Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

Lesson 9

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING AND OTHER METHODS OF DELIVERY

Oral preaching continues to be an essential means of communicating the glad tidings to the inhabitants of earth. Delivery of a speech by reading, memorizing, the mixed method, and impromptu speaking will herein be discussed.

Reading a speech from manuscript is done on certain occasions. If the subject is rather involved and accuracy of statement is of prime importance, if the speech is later to be published or quoted from, it might well be read. The occasion will often make it advisable to read the copy, as at conventions, for example. Disadvantages are that most read speeches sound mechanical. It detracts from their interest. Contact between the speaker and his audience is lost, and the conversational quality vanishes. The paper is a barrier between speaker and listeners. Only the most skilled

reader can hold interest. Unless occasion demands, do not read talks.

Memorizing talks for delivery dispenses with the manuscript necessary in reading, but still does not gain directness. The speaker sounds strained and unnatural. The voice is mechanical, uttering only words, not thoughts. He recites or, worse, he declaims. Oral emphasis is either lacking or affected. Sincerity seems to be lacking. The speaker is not speaking 'out of the abundance of his heart'. And if he forgets a phrase or sentence it may throw all his thoughts into confusion and thus end the talk right there. Even if this method were advisable, it is too laborious and takes too much time and energy to justify its use.

The mixed method uses two or more of the methods of delivery. It might be well to memorize the opening or closing sentences, scriptures might be read, thoughts of the moment might be introduced impromptu-like, whereas the general method might be extempore.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING. It is giving a talk on the spur of the moment; it is not planned or prepared. The speaker has no idea that he will be required to give a talk, but when occasions arise where questions are asked that necessitate immediate answers he must use the impromptu method of speaking. So, not only does the impromptu method of speech lack planning the phrasing of the words or language as docs extemporaneous speaking, but it also lacks preparation of the material and the outlining and arranging thereof. There is, however, a requisite for worth-while impromptu speaking, and that is a knowledge of the subject. In other words, one must know the answers to the questions that are propounded or the issues raised. The information is in one's mind; he has made a study of the subject; he has the knowledge, but it is not in the form of a talk.

When is the impromptu method to be used? Only when the circumstances demand it; and at no other time should one depend on the impromptu method. It is often used by

Jehovah's ministers in the door-to-door work, in back-calls, in book studies, and now, more than heretofore, before boards and courts. They are commanded to give a witness in defense of the gospel on these occasions and to represent the Lord in a manner pleasing to him. They are commanded to do impromptu speaking. (Col. 4:6; 1 Pet. 3:15) They are instructed to be "ready always", at any time, on any occasion that demands an answer, to give an impromptu talk or presentation that will answer these questions and be a testimony in the interests of the Kingdom. God's servants should be able to put in a seasonable word. —Isa. 50:4.

Jehovah's witnesses are equipped to do this. How? Not by a miraculous provision of words, as some believe by misinterpreting Matthew 10:19, which reads: "When they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." The explanation is found in John 14:26: "The (holy spirit] . . . shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

One cannot formulate in advance all his answers before boards or courts, for example, because he does not know the questions which will be shot at him. But he can prepare the needed knowledge in advance. The Lord has provided helpful information through his organization in the booklet Freedom of Worship. But this is not an answer prepared in advance: it is knowledge prepared in advance. If one has studied the Scriptures diligently and the Bible helps provided through the Society, if he has zealously continued to testify to the truth and to teach the people, if he has regularly attended the Watchtower studies and service meetings and has there taken an active part in the discussions, he will have the answers for all occasions ready for impromptu delivery. The Lord's spirit will work to that end. So see to it that the "sword of the spirit" does not get rusty and get stuck in the sheath. If that happens through

one's negligence, he won't be able to draw it quickly and to use it when needed for the defense of the gospel.

This method calls upon the witness to think on his feet. When a subject arises calling for immediate discussion, quickly erect a mental outline. Necessarily it will be brief and scanty. Here is a condensed formula of how to make a brief mental outline for effective impromptu talks: (1) Mentally fix point; (2) think of argument(s); (3) interesting introduction; (4) state point; (5) prove it; (6) illustrate it; and (7) conclude. The following is a detailed explanation of the above logical seven progressive steps:

First: Mentally fix the main or focal point or central thought to be driven home. Second: Call immediately to mind one or more arguments for answering the question of the inquirer, or for disproving the argument of an opponent. Third: Think of some introduction that will get immediate attention and will lead up to your point, that is, that will prepare the mind of the listener or listeners. Then, not before, open your mouth and say something of general or personal appeal that will arouse immediate interest of the listeners, and on which they will readily agree. Fourth: Then state your point, telling what you want your listeners to see, to feel, to believe, or to do. Fifth: Give the reasons, facts or proofs why it is so, or why you believe it. State first the minor points, then the major points for a climax, but rarely in the reverse order. The tendency is to do the latter, to state first the main argument, prominent in your mind, and then to finish with the leftovers, or to fade out; and so the force of the main point is lost. Sixth: Give a specific instance, a concrete example or illustration that effectively and impressively supports your argument. Seventh: Conclude by summarizing and then restating the question at issue or the main point as proved; then, when appropriate, appeal for action or end climactically by using the most striking statement as climax or topping finale.

This done, stop! Don't add another word! If you have forgotten a point, never mind; leave it out. The speech is over.