How to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills: What Would Paul Say?

Posted On December 08, 2022

Written by Dr. Stephen Nichols, president and professor of apologetics

They say that right up there with the fear of death is the fear of public speaking. Glossophobia. The panic sets in, palms sweaty, throat dry. Public speaking, however, can also be exhilarating and one of the most rewarding things we can do. It is also a calling, and not only a calling for the professionals. All of us are called to speak, to proclaim.

The Apostle Paul knew this quite well. In fact, he was motivated to speak by a far greater fear than glossophobia. He was motivated by the fear of God, so he writes, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others” (2 Cor. 5:11). Notice the word persuade. There is speech. There is manipulative speech. Then, there is persuasive speech. That is our target.

Persuasive speech is effective speech. It moves a person from one place to another. It’s convincing, provoking, maybe even agitating. It’s commendatory and compelling. It can be disruptive of one’s assumptions. It can be a spoke in the wheel. Paul aimed for it and, as readers of his epistles attest, he often hit the mark.

Scholars note how Paul used Aristotelian rhetorical methods in his writing, even in structuring his epistles. Galatians is one prime example. Paul employed rhetorical methods throughout his writings that can transfer to public speaking:

• He understood the rhythm of clauses and the timbre of words, as in the ending of Romans 8 or the opening words of Ephesians 1.
• He could use evocative illustrations, as in 2 Timothy 2:2.
• He could slowly build an argument, bringing you along step-by-step, exemplified supremely in the book of Romans.
• He knew how to use a quote to make his point, as in Acts 17, or use a whole string of quotes, as in Romans 3.

Paul also knew the power of simplicity: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” “For I am not ashamed of the gospel,” “I have been crucified with Christ,” “Preach the word,” and “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering.” All of these statements are simple, vivid, memorable, provocative, and even dramatic.

As a writer of epistles, Paul taught and declared even as he painted word pictures, constructed arguments, and carried his reader along.

As we read Paul, we learn the value of introductions, not to mention conclusions. Too many times, public speakers spend all their energy on the take-off and don’t plan on how to land the plane, instead endlessly circling the airport looking for a way to close. As we read Paul, we learn the value of sentence construction and paragraph construction, what we call the body. All the while, he punctuates his material with drama and strategically positioned zingers. Paul wrote with style.

We are all called to proclaim the truth, and we should hone our skills to become persuasive proclaimers. That is what Paul’s epistles can teach us. Of course, Paul also teaches us a final lesson. While we are called to proclaim persuasively, the Holy Spirit alone convicts. As we strive to be effective communicators, learning from the principles found in God’s Word, may we always remember to rely on Him to apply His truth to the hearts of our hearers.