A Comprehensive Check-Up

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?