Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Proverbs 9:9

• Choose a topic, then narrow it down to a specific focus of that topic.
• Limit your words to a target goal of 250 words total—less words will force you to communicate thoughtfully and efficiently and will assist the listener in hearing the heart of the matter.
• Make the focus broad enough to include the opposing tensions that bring it into balance and forces discernment.
• Write opening questions to create discussion when teaching this and indicate the need of the topic of this conversation with the answers you would like them to understand.
• Finish with final thoughts which are a natural follow up of the five points.

Opening Questions

1. What important topic is necessary for the next step of growth in your group or team?
2. The answer probably rotates around an obvious weakness, a recent conflict, or coming changes.
3. Have you found yourself at a loss for words on a topic that you should have a clear answer for?
4. Prior preparation for a topic improves the answer, assists the listener, is the result of seeking solutions for possible or obvious problems through prior consideration of need, and assists the speaker by reducing the pressure of coming up with an answer at a moment’s notice.

Closing Thoughts

• It is the way that leaders can “see around corners.”
• It addresses current needs with fresh, concise answers.
• It packages key information in a memorable nugget form.