For many years, I followed an author and Bible teacher whose writing I loved.

When I had a chance to hear this individual speak at an event, I couldn’t pass it up. I was quickly disappointed, however.

Throughout the talk, the speaker paced back and forth across the stage, using exaggerated hand gestures that seemed choreographed. It was so distracting I barely heard the message.

Preaching is about more than just biblical exposition. A good sermon presentation connects with the congregation to build rapport, credibility and trust.

For all the time and effort that go into sermon preparation, preachers often overlook how the message is coming across. Many fail to realize nonverbal cues can speak louder than words.

Nonverbal communication includes tone, volume, timing, movement, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and even personal appearance.

All of these elements should work together harmoniously to advance the intended message. A disconnect between verbal and nonverbal delivery can be confusing and distracting.

Consider how eight nonverbal communication issues might be affecting your sermons.

1. Context

There is no simple how-to list when it comes to nonverbal communication. That’s because context can determine a congregation’s interpretation.

For example, sitting while preaching is acceptable in some settings. In others, people might view that posture as lazy or inappropriately informal.

In certain cultural contexts, eye contact and gestures hold significant meaning. Missing such cultural realities can mean communicating something unintended.

Consider the diverse perspectives of those in the room and online. Don’t assume you know how they are interpreting what you preach.

Survey the congregation, review demographic and community data, and spend time interacting with those you lead.

Getting to know congregants and listening to their feedback will help you preach more clearly, authentically and relationally.

2. Consistency

Your sermon outline has distinct starting and ending points, but nonverbal communication is ongoing.

It may seem exhausting to be continuously on, but people are watching. Be sure your behavior before, during, and after preaching is consistent with your message.

For example, how do you engage during worship? Are you hidden away in a back room, or do you participate with the congregation?

What you communicate beyond the platform is just as important as the sermon itself.

3. Appearance

While no one enjoys being judged on physical appearance, it’s what most people notice first.

How you
move around
while speaking
requires thought,
intentionality
and practice.

Newcomers often make assessments about intelligence, likeability and trustworthiness based on appearances. It’s not fair, but it is a reality.

Of course, we’ll never please everyone. I once had someone tell me it is unbiblical for women to wear pants while preaching. I had spent the entire morning agonizing over the length of skirts, only to hear that the slacks I ultimately chose were the problem.

Don’t let petty criticism destroy your confidence. But do wear clothing that is comfortable, well fitting, and appropriate for the congregation’s context. Avoid distracting styles.

Dress in a way that allows you to move naturally. And keep your hair pulled back so that your face is not obscured.

4. Space

Proxemics is the academic study of how people use personal space. As it turns out, spatial separation is another form of communication.

For example, standing behind a podium can create physical and emotional distance.

Conversely, leaving the platform to stalk up and down the aisles might make some congregants uncomfortable.

Thoughtful intention regarding the use of space helps keep the main message front and center.

5. Expressions

Without saying a word, you communicate a range of emotions. Anger, fear, joy, and awe are all recognizable facial expressions.

As a speaker, what your face communicates should match your words and tones. Smiling while talking about something sad sends mixed messages and creates confusion.

Eye contact communicates respect and helps establish a personal connection. If there is an online component, remember to look at the camera and engage digital attendees as well.

6. Movement

From nervous fidgeting to bored slouching, movement reveals a lot about what a speaker is thinking and feeling.

Skillful use of movement can emphasize a point or draw people into a story. However, pacing back and forth or making wild gestures that don’t fit the message’s context can have the opposite effect, inhibiting the congregation’s ability to follow along.

Like other forms of nonverbal communication, how you move around while speaking requires thought, intentionality and practice.

If you tend to put your hands in pockets, remove keys and other items ahead of time to avoid jangling.

Maintain good posture, standing tall with your shoulders back — a stance that projects confidence.

When walking across the stage, connect the action to natural transitions in your message. Move to one side, then the other. Rather than pacing all the way back again, stop in the center of the stage.

Stay in each position for a moment to connect with listeners in that area. This is referred to as the speaker’s triangle, and it can help people follow your organization and structure.

7. Vocalization

Vocalization qualities — including pitch, volume, pronunciation, force, tone, speed, and pauses — affect how you communicate as well.

These elements should complement your message rather than detracting from it.

Controlled variation adds interest. A well-placed change of tone or dramatic pause can highlight aspects of your message and make the presentation more compelling.

If you are nervous, you will likely speak faster than you anticipated. Use deliberate breathing and pauses to pace yourself.

Try to eliminate filler words and verbal tics, such as “um,” “like,” and “you know.”

8. Timing

Timing can be a powerful nonverbal element.

Points and transitions help listeners follow along and gain a sense of where you are in the sermon.

If you say you are wrapping up, do so. A congregation that trusts your use of time will be more receptive to the message and less likely to tune out.

Nonverbal cues have always played a role in ministry.

Jesus sat down to preach the Sermon on the Mount, and stood up to read from the scroll at Nazareth (Matthew 5:1–2; Luke 4:16).

Peter raised his voice on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14). And after his miraculous prison escape, Peter motioned for silence so he could testify (Acts 12:17).

On several occasions, Paul raised a hand or motioned to indicate he was about to speak (Acts 13:16; 21:40; 26:1).

With practice and intentionality, we can harness the power of nonverbal communication to help people hear and respond to the gospel.

The message we preach is of eternal significance. That’s why we must take seriously the work of communicating well — with and without words.

This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Influence magazine.