Note

It may seem unnecessary to talk about notetaking, but I think it is a neglected art. I also believe it is essential for speakers and listeners alike.

The prophet Habakkuk was commanded to, “…write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it…” (Habakkuk 2:2).

Evidently, writing was necessary for clarity and proclamation.

Our message must be packaged for what Darrel Johnson calls, “…order and orality…”. As a result, many speakers, including Winston Churchill, wrote out their speeches in poetry form.

And as regards the audience, although some preachers discourage notetaking, I think it aids focus and memory.

The Bible says, “…the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true…” (Acts 17:11).

In my view, to listen eagerly and examine carefully requires good notetaking techniques, whether by mind-mapping or other means.

Do we take notes on the books we read?

Have we developed a system of structuring, recording, and packaging our messages?

Are we as noble as the Bereans when it comes to listening to sermons?

Robert