BEYOND PULPIT, CLASSROOM and LECTURE HALL - Paperback

by Hollis L. Green (Author)

Once the title of this book is read, the logical question is "beyond what?" Beyond the credentials and certification of the speaker is the integrity and character of the presenter apart from the functional duties of the position. A value judgement by the listener, as to the moral authority, character and authenticity of the presenter, is a value assigned to the language and structure of the performance. The logical questions by the audience are: who are you, why are you here, what qualifies you to speak on the subject at hand? Beyond the subject matter sharing is the person, their position, personality and preparation for the occasion.

Performance magnifies character and multiple exposure unwraps layers of personality, integrity, temperament and moral fiber of the presenter. The reason the individuals are present either adds or subtracts from the value of subject matter exposure. Certainly, one may learn "something" from a poorly written book, a teacher not fully prepared, or a minister who displays too much raw human nature. Nevertheless, the advance preparation of the presenter may determine both the attentiveness of the audience and the quality of learning and application of the subject content.

There are no wide-ranging differences in subject matter sharing whether from a pulpit, a classroom or lecture hall, except the audience assessment of the character and integrity of the speaker. The objectives are clear: accurate and detailed communication. The intent and function of sharing data, information, or facts by speaker and location may be the only definable differences together with similarities. The speaker must have advance preparation, focus on the venue, and have broad knowledge of the subject matter. Human activities within the social professions are not easily divided into secular, sacred and scholarly. On the other hand, the audience will make assessments as to the worth of content and the veracity of the speaker based on subjective criteria. Consequently, the moral character and personality of the presenter may equal the value with all the other qualifications.

Teachers serve a noble profession and are considered secular and neutral; clergymen are judged to be sacred and sectarian, and those reporting research are seen as academic and scholarly. Nonetheless, behavior and performance are not apparent from fixed predispositions or evident lifestyles. Subject matter sharing may be classified by intention and delivery or generalized by location, speaker, or subject matter, but principles and methods by which data are transferred are standard and related to communication theory. All this will be analyzed and valued by the listener and weighed against the presentation of content.

Weight and substance of a sanctuary homily may depend on both visual and memory connotations. Significance may hinge on the sectarian position of the group, the personality of the speaker, or the day of the week. There are always subtexts, overtones, and hidden agendas that influence both speaker and listener and weight the worth of words. The quality of the lesson plan, the teacher's manner, and the advance preparation of the class all impact the value of the outcome of class-based learning. The delivery impact from a lectern depends on the subject, venue, speaker and the nature of the occasion. The reading of an academic paper, the report of new research, the introduction of a new book, or a studied speech on a critical subject, all influence how the listener weighs the substance of the subject and/or makes an application of the content. Value of content transfer depends on prior awareness of the subject, informed participation and the audience assessment of the speaker.