Priscilla Shirer’s Guide to Becoming a Master Communicator

Introduction

Effective communication is a pivotal skill in both personal and professional realms.

Priscilla Shirer, a renowned speaker, author, and actor, has spent years honing her communication abilities. 

Her journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. 

In this article, we explore insights from Priscilla Shirer’s career, focusing on her approach to mastering the art of communication, from speaking and writing to acting. This article is based on an interview Shirer granted to Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast.

Understanding the Art of Communication

Priscilla Shirer’s communication journey began in her childhood. Despite getting into trouble for talking too much, her parents recognized her gift and encouraged her to use it for God’s purposes. 

This early recognition and support helped shape her communication skills, highlighting the importance of identifying and nurturing innate talents from a young age.

Embracing Your Gifts

Shirer’s father, Dr. Tony Evans, played a crucial role in her development by affirming her communication gift despite disciplinary issues. This lesson emphasizes the need for patience and discernment in recognizing and nurturing potential in others. 

By surrendering her gift to God, Shirer transformed a childhood challenge into a powerful tool for her ministry and career.

From Speaking to Writing

Transitioning from speaking to writing, Priscilla Shirer faced self-doubt. Encouraged by Moody Publishers, she embraced the opportunity to write, despite initially feeling inadequate. 

This experience underscores the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting in your abilities. Over time, Shirer has authored numerous books, proving that taking risks can lead to significant growth and impact.

The Role of Mentorship and Learning

Throughout her career, Shirer has benefited from being around seasoned professionals. By positioning herself among experts, she gained invaluable insights into the nuances of communication. 

This approach highlights the value of mentorship and the importance of learning from those who have mastered their craft. Shirer’s willingness to be a student again, even after achieving success, showcases her commitment to continuous improvement.

Mastering the Craft of Acting

Shirer’s foray into acting with the film “War Room” presented new challenges. She sought advice from industry veterans, read books on acting, and watched instructional videos to understand the technicalities of the craft. 

Her dedication to learning the technical aspects, such as blocking and timing, illustrates the necessity of mastering the details to deliver a convincing performance.

Crying on Command: An Actor’s Insight

One of the most challenging aspects of acting is crying on command. Shirer shares that while some actors can crystallize their tears, others, like herself, may use tools like menthol to stimulate tears during long shoots. 

This candid revelation highlights the blend of natural talent and practical aids that contribute to an actor’s performance, demonstrating that achieving excellence often involves a combination of innate ability and learned techniques.

Applying Communication Skills in Multiple Fields

Priscilla Shirer’s ability to excel in various roles—speaker, writer, and actor—stems from her commitment to improving her communication skills continuously. 

Whether delivering a speech, writing a book, or performing in a film, Shirer applies the same principles of preparation, learning, and excellence. 

Her diverse career path underscores that strong communication skills are transferable and can open doors in multiple fields.

Conclusion

Priscilla Shirer’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills. 

From recognizing and nurturing innate talents to embracing opportunities for growth and learning from mentors, her experiences provide a roadmap for achieving excellence. 

By committing to continuous improvement and mastering the technical aspects of communication, you can unlock new opportunities and make a significant impact in your chosen field. 

Whether you’re speaking, writing, or acting, Priscilla Shirer’s story is a testament to the power of effective communication.

What have you learnt from Priscilla Shirer’s insights to help you communicate better? Share with us.