David Day has created a very practical book, in which various sermons are analysed and discussed after each bit of theory. The exercises in which he invites the reader are helpful to the reader in order to apply the theory to their own practice and sermons.
Some readers would have problems with Day as he states the, though the Bible should be referenced in every sermon, it does not need to make up part of every sermon. He is definitely not a proponent of expositional teaching all the time; believing instead in many varied approaches being the preferred option.
Day deals with communication theory, and the idea that listeners interpret things in different ways based on their previous understandings of concepts and words, and he reminds us that, as preachers, it is good to try and be aware of these; to know our congregation.
This book is helpful for thinking through some of the contemporary issues facing the sermon, Day has dealt with communication theory and the work of David Norrington (briefly) and attempts to address the discoveries, or questions raised, by both of those contemporary ‘objectors’ to the common Sunday sermon. His book will be helpful to all those in the preaching, or Christian communicating ministries, as well as those in seminary or Bible college studying these things. Even to the pastor who has been preaching for many decades, this book is a good read as it will help bring the sermons of the pastor into the contemporary realities of the congregation, as a whole and as individuals.
Finally, I would encourage at least some engagement with the exercises found throughout the book bordered in black lines. Normally there is little work involved, sometimes merely reading over old sermons, but the benefits will out-weigh the workload.