Speak to Move: How to Shift Hearts, Not Just Share Words

Speak to Move: How to Shift Hearts, Not Just Share Words

By Bryan Cox,

We’ve all heard sermons, talks, or speeches that were solid — well-organized, scripturally accurate, and even inspiring. But every now and then, someone speaks… and something shifts in the room. You feel it. You see it. People lean in.That’s not just effective communication. That’s transformational communication.

As communicators — pastors, preachers, teachers, or leaders — our goal isn’t just to speak clearly.
It’s to speak in a way that moves people.
Not just their minds… but their hearts.

🎙️ From Flat to Felt: My Turning Point

Early in my ministry, I gave a sermon I was proud of. It had solid exegesis, three strong points, and good structure. When I finished, someone came up and said, “That was really informative.”
And while I appreciated the comment, something in me sank. Informative? That’s it?

A few months later, I gave another sermon — but this time I shared a personal story. I was vulnerable. I didn’t rush. That day, someone came up in tears and said, “I needed that. That hit me deep.”

And I realized:

There’s a difference between delivering a message… and transferring something eternal.

💡 The Difference Between Good Speaking and Moving Speaking

If you want your words to make impact beyond the moment, here are 3 core principles to speak in a way that moves people.

1. Heart Over Hype

You don’t move people by being slick. You move them by being real.
Polished presentations have their place, but authentic passion always wins.

Ask yourself:

• Am I speaking from my gut or just reading from a page?
• Do I really believe this, or am I just presenting it?

When Paul wrote to the churches, he poured his heart out: “I say this with tears… I labor for you…” That’s heart. That moves people.

2. Picture Before Principle

Most communicators lead with the principle: “God is faithful.” “Forgive others.” “Speak life.”

But what grabs people’s hearts is the picture that makes the principle come alive.

Jesus didn’t say, “God welcomes sinners.”
He said, “There was a man who had two sons…”

• Use story.
• Use metaphor.
• Use visuals.

Give people a window before giving them the word.

3. Presence Over Performance

The most moving moments aren’t always loud — they’re felt.
And often, they’re quiet.

A pause.
A look.
A tear.

True power in speaking doesn’t come from how animated you are — it comes from how present you are with the people in the room.

Are you listening as you speak? Are you letting the Spirit lead in real-time? Or are you just trying to get through your outline?

✅ What Actually Moves People

Let’s get practical. Here are a few tools that help shift a message from flat to felt:

• Personal stories with emotion and honesty
• Questions that invite reflection: “Have you ever…?”
• Repetition and rhythm: “He didn’t leave you. He didn’t lose you. He still loves you.”
• Strategic pacing and silence
• Quoting Scripture with life, not just for reference

❌ What Kills Momentum

And here are a few common mistakes that stop your message from moving people:

• Too much information, not enough emotion
• Preaching at people instead of to people
• Avoiding personal stories because you're afraid to be vulnerable
• Rushing through key moments without letting the truth breathe
• Overloading your message with points and missing the power of pause

🎯 Final Challenge

This week, as you prepare your next message or presentation, ask:

• Where can I add a story instead of just a point?
• What do I want the listener to feel at this moment?
• Where can I pause and let God speak, instead of just powering through?

Your voice has power. Not because you're perfect — but because you carry a message that matters.

🙏 A Final Prayer

Lord, help me to speak with boldness, truth, and compassion.
Not just to inform — but to transform.
Not just to fill time — but to move hearts.
Let my words carry Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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