by Dr. Randy Ritz

I hear . . . I forget. I see . . . I remember. I do . . . I understand. This age-old tome (attributed to Confucius) identifies a communication truth useful for both clergy and teachers – that the retention of good information is based on more than just speaking and listening.  

Here is a challenge to all pastors reading this column. Next Sunday, go into the hallways at some point before the service and ask trusted members of the congregation, “What was the topic of the sermon last week?” Then ask, “Can you remember one key point that the sermon brought up?” I think you will be surprised at the weakness of the answers. This takes vulnerability on your part, but it is a step worth taking if you want to improve as a platform presenter.

The fact is: “What you hear on Sunday, you forget on Monday!” Recall is difficult because the congregation, by only hearing, has very little context to help connect the information to his or her life. The Holy Spirit helps us connect with the sermon, but, generally, our memories are just not strong enough to retain rote information easily – meaning, the several points of the sermon. If, on the other hand, the speaker is using effective PowerPoint, adding a short drama or inserting a picture or graphic, the listener retention level is higher. Audiences remember more of the key points because images are present in the speech.

What does this mean for you as a pastor/teacher? To answer this question, let’s look at the results of a famous study done by W. Linkugel and D. Berg:

If you “talk only” to a group about a topic (sometimes called “The Talking Head”):

• the recall three hours later is approximately 70%
• three days later, however, that same group will only be able to remember 10% of what you said

If you “show only” to a group about a topic (visual components like PowerPoint, drama, illustrations, etc.):

• the knowledge recall three hours later is 72%
• three days later that same group will remember 35%

If you both tell and show as a means of teaching:

• the audience remembers 85% hours later
• three days later, an amazing 65% of what was taught was recalled

The data suggests that if pastors or educators want the congregation to remember more, then visual and active components must be added to sermons.

For your next few services, try to add a few short visual illustrations and emotional stories that will engage your congregation.

We will give some suggestions for “active participation” in the next column.

Dr. Randy Ritz is a passionate educator, actor and communication coach. He helps leaders use the power of narrative to transmit vision, values and history to others in an entertaining manner. He is currently head of drama at Concordia University College and can be found at Randyritz.com.