Customer Reviews

Speaking to Teenagers: How to Think About, Create, and Deliver Effective Messages

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Speaking to Teens is an extremely practical, helpful, even funny how-to for youth communicators. Fields and Robbins seem to have had a great time co-writing this book, both obviously enamored with their own humor! Lots of self-deprecating stories and poking fun at each other make it a fun read. But there's serious advice on understanding teen receptors that cause kids to either sit up and listen or tune out and text each other during your sermon.

Sections include: How to Think about Effective Messages, How to Create Messages That S.T.I.C.K., and How to Deliver Effective Messages. I've read a few excellent communicating books. This is the only one specifically geared toward speaking to teens since Ken Davis' How to Speak to Youth & Keep Them Awake At the Same Time, c.1996.

My friends enrolled in North Central University's youth ministry program tell me this book is required reading. It's easy to see why. Beyond loads of practices, Fields and Robbins never lose sight of God's fingerprints on a great message and the heart of shepherding teenagers through His spoken word.

If you've not had any training in communication (public speaking, interpersonal communication), this is a good start. Understanding how to communicate is something overlooked by many youth ministry training programs.

I picked this book up after attending Duffy's session on the topic at the National Youthworkers Convention (now SYMC) 2009. Although the title implies that it is a book written to help an aging generation connect with teens, it is anything but. Ignore the title, read the subtitle, then read the book. This is on my short list of recommendations and 'must haves' for any youthworker. This text, and the information contained therein, has done far more than any other when it comes to delivering an effective and engaging message in the youth room and occasionally from the pulpit.

I feel many of the other reviews adequately capture the content of the text, check them out.

Bottom Line: Buy it.

Speaking in front of children is scary, even though they are fairly forgiving. Speaking in front of adults is nerve-racking, especially if most of them are older than you. But, speaking in front of teenagers is worse. It is like swimming with sharks, while you are covered with blood and have pieces of meat attached to your feet. At least that is how some people feel about the idea of speaking to teens. But thanks to Doug Fields and Duffy Robbins (and their book "Speaking to Teenagers: How to think about, create, and deliver effective messages") you do not have to feel this way any longer.

Fields and Robbins combine their many years of experience with a large collection of research to provide a valuable resource to any adult wanting to communicate effectively with teens. This book is filled with humor, graphs, pictures of bridges, insight, real-life experience, and tips. Though the book flows from start to finish, it is possible to find the chapter dealing with an area of speaking where you need help and find the assistance you need to improve.

The first section covers the thinking part of the message preparation. This includes some great information on what needs to go into an effective message (like how to build the bridge from you to the students you want to reach). Although this step in message preparation might seem optional - Fields and Robbins build a convincing argument to its importance. The second section focuses on how to create a message that STICKs. Here you'll learn the importance of Study, Thinking, Illustrating, Constructing, and Keeping focused. Finally, the last three chapters discuss how to deliver an effective message (everything from your vocal pitch and hand gestures to the set-up of the room in which you will be speaking).

This book is a must-read for anyone who speaks to teens. You will do yourself, and the students to whom you speak, a huge favor by reading and implementing the wisdom found in these pages.

My advice (rating) - go out and buy it (4 out of 5)

Doug and Duffy have written a book that should be required reading for all pastors and communicators in the church. Whether you are speaking to a group of two teenagers or 5,000 senior citizens, the principles discussed in Speaking to Teenagers apply. It covers everything from basic rhetoric to the vibe of a room. The great thing is Doug and Duffy practice what they teach in their writing style. This is and informative and very enjoyable read.

Great book. Every youth worker should read it. We have an awesome opportunity to speak to teenagers and we should learn how to do the best we can. I learned but also laughed a lot reading this!! Doug and Duffy are awesome!

This is an excellent book. I found the principles in this book very practical and insightful. I have already seen improvement in my messages and speaking. Thanks Doug and Duffy!