Videowords – on Proclaiming in an Audiovisual Form

Abstract

The article takes up the issue of audiovisual proclamation of the word of God outside liturgy understood as the presenting of a Church which “goes forth” (Evangelii gaudium). It is often the social media, among them especially the Internet, that become the far places we should want to reach.
The author seeks to formulate some crucial directions for those who proclaim the word of God on television and the Internet. While doing so, he also reflects on the specificity of the mass media, the content and form of the message as well as the technical aspects of its transmission.
An audiovisual message – like any other form of verbal communication – requires from the sender competence in using non-verbal means of communication. This is not an easy skill, as contrary to face to face communication, here the sender does not see the receiver, gets no feedback, does not know what emotions his message evokes. Here, body language is the crucial element. Audiovisual message facilitates emphasis on emotional states, facial expressions or spatial behaviors.
A television personality is characterized by the ability to consciously control their limitations and skillfully take advantage of their good points. The screen prefers someone who is authentic, who can be himself/herself rather than someone perfect, a “model” human without faults and defects. Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, an honest smile, sense of humor, kindness – all of these become extremely important in an audiovisual message.