Practice talk

Creating a Sticky Talk is a short practice talk, about five minutes, that also teaches a structure you can use for your own messages. Bring it into Talktempus and run your first rehearsal. There's also an outline version for Talk Prep.

Option 1: the Word file Download

Headings are already set up, so Talktempus splits it into sections and names the talk for you. You can also upload this file in Talk Prep.

Download the Word file

Option 2: paste the text Copy

Already formatted for Talktempus. Each section starts with a # line.

# Introduction

When someone asks you to give a presentation, pitch, or sermon, it’s more than asking you to give a speech. They’re saying, “You are someone I can trust to share valuable information in a way that makes people care and take action, with an audience I value.”

When that kind of trust is given, we repay it by delivering in world-class style. That means people hear you, take what you say to heart, and take action. That’s what I call a sticky talk.

# Working Title

We start with a working title. Every initial title is temporary and can change. Your thesis, what you want people to remember, matters more. Give the talk a name, get started, and refine the title later.

But whatever you do, don’t let the title produce talk paralysis. The title will reveal itself as the message comes together.

# Anchor

Have you ever heard a talk that stayed with you long after the speaker finished? A sentence came back when you needed it and helped you see something differently or take a step.

That is because the anchor idea was clear and memorable.

Start with an anchor: the idea, question, or Scripture your message grows from. It gives the talk a foundation. For ministers giving a sermon, the best start is to let the meaning of the passage guide what you say.

# Connector

Next, we build a connector. A connector is a story, illustration, or verified statistic that helps listeners connect the anchor to something they recognize.

It’s like giving someone directions. If you’re navigating a city for the first time, finding your way can be confusing. But if someone says, “It’s right next to the McDonald’s,” that familiar landmark helps tie the journey together.

A connector helps people get comfortable with where you’re taking them. It gives them a way into the idea.

# Thesis

From there, state your thesis, or big idea. What is the one sentence you want people to carry home?

**Here is ours: A sticky talk gives people a clear idea they can remember and use.**

Let that sentence guide what you include.

# Supporting Ideas

Your supporting ideas give the message depth and width.

Width is for awareness. While that is important, most talks should be centered around depth, because depth is about taking action.

One of my favorite new voices is Dr. Manny Arango, who emphasizes depth over distance. His Preaching Camp puts it this way: “Stop trying to preach everything you learned.” Instead, select the most important ideas that build on each other to drive the thesis home.

Depth prepares people to act. Stay with the idea long enough to explain why it matters, show how to apply it, and address what might get in the way.

If you want action, give this part of the message enough depth for someone to care and do something about it.

# Application

Next, we have application.

Application answers, “What can I do with this?” Make the response clear enough for someone to try.

For your next talk, write your big idea in one sentence. Identify your anchor, choose a connector, and add the support your listeners need. Then write one practical response and the closing that will help it land.

Rehearse the whole talk. Give the application and closing their own time, and decide what you can shorten if needed.

# Conclusion

Your conclusion brings people back to the big idea and leaves them with a clear response. For a sermon, that may include an invitation or benediction that fits the message.

As you prepare your next talk, ask: What will people carry home, and how can they use it? If there were only one thing that would bring the thesis to life, what would it be?

Give them a clear idea, a way to respond, and enough room for both to land. Restate the thesis if possible.

**Because a sticky talk gives people a clear idea they can remember and use.**

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Option 3: the outline version Talk Prep

Prefer to work from bullets? This is the same talk as an outline. Paste it into Talk Prep. The first line becomes the talk name and each numbered item becomes a section.

Creating a Sticky Talk
1. Introduction
  - Being asked to speak is an expression of trust
  - Repay that trust by delivering in world-class style: people hear you, take it to heart, and act
  - That is what makes a talk sticky
2. Working Title
  - Start with a working title; every first title is temporary
  - Your thesis matters more than the title
  - Don't let the title cause talk paralysis
3. Anchor
  - A sticky talk lasts because the anchor idea was clear and memorable
  - Start with an anchor: the idea, question, or Scripture the message grows from
  - For a sermon, let the meaning of the passage guide what you say
4. Connector
  - A story, illustration, or verified statistic that ties the anchor to something familiar
  - Like directions: a familiar landmark helps the journey make sense
  - It gives people a way into the idea
5. Thesis
  - The one sentence you want people to carry home
  - Ours: A sticky talk gives people a clear idea they can remember and use
  - Let that sentence guide what you include
6. Supporting Ideas
  - Give the message depth and width
  - Width is awareness; depth is action, so center most talks on depth
  - Choose the most important ideas that build on each other (Dr. Manny Arango: "Stop trying to preach everything you learned.")
  - Stay with an idea long enough to explain why it matters, how to apply it, and what might get in the way
7. Application
  - Application answers: what can I do with this?
  - For your next talk: write the big idea in one sentence, choose an anchor and a connector, add support, then write one practical response and the closing
  - Rehearse the whole talk; give the application and closing their own time and decide what to shorten
8. Conclusion
  - Bring people back to the big idea with a clear response
  - Ask: what will people carry home, and how can they use it?
  - Give them a clear idea, a way to respond, and room for both to land
  - Restate the thesis: a sticky talk gives people a clear idea they can remember and use

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Bring it into Talktempus 4 steps

Open Talktempus and tap the Cue Sheet button in the bottom-right corner.
Under Manuscript, tap Upload .docx and choose the file, or paste the text into the box and press Import / Update.
Review the section times. If you pasted the text, type Creating a Sticky Talk in the Talk name field. (Importing the Word file fills it in for you.)
Close the Cue Sheet and tap Start Talk.

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