A number of years ago, speaker and comedian, Ken Davis, developed a method for creating student-friendly messages that were both on-point and entertaining.
Ken popularized his SCORRE method through the book, How to Speak to Youth and Keep them Awake at the Same Time. The acronym SCORRE stands for:
Subject
Central Theme
Objective
Rationale
Resources
Evaluate
Here is a brief look at the SCORRE process (from the book):
1. Choose a subject.
The first step in preparing a speech is to choose a subject from endless possibilities. Be sure your subject meets the needs of your audience and interests them as well.
2. Choose a central theme.
Narrow your subject to one aspect. For example, if your subject is “friendship,” a theme could be “making and keeping friends.” Be sure to consider the limitations of your knowledge. Depending on your chosen subject and theme, you may have to research for more facts. Double-check the needs of your audience and be sure the subject and central theme meet those needs.
3. Clarify your objective
Determining a clear objective is vital for effective communication. An objective is a simple sentence that clarifies what you want to accomplish in your speech. You may want to review the steps to writing your objective sentence (see pp. 51-58).
4. Develop your rationale.
The main points of a speech are called the rationale. Remember, these points are specific and logical, and they relate to the objective.
5. Gather and use appropriate resources.
List all the illustrations and support material you could use with your subject. Depending on how much time you have to work on your talk, you may want to have most of the material readily available. This is the time to research illustrations and data for points that need more clarification.
6. Evaluate your preparation.
Answer Ken's eleven evaluation questions. Then move on to add finishing touches to your speech.
You can find a much more detailed template at the Center for Youth Ministry Training website.:
Better yet, you can purchase purchase Ken Davis' book and work through all of his SCORRE material on your own.
Among those who speak to students, there seem to be those who are "gifted" to speak (it comes somewhat naturally) and those required to speak to students as a part of their job, but have to work significantly harder to build and sharpen their communication skills.
HOW DO I DETERMINE IF I HAVE THE GIFT?
The Apostle Paul writes:
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NIV)
Here are a few things you can do to
1. Take a spiritual gifts inventory.
If you score high in teaching, prophecy, encouragement, evangelism or leadership, you may have a strong communication gift. Your own personal spiritual gift mix contributes significantly to your unique speaking style..
2. Try it out.
Sometimes, the only way to determine if you have a specific spiritual gift is to experiment and try it out. You will figure out pretty quickly whether it is a gift that the Spirit has given you in great measure or not.
3. Ask others about your gifts.
Still stumped? Try asking those around you (family, coworkers, volunteer leaders) what they think your spiritual gifts might be.
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE THE GIFT?
Fear not! Some of the best youth speakers are those who have had had to train themselves to become skilled communicators. Thankfully, having a primary spiritual gift in communication is not a requirement to be a great youth pastor. Strong communication and public speaking skills can be learned.
If you find you are one of those who has to work harder to sharpen your communication skills, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Take the time to invest in your growth as a communicator.
Notice it takes an investment of TIME and not just money. It's one thing to buy a book, it's another thing to invest the time to read it.
2. Surround yourself with those who are stronger communicators than you are.
Water seeks its own level. You become like those you spend the most time with. You get the point.
3. Read every communication book you can get your hands on.
Reading is the most affordable method of growth. Be sure to put the things you are learning into action.
4. Practice.
Practice makes perfect, right? Even those who are gifted in communication should make it a regular practice to rehearse their messages. The more you practice speaking to students, the better youth communicator you will become.
Gifted or not, if you are ready to take a major step forward in your youth communication skills join the Youth Communicator's Cohort today.
