How to Practice a Strong Start

Many of us have weak starts to lessons. Saying "Ok, well, I guess we should start, then, yeah" is not the way to begin.

You're much more likely to deliver a strong start if you practice it ahead of time. But there are some specific steps you should take as you practice.

You must be intentional with your words at the start. This is the hook to grab their attention. I'm not going to go into this in detail in this post, but the content of your opening sentences and questions is critical. Sharpen it!

In addition to specific content of the opening, practice how you will deliver it.

If you teach standing up, practice standing up. Likewise for sitting in a chair. Make the practice physically close to real. Hold your Bible and papers like you will in the real situation.

Sit or stand tall. Posture gives your lungs room and projects strength. 99% of us have to think "tall" posture because it is not ingrained in us.

Quiet practice in your head is ok to start, but be sure to practice out loud. Actually say the words. Don't mumble 'em, say them like you plan to say them. Listen to yourself, and smooth out rough parts. Is the tone and pacing the best possible?

I recommend you memorize the first 2 or 3 sentences you will say. Especially if you are nervous. Go over it enough times that you can speak powerfully, confidently, and not nervous-fast.

Use your imagination to go through it -- make a movie in your mind. See yourself actually doing this opening hook with power, with confidence, with joy! Watch yourself make eye contact with people. See yourself smoothly handling your Bible and papers. Feel the connection that you will make with people who are eager to learn.

(Note: This isn't psychocyberkinetic mumbo-jumbo. I'm not asking you to imagine piles of money landing on your fancy sportcars. But use your God-granted imagination to help you do your best teaching!)

When you play this movie, you'll get new ideas about how to do it better.

Hone the specific words you will say, and practice how you will say them. That's the secret to a great lesson start.

One final point -- if you hear a voice in that committee conversation in your brain that whines about how much work this is, tell him to be quiet. You're teaching to change lives, and you are serving the Best King Ever. Lives are at stake.