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frootlupo's review
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Some nuggets of absolute gold tucked in between a lot of less applicable stuff - I also found the extended narrative that takes up the first third distracting and confusing rather than helpful
shirleytupperfreeman's review
This was the next book in our Vital Church Initiative series. It's an easy read and might be a good resource for someone who needs to make a presentation trying to effect change. The book is primarily directed toward folks who preach regularly. It reminded me that I'm glad I'm not doing that. I have no doubt that the authors are sincere and effective communicators but I tend to resent what feels like a heavy-handed style.
boomerlaughs's review
5.0
Amazingly easy read and simple instruction on how to create a compelling and engaging sermon or, in my case, speech and marketing presentation.
Excellent!
Excellent!
foosreadsandwrites's review
4.0
great work on communication. almost gave it five stars, but I don't feel like it changed my life....so four :)
christopherchandler's review
5.0
Simple and to the point book on communicating. If you don't like the narrative part in the beginning you can skip it, but it interesting enough IMO. Here's what I like--Stanley has a very specific idea about what good communication looks like and he lays it out there without apology. There were a few times I thought his arguments were silly (like "Nowhere in the Bible is there an example of someone preaching through a book of the OT"), but those were few and far between for me. Overall, I'm happy I got around to reading this book and a lot of his principles are helpful for me in thinking about my own preaching.
katy82's review
4.0
I can't give this book 5 stars because of Part 1 - the "parable". It was filled with obvious metaphors and horrifically cheesy dialogue. Not only is it just plan bad writing, but that kind of thing is one of personal pet peeves.
Still if you want to read a great book about how to give an effective sermon - read Part 2. Not only does the writing and ideas presented make up for the horrible beginning, but it's easy to refer back to when needed.
Still if you want to read a great book about how to give an effective sermon - read Part 2. Not only does the writing and ideas presented make up for the horrible beginning, but it's easy to refer back to when needed.
matthewabush's review against another edition
4.0
I am going to be doing some speaking and at church coming up. This book was recommended by one of our pastors to help in my preparation. Not a bad book. The parable was a little long and maybe a little hokey.
tmrogersjr1's review
5.0
As you can see by my rating I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining, challenged convictional wisdom, gave great practical advise with application tips and was well written.
With that being said there are a few caveats. The book is based on seven keys to effective communication which are communicated in parable form by the co-author in the first half of the book and by Andy Stanley using the normal step-by-step teaching style you'd expect from a nonfiction book in the last half. I'll have to agree with other reviewers and say if you want to make the best use of your time read the introduction then move straight into Andy's teachings(which sadly doesn't begin until p87) of the seven principles instead of reading the parable. This book could have easily been around 70 pages instead of 200 but I enjoyed the later half so much I don't want to discourage anyone from getting it by leaving a less than stellar review.
I'll also add that this book is primarily written for christian biblical communicators but I found it to be helpful, relatable and enjoyable even though I am not of that particular persuasion.
Excellent resource for every communicator.
With that being said there are a few caveats. The book is based on seven keys to effective communication which are communicated in parable form by the co-author in the first half of the book and by Andy Stanley using the normal step-by-step teaching style you'd expect from a nonfiction book in the last half. I'll have to agree with other reviewers and say if you want to make the best use of your time read the introduction then move straight into Andy's teachings(which sadly doesn't begin until p87) of the seven principles instead of reading the parable. This book could have easily been around 70 pages instead of 200 but I enjoyed the later half so much I don't want to discourage anyone from getting it by leaving a less than stellar review.
I'll also add that this book is primarily written for christian biblical communicators but I found it to be helpful, relatable and enjoyable even though I am not of that particular persuasion.
Excellent resource for every communicator.
jordandeanbaker's review
5.0
After seeing this book recommended a million times I decided to give it a go. Super easy to read, love the way they introduce the concepts with a story, and then follow up with information later.
I’m going to give the format a try and see how it goes. I’ll try to update this review after a month or two to see how it all pans out.
I’m going to give the format a try and see how it goes. I’ll try to update this review after a month or two to see how it all pans out.