This is the third of three classic Clifford Warne lectures to be provided by sydneyanglicans.net for the benefit of Christian communicators. For those who have heard the first two " listed in the fact box " there will be no need to encourage you to click here and start the learning process. For those who need convincing, read on"
Hold that audience! is a lecture based on a virtual communicator's manual called How to hold an audience without a rope, co-authored by Clifford Warne and Dr Paul White. It was Dr White, the legendary Jungle Doctor, who was responsible for setting Clifford Warne on the path that would lead him to become one of Australia’s most respected Christian speakers. The Jungle Doctor sent Clifford to the United States in the 1950's to learn the techniques of radio and television production from the best in the business. American TV producer of The Fun Factory, Chris Carey concluded that he was, “The finest storyteller I know. No one explains storytelling as he does.”
Clifford turned this international education into a life-long passion for plumbing the depths of the art of communication. He returned to Australia to become one of the longest working producers and presenter in Australian television history. He also wrote numerous children's books and several adult works over the following fifty years before developing into a well-known communication lecturer at Moore College, the Bible Society and the Christian schools network. Dr E.J. Boyce OAM, Principal of Pacific Hills Christian School Australia said of him, “Every time Clifford Warne speaks to teachers, students or parents, he always inspires them.”
Hold that audience! explains the art of using illustrations for effect rather than simply to wake listeners up. It is a refreshing change from the all too common thought process that seems to afflict many preachers: "This passage mentions a dog " hmmm " I know a joke about a dog!" Further, it identifies the danger of reducing a message to a series of unsupported assertions. As Clifford notes, a truth that is unanchored by the listener's assent is like a feather balanced on its point - it will not stand on its own. The trick is to hook the speaker’s conclusion into the audience's minds. To do that, Clifford points out, you have to begin by convincing your audience of the necessity of listening to you, and he goes on to list the seven standard ways of arousing curiosity.
Clifford's lecture is exceedingly well researched and practically grounded. It is also so mindful of its own lessons that it is no effort to listen to. As I have said elsewhere, you find yourself learning when you just thought you were just listening. A mandatory hour for everyone who believes they have a message worth communicating!
As with Clifford’s previous lectures, these lessons are out of print and now generally unavailable to the public. However, thanks to the generosity of Audio Advice and Reason4Hope.com.au, we are now able to offer them as a free download from our site.
