Clarity is Audible

When you read or hear the word "clarity", the odds are that your next thoughts have something to do with vision, imagery, or similar metaphors. Will Mancini, author of "Church Unique" and founder of the consulting group Auxano, refers to himself as a "clarity evangelist." One of the central tenants of his work is clarity, and he uses powerful visual images to illustrate.

The concepts of clarity are a regular part of my conversations with churches. In the last week, I have talked about clarity with large and small churches; rural and urban churches; traditional and contemporary churches. Clarity transcends all these groupings as a necessary ingredient of successful churches.

In the midst of all this conversation about clarity, a comment was made to me that literally stopped me in my tracks:

Clarity is audible, too

This astute and wise church leader was telling me that our words - verbally - were very important in his context, maybe even more so than images and other visual elements. He demonstrated this the next day in a powerful, passionate sermon that was a masterpiece of the spoken word. He schooled me though the use of:

• The dynamics of voice
• Volume
• Inflection
• Pacing and tempo
• Eliminating verbal graffiti

Leaders who communicate with clarity radiate passion, conviction, and enthusiasm - and people respond.