After all the hard work is done, and the manuscript has been typed, all that remains is the delivery. But there is another step that I have learned to take before the delivery. It is becoming familiar with the manuscript.
It takes more time but it has proven beneficial in my own preaching to first go back and edit the manuscript, looking at points that could be explained better and/or correcting errors.
It also helps to go over the manuscript and become familiar with the sermon layout. I like to be familiar with the manuscript but it is imperative that I be familiar with the text for it is the text I am preaching and not my own fabricated manuscript. If I am familiar with the text of Scripture and its meaning then I will be able to explain the text with or without a manuscript.
The last step I take in the preparation process before delivery is to pray over the manuscript. I read though with a general idea of the content of the paragraphs and pray that God would make this truth clear, to help me explain it to my hearers, to use this illustration to get the point across and so on.
I have found this to make a noticeable difference for me in the pulpit. If I am familiar with the text and how I have explained it in the manuscript, then many times I find that I am afforded greater liberty and often with a quick glimpse at my notes I know where I am going. Not to mention, I have prayed through the actual message.
Again, I realize that every preacher has his own style and must find what works for him, but this is what works for me. Hopefully it will be a help and encouragement to someone.
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