[Book Review] Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis
Ken Davis is a phenomenal speaker. And if you haven’t seen his part comedy, part motivational speech Fully Alive, you are missing out.
It is one of the best works of Christian comedy I have ever seen. I don’t say this lightly. Ken is seriously on par with any of the top comedians in the world.
He had my entire family from my daughter to my father, laughing our faces off.
Last I checked it was on Netflix, or you can get it here.
All this goes to say that I highly respect Ken Davis’ ability to connect with an audience and tell a message that leads to life-changing behavior. Every preacher could all learn a lot from him.
When I heard that he had written a new book on speaking, I picked it up immediately. And I’m glad that I did!
Secrets of Dynamic of Communication walks you through Ken Davis’ SCORRE method. This is the method he has used for years to create incredible messages.
This book is excellent for any pastor who wants to sharpen their preaching skills, or learn a better way to prepare a message.
My favorite highlights:
“the real secret to effective, dynamic speaking is . . . FOCUS”
“Communication is about the people sitting in front of you.”
“You have made contact with an audience when they perceive that you care and what you are saying benefits them. You have truly communicated when they decide to take action on that information.”
“Diligence in preparation results in excellence on the platform.”
“If you can’t say it in five minutes, you won’t be able to say it in any amount of time available.”
“Informational talks are rarely boring if the audience understands why the information is important to them.”
“A good introduction should stir interest in the content of your talk.”
“Millions of good speeches have been ruined by long, drawn-out, inconclusive endings.”
“A good illustration has the power to lift an abstract idea to a position of interest and practical application. It can snap a wandering mind back to attention, convince a doubting mind of truth, and clarify a difficult concept.”
“The best illustrations are not found in some book entitled 2001 Great Illustrations. The best illustrations are all around you.”
“Stories are the treasured currency of communication.”
“The best speakers are voracious readers.”
“Keep your audience in mind from the beginning of preparation all the way through the delivery. They are the focus of your communication.”
“Body language, voice inflection, facial expression, and gestures convey the conviction that makes you believable.”
“The most well-prepared speech delivered with poor eye contact will lose much of its effectiveness. “
“Even if you prepare scripted talks, it is important to be familiar enough with that message to be able to look up and acknowledge your audience.”
“Every speech, every lecture, every sermon deserves your best effort in preparation and delivery. If your message is not worth that effort, it’s probably not worth presenting. “
If a preacher begins to prepare a sermon the same week it is to be delivered, that is crisis management… Crisis management is the pathway to mediocrity.”
These are only a few of the many great nuggets of wisdom contained in this book.
If you want to soak up some more wisdom and learn Ken Davis’ SCORRE method, I highly encourage all preachers and communicators to pick up a copy.
Brandon,
I have Ken’s book right by my bed. I have read it many times, it’s an easy read and really helps me stay focused when I feel my message is just not there yet.
That’s a great idea. If there is one thing this book helps with is keeping a message focused. Invaluable.