Dr. J. Robert Clinton conducted a formal study of Christian leaders and discovered that, without exception, all of them had gifts in the use of words: teaching, prophecy, evangelism, preaching, words of knowledge or wisdom, exhortation, and so on. More than anything else, they used their communication gift to lead their congregations.
Peter Drucker, an American management expert, believed that 60 percent of all management problems can be traced back to poor communication. Having a mission accomplishes nothing if leaders cannot communicate clearly and motivate others.
It's amazing how God has connected people to one another through words. You can listen to a leader throw thoughts and ideas around a room for 30 minutes. He just says it out loud, and people already want to stand up and pursue those ideas.
That is the power of communication.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Samuel's ability to communicate.
In his time, Samuel was the absolute communicator. Everyone listened to him. Observing his life and career leads to some insights about communication.
- He spoke words of revelation (1 Samuel 7:3). His communication contained divine revelation and insights that the people lacked.
3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
- He spoke words of inspiration (1 Samuel 10:3-6). His words inspired Saul to overcome his fears and go out.
3 Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
4 And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
- He spoke words of encouragement (1 Samuel 10:24). His words encouraged the people to act and follow Saul as their new king.
24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
- He spoke words of affirmation (1 Samuel 10:24). His words publicly affirmed, supported, and confirmed Saul as king.
24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
- He spoke words of information (1 Samuel 10:25). His communication was full of good content, with which he taught and built others up.
25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
- He spoke words of explanation (1 Samuel 12:20-25). His words gave the people clear direction and hope for their future.
20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.
How did he do it?
From Samuel's speeches, the following communication principles can be drawn:
- He simplified the message. He spoke plainly, clearly, and simply. No one was left wondering what he meant.
- He saw the person. He could put himself in others' shoes and understood his audience.
- He lived it out. He proved his credibility through his passion and his life, because he lived what he said.
- He challenged people. He always spoke with a purpose. When he was finished, he called the people to follow God.