Improving your sermon delivery takes intentionality, practice, and a willingness to grow. The art of oration can feel vulnerable—you have to put yourself out there, receive feedback, and sometimes watch yourself in action, all of which can be uncomfortable. But the more you commit to developing this skill, the more effective you’ll be in reaching your congregation and bringing your message to life. Here’s how you can sharpen your skills as an orator and deliver sermons that resonate deeply with your audience.
Practice in Front of Your Teaching Team
If you want to improve your public speaking, there’s no substitute for practice. Before preaching your sermon on Sunday, gather your teaching or leadership team for a practice session. Stand on stage, deliver your sermon from beginning to end, and let them listen attentively, take notes, and offer constructive feedback.
Make sure to do a full run-through—don’t just give them your main points or a summary. This is your opportunity to work out any kinks and ensure that the flow of your sermon is smooth. Once you finish, ask for honest feedback. Be open to what they have to say and use their input to refine your delivery. Not only will this help you improve, but it will also give you more confidence, knowing you’ve practiced in front of a group before stepping into the pulpit.
Ask for Feedback Regularly – You Never Arrive
Feedback isn’t just for the preparation phase—it’s vital after you’ve delivered your sermon, too. It can be tough to hear critiques, especially after you’ve poured your heart and soul into a message, but remember that growth is a continuous journey. No one ever “arrives” at perfection, and the feedback from your congregation is a valuable tool for your development.
If you get negative feedback, try to filter out the emotion and focus on the constructive criticism. Even if someone is picking apart every little detail, there’s usually a kernel of truth that can help you grow. Ask specific people you trust for feedback, whether it’s your spouse, fellow pastors, or even someone in the congregation who’s known for offering helpful insights. Use their input to refine your speaking, and don’t be discouraged by critiques that are less than encouraging.
Engage Your Audience
One of the most powerful ways to become a better orator is by engaging your audience. If they’re not listening, it doesn’t matter how well-crafted your sermon is—they won’t absorb your message. Look for creative ways to keep them involved. Think beyond just slides and graphics; use your space and energy to connect with the people in front of you.
Could you bring a visual illustration or object lesson to reinforce a point? Could you ask the congregation to turn to someone next to them and discuss a point for a moment? Perhaps you can lead a brief interactive exercise to emphasize an idea. Even something as simple as asking people to stand and stretch for a moment can refocus the room and make your message more memorable.
If you’re not sure how to engage your audience, ask others. Talk to your worship leader, creative team, or young adults in your congregation. They may have fresh ideas you haven’t thought of yet.
Watch Videos of Yourself Preaching
Watching yourself preach can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most effective ways to improve. When you watch a recording of your sermon, you’ll be able to see any nervous habits, filler words, or distracting movements that might take away from your message. And while you may be your harshest critic, viewing your sermon from the perspective of an audience member helps you see things you might otherwise miss.
You don’t need a high-tech setup to start recording. Ask someone to set up a phone on a tripod or use a simple camera in the back of the room. Don’t worry about the quality of the video; the goal is to see yourself in action so you can identify areas for improvement. Approach this practice with humility—watching yourself with a desire to grow, not to criticize.
Pray Before Presenting
Lastly, never underestimate the power of prayer. It may seem obvious, but prayer is a key part of your preparation and delivery process. Pray that God would give you the words to speak, guide your thoughts, and open the hearts of your congregation. And don’t stop there—pray throughout your sermon, and even after you step off the stage.
The enemy will try to convince you that your message didn’t land or that you weren’t effective. Push back against those lies with prayer and trust that God is working through you. If you want to become a better orator, prayer is your foundation. It centers you, aligns your heart with God’s will, and empowers you to speak with conviction.
Improving your sermon delivery takes intentionality, practice, and vulnerability. By seeking feedback, engaging with your audience, practicing in front of others, watching your own sermons, and praying throughout the process, you’ll grow as an orator and preacher. Don’t be afraid to lean into these growth areas—God has called you to this work, and He will equip you to become the best communicator of His Word that you can be.