Drawing on nearly thirty years of experience in critiquing sermon delivery, Jacks here offers a practical, hands-on approach to writing sermons that consider listeners first. Jacks gives samples and examples of writing that effectively captures and holds an audience's attention, and he offers practical tips and suggestions intended to help each of us find a preaching style and voice of our own. He also shows how to translate the jargon of theological textbooks into everyday language, suggests methods for rewriting sermons to avoid some of the pomposity of sermonic proclamation, and demonstrates ways to retell biblical narratives in fresh and imaginative ways. Just Say the Word! Writing for the Ear is a valuable resource that will help pastors and lay leaders communicate as effectively as possible the faith that is ours to share.

This volume gives pastors and worship leaders practical lessons in disciplined, interpretive speech that will enhance the living quality of Scripture for listeners today. Jacks discusses the practical techniques of effective oral interpretation --phrasing, emphasis, imagery, and vocal gesture --and covers important matters of voice and diction --pronunciation, articulation, and vocal control. Other communication tips include ways to restructure Scripture readings, a chart listing trouble areas in voice and diction, and much more.