Do you dream of being a successful writer or an author? Do you want to communicate more effectively as a church leader, a nonprofit or business executive? A key to your success may be as simple as “finding the right platform.” I suggest you begin your search the way I did.

By asking those who know you best.

For many years, a primary connection with people for me has been through preaching and teaching. Writing was an auxiliary form of communicating gospel truths by which I explored my literary neighborhood.

Then I wrote my first book, a denominational history, researched and written while I was in graduate school. I have since written several novels, an allegory, a memoir, magazine articles, and hundreds of newsletters, editorials and blogs. It is a process in which I have always been and continue to be a serious learner.

There are similarities in all forms of communication, spoken or written. But there are striking differences, too. Professional speakers connect in ways different from those of the writer. And even in writing, fiction requires a different style than non-fiction, memoir from history, allegory from poetry. Each discipline has its own set of rules, depending on how and what you hope to communicate.

I always loved being in the pulpit on Sundays, connecting God’s Word face-to-face with his family. A blog (short for weblog) does this by containing some similar elements. It is a kind of informal website journal containing the experiences, stories, opinions and ideas of the writer. It is another platform from which to touch those who let you into their lives.

For example, when you subscribe to “Perspective,” or follow me on social networks, or read my books, you are inviting me to be a part of your life or your work. The same will be true for you if you intend to be a blogger. Such an invitation is a privilege, so I want to get this right.

It’s why I recently asked a few men and women who knew me at various points in my life and ministry, to give feedback in an “unscientific research” project helping to determine what they thought people expect or want from me, specifically in my blog, Perspective.

These persons were asked to describe me with three words. Once they had done this, they were offered five main platform types, suggested by well-known writer/blogger, Jeff Goins: namely, the Journalist (asking questions); the Prophet (challenging, telling the truth); the Artist (creating art); the Professor (facts and information); and the Star (charismatic personality).

The results confirmed what I already knew deep down. While I might dream of being a “charismatic” personality, this is not who I am, nor is it how others perceive me or want me to be. (An authentic reveal: I actually got zero votes on the Star platform. Ouch. It appears “charisma” is the road less traveled for me.) That being said, the platform these participants did see for me was clearly that of the Artist, with a healthy dose of Prophet thrown in.

Prophets push people’s buttons, making them uncomfortable at times, challenging us to step up, to change something, to take action. Artists, on the other hand, seek out beauty in truth, challenging readers, listeners or watchers through their respective and powerful art mediums, causing us to ask questions long after what we saw, heard, or read from them. Artists speak to hearts, not just minds, showing that another world, a better day, and a hope for tomorrow is real and possible for everyone.

Finding your right platform is an informative exercise. It can be scary, bruising to the ego, insightful, or maybe a little of all three, like the preacher who said, “I think I have a book inside me,” to which the deacon replied, “Good. Keep it there.” It’s easiest to think we know how others view us and how God sees us, but do we really? What about you? Is there a book (or a blog) inside you? Or is yours a different platform altogether?

The Apostle John figured it out, with God’s help. For him, verbal communication was extremely important to the generation he served, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he left much for us in written form we still embrace as true today.

I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.

~ 1 John 2:13

 

So whatever the “platform” you use best, however God has wired you, remember your story is his-story through you.

 

Do what you do best for God’s glory!