How Joel Osteen Inspires Millions

Business leaders can learn a lot from the popular evangelist's

uplifting style. Accentuating the hopeful empowers people to take action

It's easy to spot Joel Osteen. The pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church has been featured on 60 Minutes, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, and other major network shows in addition to countless magazine and newspaper articles, mostly focusing on his new best seller, Become a Better You.

The book was released in October with an initial printing of 3 million
copies. Lakewood Church averages 47,000 attendees for Osteen's weekly
services. Osteen has influence.

As a communications coach, I make observations on what makes a
particular speaker inspiring to his or her listeners. The secret behind
Osteen's charisma is this: He speaks the language of hope.

According to Osteen, "As parents, we can profoundly influence the
direction of our children's lives by the words we say to them. I
believe as husbands and wives we can set the direction for our entire
family. As a business owner, you can help set the direction of your
employees. With our words, we have the ability to help mold and shape
the future of anyone over whom we have influence."

As a communications coach, I make observations on what makes a
particular speaker inspiring to his or her listeners. The secret behind
Osteen's charisma is this: He speaks the language of hope.

If that's the case, and I believe it is, then dwelling on the
negative (for example, focusing on how "bad " things are, how the
economy will ruin your business, etc.) will demoralize your listeners.
Speaking in positive, optimistic language, however, will leave everyone
inspired and energized by your presence.