Todays' BUGB e-news-sweep thingy links this set of ten tips for better preaching.  Most of it I would go along with quite happily, but, as is often the case with these lists, I cannot concur with the ascertain 'preaching without notes is superior'.  I fully agree, there is nothing worse than someone reading a boring lecture from the pulpit, I've heard my share of them.  But far worse, imo, are those who ramble along, off at a dozen tangents, never actually saying anything much because they are 'going where the Spirit (of unpreparedness?  of arrogance?) leads' them.

Because this old chestnut pops up now and then, and because I make the same response each time, I kind of expect the usual comments.  Suffice it to say, the best sermons I've head are from people who use full scripts and have learned how best to deliver them.

So, my revised step 4 would be something like this:

Notes or not?  This is very much a matter for personal taste, but whatever is decided must be that which best enables the preacher to deliver the message, she/he feels called to bring.  Dull monologues, at one extreme, and structureless ramblings, at the other, are not preaching, and probably don't do much for God either.  Find the technique that works for you, learn to use it well and then get on and use it.

As for me, I intend to stick with my full scripts, thanks all the same, and will improvise, extend or summarise as assems right in the act of delivery.... as the Spirit (of order, not disorder) leads. :0)