Apr. 30: AIDA – A Speech, Not an Opera

Want to give an effective talk?  A national magazine for executives recommends the following, easy-to-remember formula:

▪ A—Attention.  Make a simple statement of your subject that shows your audience how they will benefit by listening.  Keep it short and to the point.

▪ I—Interest.  Ask questions.  Promise the listener that he will gain personally by listening.

▪ D—Desire.  Arrange your points so that the listener is compelled to follow you.  Sum up each idea as you go along and show its connection to the next one.

▪ A—Action.  This is the summary.  It should be a short, simple, positive, closing statement about what you want your audience to believe or do.

The “how” of giving a speech is important, but so is the “what.”  Ground yourself in gospel values so that you will have something worthwhile to say when the opportunity arises.

I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right.  (Proverbs 8:6) 

Give me the courage and skills to speak up, Father.