I picked up a great book yesterday written by a great man, Carley Dodd, entitled, Managing Business and Professional Communication. I've been communicating publicly for almost 20 years. I've taken Dr. Dodd for communication. I identify myself on my website as a communicator. And yet, I needed to read this book. There on page 272 tucked away in the second paragraph are the foundations of speaking that are referred to as the "three Cs" - Credibility, Confidence, and Consultation of audience analysis. Due to the limited space of this blog and the fact that I'm writing this during a Maymester class on Pastoral Counseling and really should be paying attention. (Of course we are only talking about simple issues like dealing with conflict, homosexuality, marital affairs, and treatment of the dying which ministers don't ever have to face in reality.)
But I do have a question for us to consider, kick around, and get our arms around:
Of the three foundations which is the most important?
Credibility? Confidence? Consultation of audience analysis?
Do you want your preacher to live his subject, know his topic, or know his audience? Why?
Of course we all want to say "all three!" or make a new one like "Christ" but don't. Pick only one of the three and make an argument for it.
I look forward to your views.
Friday, June 03, 2005
The Three Cs
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5 comments:
I'll choose credibility. I think if he lives it, it enables and bleeds into the other two. I'd rather listen to a guy who lives it than someone who's overly confident, or is just trying to say the right thing based on his audience. Give me a Jim Reynolds who can sometimes say some pretty crazy things, and yet the man lives it (and sweats it, may I add).
OK- I will go with consultation of Audience Analysis for $500.00
It is important to me, but could be unknown if the speaker is credible, I mean how many people do we really "know" what goes on in their personal lives.
Confidence can be grating if out of control.
But a speaker who is truly in touch with his/her audience who knows what is relevant to their lives and how to relate that to them on a level that they can relate to is vital to capturing and maintaining their interest.
Maybe that was just 2 cents worth.
credibility. especially in less formal environments, small towns, etc.
You are one of the few that excels in all three of the C's, and are constantly developing them further. Throw us all a bone; post some news about your future ministry plans...
I've got to side with BST and Kevin on credibility. Would you rather listen to what Mother Teresa had to say? or Jim Bakker?
I choose credibility. Cater to the audience and telling them what they want to hear is inherently dishonest. And as far as confidence goes, an old saying goes, "Fools are sure and idiots are positive." Being educated in all angles of a concept lends even more credibility which like I said at the beginning, is what we're after.
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