Speechwriting Sunday School (a new view from the pew)

Last Sunday I discovered a way to make sure not one word is wasted when you write your next speech.

Imagine someone will have to sign every word you speak for people who are deaf.

Last Sunday I watched and listened, on the edge of my seat, in absolute amazement while Fr. Benjamin Jimenez spoke – and simultaneously signed – his 12-minute sermon (and virtually every other minute of this 90-minute service).

I could not take my eyes off this speaker.

I felt like I was in a trance at St. Augustine Church, which serves the deaf community in Cleveland, Ohio.

The signing added to the beauty of his message; that surprised me. But what struck me was this:

Every. Single. Word. Counted.

Every. Single. Word.

Fr. Ben’s sentences were short, and his words shorter.

He was articulate, and his delivery deliberate. He had to be, because otherwise his signing couldn’t possibly catch up.

He made eye contact.

He paused.

His preparation was impeccable. He couldn’t risk winging it, and then confusing his congregation, because then he’d have to sign his way out of trouble.

Together, his words and his signing were a symphony.

And I had time to digest. To process. And to reflect on his message.

On every … single … word.

It was a lesson in speechwriting and speaking I’ll not soon forget.