Speech, Teach, or Preach? A Time for Each

Speech, Teach, or Preach? A Time for Each

TL;DR: Leaders should develop an instinct for when to speak, teach, or preach. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mastery of all three modes of communication, especially in his "I Have a Dream" speech, shows the profound impact of balancing these skills.

Leadership is still very much a communication game because a lack of coordination between minds and heart can result in non-desired outcomes. Oversaturated with information and feeling like the world is changing by the minute, we need the right words to penetrate the fog and inform us, ground us, inspire us.?

Effective leadership communication isn't just about talking; it's about knowing which approach—speaking, teaching, or preaching—best suits the moment. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (“MLK”) exemplifies how each method serves a distinct purpose. He was one of the rare titans that could do all three well.?

Speech is about clear, direct, and resonant delivery of information. Leaders deliver speeches during critical moments to motivate, provide clarity, and unify during uncertainty. Take Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: only 272 words, yet it encapsulated American values while honoring the sacrifice of Civil War soldiers. Its brevity empowered it. Speeches are typically written ahead of time and practiced over and over to gain perfection. ? Speeches aren’t a forum for exchanging dialogue with others.??

Teaching imparts skills or knowledge that help others grow and develop. MLK often used his platform to teach the principles of nonviolence. At a time when some of his followers felt compelled to respond with force, his lessons in peaceful resistance became vital for sustaining the movement’s moral integrity.? When teaching, the conversation should be bi-lateral. ? Similar to the classroom, the students or receivers may need to ask questions for clarification. ? When teaching, it is important to know that the audience is understanding the lesson so it is sometimes necessary to call on someone to ensure they are paying attention.? Be ready for the all important question, Why???

Preaching is typically associated with religion.? In our case we are talking about preaching in a business sense and much like a Preacher giving a sermon, it's about delivering a message with passion, conviction, and deep emotional truth. Preaching stirs the soul and ignites a sense of higher calling. When MLK declared, “I have a dream,” his words transcended language barriers. The emotional depth in his voice invoked hope, pain, and purpose, creating a moment of unity and shared humanity. A colleague will actually announce his intent by pausing and saying “if you will allow me to preach for a minute.”? This alerts the audience that he intends to provide a valuable message so you might want to listen.

When speaking, your eyes make for a useful thermostat. Pay attention to the audience to see who is engaged and receiving the message. At the same time, watch for those people who are not connecting to the delivery of the message.?

Timing matters. There is a time to speak, a time to teach, and a time to preach. Mastering these approaches enhances your influence as a leader. What’s more, practicing timing the moment until you have unconscious mastery of it will allow you to combine them in creative ways. As a first step, referring to the images below can help you in understanding what mode of communication to select, why, and more.

You’ve referred to the images. Now you have a rough idea of the three modes of communication. What’s next? Reflect on your own communication style. Opportunistically find practice time. Record (if possible) yourself when engaging an audience. There is no substitute for repetition within a feedback rich environment. Study the great communicators whether they be a Gandhi, a Reagan, or a Charlie Chaplin. You will eventually find two or more communication styles that resonate with your temperament and style. Lastly, be authentic no matter if you are trying to speak, teach or preach. If you are fake, the audience will reject or miss the message you are trying to deliver.??