Communicating for a Change

Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication

By: Andy Stanley

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

When You Talk, Are People Changed?

Whether you speak from the pulpit, podium, or the front of a classroom, you don't need much more than blank stares and faraway looks to tell you you’re not connecting. Take heart before your audience takes leave! You can convey your message in the powerful, life-changing way it deserves to be told. An insightful, entertaining parable that's an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively. Join Pastor Ray as he discovers that the secrets to successful speaking are parallel to the lessons a trucker learns on the road. By knowing your destination before you leave (identifying the one basic premise of your message), using your blinkers (making transitions obvious), and implementing five other practical points, you'll drive your message home every time!

"Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…."

"Once upon a time…."

"In the beginning…."

Great stories capture and hold an audience's attention from start to finish. Why should it be any different when you stand up to speak? In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley and Lane Jones offer a unique strategy for communicators seeking to deliver captivating and practical messages. In this highly creative presentation, the authors unpack seven concepts that will empower you to engage and impact your audience in a way that leaves them wanting more.

©2012 eChristian (P)2012 eChristian

A must read for every communicator!

If you could sum up Communicating for a Change in three words, what would they be?

A communication map-book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Communicating for a Change?

When you are determining your goal for communicating, ask yourself, "Am I just passing along information or am I communicating something to help change someone's life?".
Remember the map: Me-We-God-You-We. (let the reader understand).
When you get stuck, remember: 1)What do they need to know? (information), 2) Why do they need to know it? (motivation), 3) What do they need to do? (application), 4) Why do they need to do it? (inspiration), 5) How can I help them remember? (reiteration)

What does Lloyd James bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I appreciate Lloyd James, however, with all do respect, I don't think his reading was anything outstanding. It was decently performed, but from a producer's point of view, it did lack a little in real 'first person" life likeness" and authenticity. It was good enough. I was not disappointed. Compared to some books I've heard, Lloyd is Awesome!

Any additional comments?

I still like and prefer a good exegetical sermon or Bible lesson, however, I believe Andy Stanley is the best communicator of this current season of time. His "One Point" approach is meeting a huge need and his method should be valued for the credit that it truly is!

Message Prep 101 - required reading

Best sermon development book yet. Next I am buying the book so I can underline, mark up and flag for personal study so as to create my own homework of key areas I need to work on.

Really Helpful. I view this as an uncovered secret

I love it. This is definitely a selfless person who packaged, organized, and shared these great secrets for anybody who will listen. Never say never? The total value of this will never be calculated. The impact of change this could produce for preachers and other speakers whose goal is to change people's lives for better is immeasurable. The author has produced a creative way to help the listener/reader understand this powerful lesson. Thank you for this.

great message

extremely clear and practical to apply for anyone who wants to truly impact others well

I learned so much!

I learned a lot of key points in this book especially since I'm trying to become and I'm in the process of being a speaker. I highly recommend this to anyone Christian or not faithful or not.

A great template.

This book is a great book not only to read/listen to, but to study and incorporate into your communication. I loved the beginning. It offered a remarkable way to memorize the points presented. Also to have a more detailed explanation along with examples from Stanley's experiences really help.
REREAD!

Great

This was a thought-provoking and inspiring audiobook. I plan to listen to this book again.

Grateful

No other book has influenced my life the way this one has! Thank you for sharing so intimately.

Outstanding Message on Simple Communication

I love the simplicity and applicability of Pastor Andy’s message. I’ve already started trying to whittle my communication to make it more memorable/palatable and folks at my church have noticeably recalled my sermon big idea! The narration was excellent!

preaching

I was looking for regular communication tips, but this was still good and helpful.

Good tips, but not a great solution

The "me you we God we" style of preaching in this book works for some but, research suggests, not for most preachers. Recent thought and sermon patterns make better use of storytelling which - let's face it - is the core of most people's evening entertainment. An engaging story is what people would choose to listen to, and has been for millenia, and was extensively used by Jesus, We can tell the greatest story of all. I'd suggest looking for the "Three Act Stucture" (not the three point sermon) as an example.

This book is a mix of great advice - like avoiding simply lecturing on a point of scripture and building a connection with your audience - to somewhat difficult ideas. Picking a piece of scripture and isolating it from other scripture that may help us understand it better just to reinforce a difficult point seems counterproductive. Similarly, speaking at a higher than normal speed may make you seem more passionate, but makes it difficult for an audience to understand and follow.

Stanley also feels the need to drop in his own particular brand of theology throughout this short book which some might find offputting.

Great insight into preaching effectively

very helpful principles, and practical illustrations to help anyone serious about communicating the life changing truths of the Bible.

Listen to it.

Very good content. Excellent narrator. i had the sense of being in a friendly chat with mr. Lloyd, while hearing Andy in the background.

So SO helpful

Practical, applicable information in a personable and memorable package. My preaching will definitely be the better for it.

Helpful and memorable content. Easy to listen to.

Useful content put over in a story format that is easy to listen to and follow. The narration was good - easy going and at the right pace.

essential for all who would be great communicators

this will absolutely change your effectiveness at communicating for the better. Try it and see