Posted by Scott Newton Smith

So, how do you achieve melody in your preaching?

1. “Take it To The Bank” Sermon Structure

Predictable consistency is fundamental in achieving melody.  When you understand the way the mind catches ideas, (for instance, that illustration naturally follows explanation and application naturally follows those), the pattern becomes “baked into” the structure of each message.

2. “Subliminal” Signals

I’m tongue-in-cheek here in saying “subliminal” but truthfully, your soft transitions between points, the similar ways that you introduce an illustration, or even the message, become consistent “cues” that subconsciously signal how your development material is about to change.

The listener may not consciously be aware that there is a pattern here, but would notice if it changed… even if he could not quite put his finger on it.

3.  Cadence

Lep!  Lep!  Lep, Right, Lep!  Yep.  Cadence.  There is a meter and a pattern — sub-patterns as well — that develop based on your personal preaching style (although this one often reflects the preacher that mentored you).

In the early years of preaching cadence is choppy, if there.  In the later years, it begins to smooth and flow.  Regular patterns emerge and become familiar to the listener.

Which of these three do you see most regularly present in your preaching?

Which one is hardest to achieve?