A Comprehensive Check-Up

by Haddon Robinson


Organization


Introduction

  • Does the message get attention?
  • Does it touch some need directly or indirectly?
  • Does it orient hearers to the subject? Or to the main idea? Or to the first point?
  • Is it the right length? Is there a specific purpose?


    • Structure

  • Is the development clear? Is the overall structure clear?
  • Does the sermon have a central idea? Can you state it?
  • Are the transitions clear? Do they review?
  • Is there a logical or psychological link between the points?
  • Do the main points relate back to the main idea?
  • Are the subpoints clearly related to their main points?


    • Conclusion

  • Does the sermon build to a climax?
  • Is there an adequate summary of ideas?
  • Are there effective closing appeals or suggestions?


    • Content

  • Is this subject significant? Is it appropriate?
  • Is the sermon built on solid exegesis?
  • Does the speaker show where he or she is in the text?
  • Is the analysis of the subject thorough? Logical?
  • Does the speaker convince you that he or she is right?
  • Does the content show originality?


    • Supporting material

  • Is the supporting material logically related to its point?
  • Is it interesting? varied? specific? sufficient?


    • Style

  • Does the speaker use correct grammar?
  • Is the speaker's vocabulary concrete? Vivid? Varied?
  • Are words used correctly?
  • Does the choice of words add to the effectiveness of the sermon?

    Delivery

    Intellectual directness

  • Does the speaker want to be heard? Is the speaker alert?
  • Do you feel the speaker is talking to you?
  • Is the speaker friendly?
  • Does the delivery sound like lively conversation?
  • Are words pronounced correctly?

    Oral presentation

  • Is the voice easy to listen to? Is there clear articulation?
  • Is there vocal variety? Does the pitch level change?
  • Is there a variety of force? Does the rate vary enough?
  • Does the speaker use pauses effectively?

    Physical presentation

  • Is the speaker's entire body involved in the delivery?
  • Does the speaker gesture?
  • Are the gestures spontaneous? Wide? Definite? Are there distracting mannerisms?
  • Is the posture good? Does the speaker look alert?
  • Is there good facial expression?

    Audience adaptation

  • Is the sermon adapted to hearers' interests? Attitudes?
  • Is the message related to hearers' knowledge? Does it meet needs?
  • Does the speaker look hearers in the eye?
  • Do you feel the speaker is aware of audience response?

    Haddon Robinson is Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, in South Hamilton, Massachusetts; senior editor of PreachingToday.com; radio teacher on Discover the Word; and author of Biblical Preaching (Baker, 1980, 2001).

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