SCORRE Conference Day 3 is all about digging deeper and beginning to connect some of the dots. We’ve seen the results, worked through the process and had a chance to apply the method to one of our talks. Day 3 allows us to focus in on some of the extra areas of speaking which are so vital – illustrations, body language and how SCORRE applies to a specific area like writing, business or scripture.

To be honest, I struggled more on Day 3 than I did on Day 2 and I think a big part of that was that I was more aware of my own shortcomings. Before coming, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Seeing how a subject, central theme and objective statement can all work together to help form a great talks opened my eyes to how much work I needed to do in my preparation.

Without a structured form for preparation, putting a talk together is pretty easy. With a preparation method which produces great talks, finding the right objective and rational is much harder – but the payoff is much more significant!

After more time in the afternoon with our coaches preparing for the talk we would give that evening, I was able to get some downtime and just walk the grounds of WinShape Retreat. This is an incredible location and the setting is perfect for a conference like this. It really does feel like we are disconnected from the rest of the world and able to focus on our reason for being here.

Again, meals have been a highlight of the conference – not only because the food is so good but also because of the conversation around the table. The variety of personalities, backgrounds and expectations was more than I expected and I have learned something new with every meal conversation I’ve had.

Our last small group session in the evening was powerful. 48 hours before, we were complete strangers. Committed to the process but unsure in our ability. Committed to connecting but hesitant to be too open. On this night, we spoke to each other as friends. We laughed, we cried, we prayed for one another. These were some significant moments.

We’ve turned the corner and instead of “What are you here for?” being the most-asked question it’s now “What are you taking home with you?” My answer is that I now have a crystal clear tool for preparing talks, blog posts or song lyrics. I’ve now got a grid I can use to help me in team leadership, planning Sunday services or even designing conferences and other events.

My day ended with a great conversation with my new friend Pete from Virginia @petehardesty – encouraging him to find a home base online and to begin blogging. He has dozens and dozens of leadership talks which he have given that the world needs to hear and I can’t wait to see him share his blog with the world very soon.

PS Conference attendees: No, I did not SCORRE this recap. Please forgive me :)

If you’d like to follow the SCORRE Conference conversation online, you can find tweets at @SCORRE and follow the #SCORRE12 hashtag.