Chapter 9: Explaining In Action

Now that we have spent intentional time developing empathy for the person in front of us and have practiced the skills necessary for engaging with them, we are well positioned to explain the truth we long to communicate. Armed with a deeper understanding of Jesus’ model for spiritual growth and a meaningful awareness of how to truly engage with Scripture, we can now clearly articulate the message burning within us.

Before we continue, it is important to note that the information in this chapter is developed with the assumption that you have a deep understanding of the content you are attempting to explain. In Chapter 6, we briefly touched on three components that are necessary for communicating clearly and untangling confusing topics:

• Study: Deeply understand the content you are sharing.

• Simplify: Break it down into smaller, actionable steps or ideas.

• Synthesize: Connect the truth you are sharing with the reality your audience is experiencing.

Our focus in this chapter will be on the second two points, while the first was addressed through the five questions outlined in Chapter 8 of this book. With this in mind, we are ready to explore two key layers of explanation: rhythm and principles.

Layer #1 (Rhythm): The Structure Of Explaining

Continuing with the agricultural theme, the structure of our approach is designed around an illustration of a tree. Expounding upon the theme of Chapter 7, the proper way to read this diagram is from the ground up.

1) The Roots (Foundational Principles): One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to explain something is assuming competency or understanding on the part of their listeners. Hopefully, you have already spent significant time empathizing and engaging, giving you a general framework of their current understanding. However, if you have not taken the time to do this, it is important to start simply. In fact, even if you know the person you are speaking with, reminders of basic principles can be very helpful in your communication. If we take a step back and consider the Parable of the Sower, Jesus built His message on one of the most basic ideas—the principle of sowing and reaping. If Jesus, the great wordsmith, saw fit to begin His messages with foundational truths, how much more should we?

2) The Trunk (Intended Direction): Once the roots are established through the communication of basic principles, the next step is to clearly articulate to your listeners what you are trying to accomplish. While this may seem redundant—considering that you are about to provide them with the primary information—they must first understand your expectations. This does something essential: it builds trust and confidence in the hearts of your hearers. Very few people want to listen to someone if they do not have a general idea of that person’s goals and intentions. In Mark 4, Jesus begins His proclamation with a simple yet powerful declaration: “Listen!” This, in essence, was the heart of His message. In discussing the different types of soil, He was helping the crowd better understand why it is often difficult to truly listen—and, in turn, apply—God’s precious Word.

3) The Branches (Targeted Information): This is the stage where you finally reveal the new information—the core of what you have been preparing to teach. When you reach this step, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:

• Precision: Avoid adding “fluff” at all costs. In your preparation, remove unnecessary details and focus on the primary points you are working to communicate.

• Fluidity: The handles or “branches” should work well together. If anything feels disjointed, it will disrupt the flow of your communication.

• Testimony: As you share new ideas, incorporate how you have personally seen or experienced them. When listeners see the concept in action through your life, it helps them visualize it for themselves.

Jesus’ “branches” in Mark 4 were articulated in Chapter 7 of this book when we discussed the four conditions of the heart. Each one was concise and flowed together well. Even though He was the flawless Son of God and had no experience with disobeying God’s Word, He still provided helpful visuals to clarify His point.

4) The Leaves (Actionable Steps): Without a call to action, you are just making noise. How should those listening to you apply what you are saying? After all, pursuing The Way of the Wordsmith is a mission of seeking change and transformation. If you never do anything different, you will never change.

Jesus, the great wordsmith, closed the Parable of the Sower with a clear call to action:

“But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” (Mark 4:20 ESV).

He commissioned His listeners to consider the condition of their hearts, pursue the development of good soil, and recognize that the reward for doing so would be fruitfulness beyond their wildest imagination.

Layer #2 (Principles): Reminders As You Explain

With the four components of explanation firmly in our minds, the three principles outlined below will help us bring it all together.

1) Location: This harkens back to some of the ideas we discussed in Part 2, but it is important to keep in mind that your literal physical location and context can play a role in your ability to explain truth to others. When He was surrounded by the crowd in Mark chapter four, Jesus intentionally got into a boat to better position Himself to speak to the large crowd. While it cannot be empirically proven, some historians believe that this action aided in the literal amplification of His voice, creating increased reverberation in the surrounding landscape. No matter what, position yourself in a way that allows your voice to be clearly heard.

2) Illustration: Recognizing that He was in an agrarian society, Jesus used an agricultural illustration of a seed and soil because it was familiar to His audience. In our modern context, many of us no longer live in predominantly agrarian societies, so a farming-based illustration may not be the most effective. In your preparation, consider the age (children or adults), interests, obstacles, and vocations of your audience, and choose illustrations that align with their context.

3) Repetition: Do not discount the power of saying it again. Well-placed repetition reinforces your point and highlights the elements of what you are saying that are most important for your audience to grasp and internalize. The disciples heard the Parable of the Sower twice, underscoring how essential it was for them to understand the message.

Conclusion: In Pursuit Of Clarity

By simplifying and synthesizing our thoughts, we can craft a message that is both clear and relevant to our audience. The agricultural metaphor of the tree helps us visualize how to structure our communication—from foundational principles to actionable steps. Looking ahead to Part 4, we will explore how to embody the message we communicate, ensuring that our words are supported by authentic action. A wordsmith can become a world-changer when their words are reflected in the life they live.