Some years ago, when I was teaching an adult Bible Study class, I saw one man’s eyebrow raise after a comment I had made. I realized he disagreed with what I said, and I wanted him to have an opportunity to air his thoughts.
“Mike, what did I say that you disagreed with?”
Not wanting to be confrontational, “Nothing, pastor.”
“Class, whenever I teach, I greatly appreciate open communication. If I say something wrong, I like to correct it, and when you all interact with me, I have the opportunity to learn. Now, Mike, will you please tell me what I said, and what you thought about it.”
After he repeated my statement, I asked the class if they heard the same thing. They all heard it, and many of them shared Mike’s concern. I was glad for the opportunity to clarify a misunderstanding.
I restated the concept in a manner that was more suitable for their age and educational background, they understood, they retained their confidence in me, and we continued.
Dear readers, in writing blogs, newspaper articles, and books, we usually don’t have the opportunity to clarify incorrect or misunderstood statements as we do in live settings. Therefore, we need to write well, and edit it carefully. The lack of editing, or poor editing, can doom a potential best seller.
So, have your editor ready, and be sure to …
Write Creatively.
P & L Publishing 