by Randy Ritz

Today’s column offers some insights as to why a pulpit is a powerful communication tool, and includes some tips on how you can use it effectively. The pulpit or lectern, in its most basic form, is a base camp – a focus area that is used to hold a pastor’s notes and other visual aids. In some Christian traditions, it is the chosen place where the word of God is brought forth to the congregations.

The pulpit possesses some strong visual communication values. A lectern creates focus by means of repetition; it doubles the mass of the speaker and subtly indicates to the audience, here is an authority on the topic. There is power in the appearance of a speaker standing behind a lectern. The lectern adds credibility to a pastor because the Holy Scriptures, the research and the notes are placed there. Even if the sermon is more extemporaneous, the occasional return to the pulpit to glance at selected notes creates a visual prop, which subconsciously indicates to the congregation that you are prepared. Thus the speaker’s credibility increases.

However, there are disadvantages to speaking behind a pulpit exclusively. A lectern can create a communication barrier between the pastor and the congregation – a barrier created by the subtle signal sent to the audience that suggests the speaker is unapproachable, not transparent and not vulnerable.

The good news is that this “wall” can be easily dismantled by the speaker moving away from the lectern or moving in front of it. The message then sent to the audience is that the speaker is vulnerable and open with the audience. When the speaker is positioned in front of the lectern, the congregation perceives a speaker who wishes to be intimate. I imagine many pastors make the move towards and away from the pulpit intuitively as needed, but strong speakers make this move with intentionality.

Movement

Here are a few thoughts about movement, once you have decided to wander away from the pulpit. There is a physiological reason why movement works for a pastor: it can draw the attention of the congregation. When the speaker moves, the audience is compelled to follow the movement with their eyes. The very act of shifting focus by moving the eyes makes the viewer expend energy. When energy is expended, the body moves into a more aware state. I am not suggesting substantial energy output, but eye movement often requires the spectator to move the head, followed by a resulting shift of the body. All of these minor adjustments by the viewer mean that, cumulatively, more attention is being paid to the speaker.

Be wary of “wandering.” (Remember that “sameness” is the quickest way to bore an audience.) If the movement and tempo patterns are the same, or if there is continual movement, then the audience will be lulled to sleep or, at the very least, bored. If this is happening, go back and anchor at the pulpit.

Don't let the empty space control you as a speaker. Rather, plan specific moves around the pulpit during a sermon (or to the left and right of the platform), and execute moves when you feel that the movement will benefit the presentation. Remember to also move in front of the podium to adopt a vulnerable stance.

Video yourself speaking. Then, view the DVD in fast-forward. Watch for movement to the right or left of the podium. Look for wandering and for idiosyncratic moves (twitches, pulling hair or swaying back and forth). The faster speed makes idiosyncrasies more obvious to reflective observation and helps you identify presentation “ticks” that you will want to remove.