Public speaking. The very mention strikes fear into the hearts of millions. To be asked to stand in front of a group of strangers and speak to them for any period of time could be classified as worst-case scenario for many. As a pastor, public speaking is my life. I regularly stand before groups of people of all sizes and deliver a prepared sermon. As a result, my public speaking class in college was waived due to “life experience” (thankfully). The fear of public speaking is often made up of smaller uncertainties and concerns. Questions such as “Will they like me?” “Do I know enough to be speaking on this subject?” and “How do I manage my time?” fuel the fear. Author, conference speaker, and founder of Dynamic Communications International Ken Davis has written a new book entitled, “Secrets of Dynamic Communication”. In his book, Davis reveals his tried-and-true methods for becoming a better public speaker.

Davis’ book is split into three parts; The Preparation: The SCORRE Process, The Presentation: The SCORRE Delivery, and The Application: The SCORRE Advantage. These three sections also provide the framework of an effective speech, sermon, or talk. In section one; Davis introduces the reader to the SCORRE acronym. SCORRE, as Davis refers to it is “acronym that describes the basic process for developing any talk.” Davis begins with the Subject of the talk and then moves down the narrowing path to the Central Theme. Next is the Objective which is simply a sentence that forces the speaker to clearly state what the talk will be about. From there, Davis begins to build strong foundation with the Rationale. This is the logical content of the talk that should “lead the listener to your objective.” Resources are the stories, illustrations, and data that bring life to the talk. Finally, Evaluation is the ongoing process of self-examination. Chapters two through five provide further in-depth detail on each SCORRE element.

In section two, Davis deals with the delivery of the talk, message, or sermon. It is here that he reveals the importance of involving the audience, body language (voice, appearance, eye contact), and setting up an environment conducive to better communication (lighting, sound, etc.). In section three, Davis deals with application. It is here that he deals with matters such as time management and humor. Davis concludes with the characteristics of an effective communicator. He uses Aristotle’s thought that “every communicator must have the qualities of logos, ethos, and pathos.” Logos is associated with logical order and reasoning. Ethos refers to moral character and passion. Finally, pathos refers to the ability of a communicator to get in touch with the audience’s feelings and emotions.

“Secrets of Dynamic Communications” is a good book. It is easy to read yet still requires serious thought. I really enjoyed the style and flow of the book. The charts, outlines, ad samples were especially helpful. This is a book that I will greatly benefit from as a pastor. If you have a fear of public speaking, and that is a part of your profession, I highly recommend this book to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”