How to Speak to Youth . . . and Keep Them Awake at the Same Time: A Step-By-Step Guide for Improving Your Talks

by Ken Davis

Book Overview

Speaking to youth is challenging. Here's the help you've been looking for. . . . How to Speak to Youth is packed with tons of tips to make you a better speaker with any size group large or small. You'll enhance your communication skills with - A proven system for preparing dynamic talks - Exercises to improve your voice, gestures, and eye contact - Techniques to use the humor you find in everyday life - Ideas to make Scriptures come alive. And you'll...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310201462
• ISBN13: 9780310201465
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up

Customer Reviews

Good Resource

It was particularly gratifying that Davis first emphasized the importance of the messages that are delivered in youth ministry. Within this context, the stakes are high, and justify his call for commitment to God (and scriptural accuracy), and authenticity (both practicing what is preached and being ourselves). These are obvious requirements that are not mentioned in comparable secular guides. The S.C.O.R.R.E. process, while similar in some respects to other methods of subject development and organization, is differentiated by a rigorous adherence to supporting the established objective. Whether the subject and objective are external (assigned) or are one's own choice, the process is the same. Each step is specifically targeted to be appropriate to the needs of the audience and to the desired outcome. This specificity is also valuable in maximizing one's productivity when preparing a talk. While most of the technical discussion on delivery was not new, the way that Davis continued to show how even these details should be evaluated within the context of the intended audience's needs was valuable. While no "magic bullet" was offered, his point about the possible physical and emotional differences among Junior High age youth was particularly well taken. Throughout the book, Davis includes many anecdotal examples that are both entertaining and illustrative of his methodology. In summary, this book presents a process and tools that are useful not only in youth ministry, but to any age group. Davis' methods offer a systematic way to achieve results beyond mere entertainment and/or the ego gratification of the speaker.

Easy Steps

I recently purchased this book ...again; it had "gone missing" from my library. Out of all the books that I have on preaching, this is by far my favorite. Ken Davis is an accomplished speaker and author; his experience breaks down the talk process into easy, relevant steps. Chapter 2 - "Objective Preparation" is my favorite source to share with beginning speakers. It really keeps them focused on a single message (SCORRE method), and the subsequent chapters help develop the talk in ways that will be easily retained by both the speaker and the audience. Even if you are an accomplished speaker, this book is a great gift or loaner for others who might seek your help. It is well laid out, illustrated with amusing cartoons, and serious about its purpose.

How to speak to college students about their communication with younger youth...

I had to read this book for my Speech Communication class in my first semester of college. I go to a private Christian college, whose soul purpose is to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders. I am a Youth Ministry major and I can say without a doubt that this book has already helped me so much. Ken Davis addresses so many aspects of public speaking and how to do it properly. He addressed things that I was doing wrong that I didnt even know were wrong! There isnt a speech that I have given for class since, that I havent gotten an "A" on. I highly recommend this book to people who are in the ministry, going into the ministry, CEO's, presidents of businesses, corporations, anyone who actually has to get up and speak in front of people. The title may say "How to Speak to Youth...", but the way that Ken Davis has his speaking system set up, it is for ANY speaking setting. If you dont believe me, look into buying his video series or attend one of his confrences. You wont be sorry!

Everything you need before your "Hello!"

If you are interested in talking to youth, you really have to make some adjustments, but this is just the beginning. Ken Davis teach us to prepare a purposeful study (SCORRE Method), to pay attention to all physical structure and to increase attention to your message. Although the book cannot make you become a super-star preacher (no book or study can do it), it makes you aware of all factors that affects your speach.

Good book to help you in any kind of speech.

Ken gives his strategy of speaking away in this book. His strategy is the SCORRE method. If you want to learn how to talk "gooder" then you need to check this one out!