Amidst the loud noises and cacophony of talking heads these days, how will your voice stand out in the middle of all the verbal clutter?

Watching your message get lost in the crowd is easy to do these days.  Paint with a broad brush. Shotgun your ideas out like a spider web. Ramble and garble. Scramble your words. The chief gaff among the banter ranter is simply to say too many words.

Turning your “word salad” into “word steak” is a work of both art and discipline.   In order to be a speaker worth listening to, “sharpen” your words by looking for the best word to communicate the idea.

Consider what the writer James has to say–

You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;  James 1:19

In order to build a following remember that communication begins with listening.  What are the greatest needs of your audience? Be intentional to make your words more deliberate, pointed, and powerful.

Words are also like a good stew that needs to ferment together in the right flavors and the right seasoning.   Paul even recommends our words be “gracious” and be “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6) which includes some wit, edge, and humor.

Here are five ways to consider refining your message for impact.

1. Consider your topic—is it relevant and fresh to your listeners today? Or, is the message too broad as to be impractical?
2. What is your main idea? Tighten up your message by reviewing your main point and repeatedly narrowing the focus.  Put your main idea into simple enough words that people can connect with the vision you have.
3. Are you listening to the Holy Spirit?  He is called the “Spirit of Truth” (John 14:17) and he brings believers into alignment with Jesus.   Specifically, call on the Holy Spirit to inspire others to walk closer to Jesus through your speaking.
4. Are you passionate about your main focus and how it will change your listeners? Faith changes things. Faith changes the attitude in the room and the atmosphere of a room.  Focus on sharing the Word with heartfelt love so that your audience believes the message and presses into the truth.
5. Finally, go back over your story and keep going back over with the following filters:
   • Clarity – Is this entire message keeping to the main idea?
   • Clutter  — Are there phrases that can be shortened or edited out?
   • Timing – is this the right time to bring up these words?
   • Accuracy – is this message aligned with the Word and Will of God?
   • Transfer-ability – Are your words in a place where they are easily understandable and owned quickly by the listener?

We do not have to wait until Sunday mornings or teaching times to develop our style of speech, our word rhythm, and our message.  Make it a practice during the week when talking to God and talking to others.  Reflect every day on whether not your words are lifting others up or tearing them down.

This final encouragement comes from Solomon about making wise decisions with words-

Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.  For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3  

LESS is more.  Less IS more. Less is so much MORE.

Be encouraged.  With a good coach, true determination, and good practice, your speaking will markedly improve and your listeners will notice the difference.