After taking care of a long list of tasks for our household today, I reflected again on how crazy-busy women’s lives are.  Because we live life on the fly, every added event has to be considered carefully, and most of us resort t0 the question “Will it be worth it?”

That’s the question that we want to answer for our audience.  The answer starts with a topic description that focuses on the take-aways for our listeners.  Folks don’t care near as much about what we have to “spout” as what they’ll receive.  It’s sounds pretty self-focused, but I have to admit that I do it too.  When I read a description for an event at my church, I’m evaluating if the event is offering something that fills gaps in my life.

One of the ways that I love to start adding value even before a retreat is to give attendees a Bible study for the week before.  I use the scripture for the event and give a reading and some questions to answer for each day.  The added bonus is that God starts speaking to hearts through His Word before I ever stand up to speak!

It’s also important to take the idea of giving your audience value into the event itself.  When I list take-aways, or values statements, in my description, I consider those my promises to my audience.  A fellow speaker told me that she recently attended a weekend retreat where the speaker spoke on different topics than promised in the topic description.  Although my friend tried to learn what she could, she came home feeling gyped.  She hadn’t been given what was promised (and she had been looking forward to the value described up front).

We can continue to bring value even after an event:

• Provide a “Suggested Reading” list for further study.
• Add some “Reflections” questions on your handout so that women can continue to process at home.
• Give a favor with your focal verse or your “sticky statement” (focal idea).  Lots of times event coordinators love to work with you on the cost if you suggest it ahead of time.
• Have a resource table with books that expand on your topic and/or cds of  your other messages that your audience can take home.

We should want our audiences to leave glad that they came, filled with the challenge of Truth and equipped for life transformation.  Focusing on the value that we’re bringing to our audiences is a big step toward meeting that goal.

Amy

Messages can be basically one of three things:

They can be informational. Lots of facts, studies, statistics and other helpful trinkets allow the listener to gather useful material that will enable them to learn about the topic at hand.

They can also be inspirational. These talks make you laugh. They may make you cry. But common to all is that they make you want to get off of your seat and GO! You want to change and grow, explore and experience. Yes you do, if you’ve just heard an inspirational message.

 Messages can also be practical. These talks give you action-oriented steps that you can go home and immediately apply. They are logical and doable. They empower you to do life in a new or better way.

Some messages are heavy on one aspect and light on the others. They tip the teeter-totter toward one side only. Therefore? They are out of balance.

Now, here’s the kicker. The absolute BEST message? It will do all three! And it will balance them perfectly, creating lasting impact.

As you carefully craft your messages, ask yourself these little check-point questions:

•  Am I giving enough raw, fact-driven information? This will be to establish credibility with your audience. It will show them that you know your topic and you have earned the right to teach on it.
•  Do I offer inspiration? Your message should move the listener with emotion. They actually need to feel what you are saying, not just hear what you are saying.
•  Have I given them practical take-away nuggets that they can go and implement right away? Make sure to provide your audience with doable, tangible ideas to be able to put the crux of your message into practice in their everyday life.

By carefully balancing your message with a blend of these three elements, you will be giving your audience a well-rounded and memorable message that will not only inspire them to want to change the way they do life, it will actually empower them to do it!

Karen