Teaching requires, and is based upon, communication. Communication is the act of passing truth from ourselves to the children. The main instrument or “agent” of communication is the voice. We use our voice to communicate the truths of God’s Word to the children so they can understand them.

Therefore, every teacher needs to examine how they use their voice when teaching, and also examine the words they use. Your voice and your words are the two agents which, if properly used, will ensure that you are really communicating.

Examine Your Voice

You need to be sure that you are using your voice effectively:

• Pleasant and easy to listen to: Your voice should be enjoyable for children to hear.
• Natural: Avoid a preaching voice or a childish voice. Talk to them, but not down to them.
• Relaxed: Avoid a high-pitched, shrill, or nervous voice.
• Audible without shouting: Speak so children in the back row can hear, but not so loud it disturbs the neighbors. Enunciate your words clearly.
• Varied: Change your voice according to the story:
  • Speed: Faster for excitement, slower for sadness.
  • Volume: Louder for action, softer for suspense.

Examine Your Words

Children must understand your words in the same way you do. To ensure this:

• Speak simply and choose words that are easy to understand. Replace complicated words with simpler alternatives.
• Learn from children’s conversations, children’s books, and children’s television.
• Avoid theological jargon or evangelistic cliches unless you explain them.
• Don’t assume children understand words like “saved”, “eternal life”, “sin”, or “faith”.
• Keep sentences short and simple. Avoid long, rambling sentences.
• Avoid repetitive phrases like “You know …” or “Well now, boys and girls”.
• Be mindful of literal interpretations. Consider how children understand phrases like:
  • “A caravan of camels”
  • “Gideon’s pitchers”
  • “God drove them out of the garden”
• Use words and concepts familiar to children. Remember, you are feeding lambs, not giraffes (John 21:15).

Key principle: Good communication and understanding depend on using words and concepts your listeners can relate to. It’s not just what you say—it’s what they hear and understand.

Aim for Clear and Memorable Lessons

As you teach:

• Make your lesson so clear that it cannot be misunderstood.
• Make it so interesting that it cannot be forgotten.

Your voice and words will be even more effective when combined with:

• A warm and pleasant personality
• A really interesting presentation

* This is an extract from Mini Mag (NO.16) by Sam Doherty. Sam, who introduced the work of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in Ireland and later served as Regional Director in Europe, shares his insights on 75 years of ministry in this publication.