Preaching, Public Speaking and Me

We have good thinkers leading our worship experiences.  They read, think deeply, and preach.  Based on the past six months messages I have come to some insights worth sharing. These are not new, but need restating every once in awhile.

1. A speaker avoiding eye contact puts people off. 
2. A speaker wringing his/her hands looks afraid.
3. A speaker reading a long quotation puts people to sleep.
4. A speaker looking a few people in the eye communicates better.
5. A speaker who tells stories commands attention.
6. A speaker who has one, and only one, purpose for her/his message usually comes across as knowing what she/he is doing.
7. Short is better. 

It really helps if the speaker is excited about what he/she is saying, and comes across as this:  "I can't wait to help you 'get' this."

What do you think?  As a person of faith, if you are, do you find the postlude on the organ uplifting and more active than the sermon?  Leave a comment and let us know.