if the
speaker is near the audience, it should be fast. Pace can also be used to emphasize or
de-emphasize primary words and phrases and parenthetical words and phrases. Pace can help
the speaker with articulation of words. Pace is the answer for speakers who speak too
quickly.
I tend to shout out every word of the sermon.
Punch refers to the loudness or volume of the speaker’s voice. The speaker
should always avoid turning sermons into shouting matches. Note how the meaning of “
the Lord is my Shepherd” is changed based on where you place the punch.” Punch
is the answer for shouters.
I have trouble pronouncing words and names in the Bible.
Pronunciation is the production of the appropriate vowels and consonants for a word.
A speaker should always know the correct pronunciation of words before you say them
(especially names). Pronunciation is the answer to appearing incompetent.
I tend to speak too quietly.
Projection is speaking clearly enough for your audience to hear and understand you.
The rule of thumb is to always project loudly enough that the back row can hear you.
Projection is the answer to not being heard.
You are abusing your voice when…
- You always feel hoarse or have a sore throat in between services.
- You constantly suffer from hoarseness or laryngitis into the middle of the week.
- You insist on preaching when you are sick and don’t let anyone else do it.
- You are not dealing properly with stage fright.
Steps to improving the speaking voice include…
- Do vocal exercises regularly.
- Breathe with your diaphragm (diaphragmatic breathing).
- When you are sick consider the following:
a. Get a substitute preacher.
b. Don’t draw attention to it.
c. Preach shorter than usual.
d. Drink water without ice.
e. Don’t forget: medicine only fixes symptoms.
f. Stay at a comfortable level. - When you are anxious about speaking consider the following:
a. Take deep breaths.
b. Toe crunches (tighten and relax)
c. Use good notes.
d. Remember: you are better at this than you think you are.