Speech                                                        KL Paulson
Bro. Spurgeon                                                 May 21, 1994

INTEREST and ATTENTION

1. The key word for Attention is Competition. 

     External noise: thunder, fire truck, babies, crying, feedback 
                       from sound system. 
     Internal noise: hunger, day dreaming, headaches, sports.
     Attention MUST be gained and regained.

2. Factors of Attention - ways to grab attention. 

     a. Intensity -- voice build up.
     b. Contrast -- in voice
                 -- ideas.
     c. Change in movement.
     d. Novelty -- something nobody else does.
                -- visual aids.
     e. Repetition -- shows importance.
     f. Interest.
        Definition: It is learned; It is not built in.
        
        Factors --> [How you appeal to it.]
        1) Preach/Teach something Vital.
        2) Things that are Concrete and not vague.
           (Do not beat around the bush).
        3) Reality -- things that are real.
        4) Suspense 
           (People like to be held on the edge of their seats). 
        5) Familiarity (things familiar).
        6) Humor 
           (People like to laugh).

Three Types of Attention.

1. Voluntary - people willingly choose to pay attention.
2. Involuntary - they can not do anything but listen.   Forced.
3. Non-voluntary - captivated audience.

CREATING MESSAGES

A. Five Positive Points for Preparation. 

   1. An Organized message tends to get a better response than a 
      disorganized message. 
   2. The material in the First and Last points is the material 
      retained (human nature). 
   3. Attention Factors need to be placed throughout your preaching.
   4. You need Arousal at the beginning of your preaching.
      (Like arising the dead from sleeping).
   5. Positive material presented first. 
      (1) Familiar ----> (2) Unfamiliar.
      Reproire.
      State the obvious.

B. Overview of Organization. 

   1. Strategy for Introduction.
      a. The speaker's reputation can create reproire and capture 
         attention for only a short while. 
      b. If there is no interest in your topic then it MUST be generated. 
      c. Your Introduction should be peculiar to that message. 

   2. Strategy for Body.
      a. You want distinct, precise Points in your Body so that 
         the people can follow it. 
         Aliteration - making all of your Points equal as far as 
                       grammar is concerned. 
      b. You must have Transitions in your Body. 
         (Smooth).
         (Restatements).
      c. The substance of your message should be in the Body.

   3. Strategy for Conclusion.
      a. Important - take time to work on your Conclusion. 
         -- It is the knockout punch.
         -- Do not just end with the Body of the message.
         -- Draw the net.
      b. Write out your Conclusion. 
         -- Stories and Illustrations sum up the message well. 
      c. Do not introduce new material in your Conclusion.