“This year, let’s walk, talk and sing more like Jesus! Shine your light and you will be... A HISTORY MAKER!!!”
Your students are inspired and motivated, they want to change or do something with their faith. They leave your presence fired up looking for an opportunity to unleash their passion. They go back to school or their workplace ready to shine for Jesus but they have no clue what that looks like. A week goes by and they haven’t done anything. They hear you speak again and are motivated and inspired but inside there is this restlessness, a frustration as there has been no outlet for that passion. I call this Motivated to Frustration. The problem? A weak conclusion.
The main purpose of a conclusion is to Call People to Action. You’ve made your points now what do you want your audience to do?
Begin with the end in mind - Stephen Covey
In preparing my messages I used to leave my conclusion to the end normally running out of time in developing it to just wing it. I would then deliver a motivating message but have a weak or unclear call to action leaving me frustrated because I didn’t see the results I was looking for.
The call to action is key! If you don’t have one, what purpose does your message fulfills? Start developing your conclusion before the rest of your speech/message using it as a guide to filter your content to bring your hearers to the end result you desire.
In Andy Stanley’s book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry he talks about the importance of defining a win. In Baseball you know to celebrate when your team crosses home plate. In your conclusion help define a win for your students.
SIDE NOTE – You know those altar calls when people are asked to stand up or come to the front followed with an awkward silence? In that moment of uncertainty people are anxiously asking themselves, “What did he say?” “What does she want us to do?” “Is this a salvation call?” “Am I suppose to stand?” This is a Conclusion Problem!
STEP 1. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR STUDENTS TO DO? What action or attitude do you want to see take place.
EXAMPLE – To read their bible & allow it to change them.
STEP 2. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE? This step must be practical. What does it look like at school, in real life. Paint a clear picture for them, this takes the guess work out of it. If they can see it, they can then achieve it.
EXAMPLE – This week all I want you to do is to read Proverbs 23. Choose a verse that stands out to you each day from that same Proverb. Tweet it, Facebook it, or put it on an index Card – Advance level, put it into your own words.
STEP 3 DEFINE THE WIN. Do you know when to celebrate?
EXAMPLE – That scripture would inspire your thoughts. That you would have something of value to tweet about or post on facebook.
This week in preparing your lesson start with your conclusion. Identify what you want to see happen as an end result. Know your conclusion inside and out. Practice your Conclusion with others. Do they understand what you want them to do? If so...You are ready to motivate your students to action.
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A member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) Alison has dedicated her time to developing her gift of Public Speaking so that her listeners would believe the truth that she shares and to raise up other strong youth communicator’s in Canada. She has been speaking full time for four years and is currently enrolled in Youth Speakers University.
Speaking Tips are from Alison’s Public Speaking Enhancement Workshop for more inquires message her today. http://www.inspiringteengreatness.com
