Oratory skills are of particular importance for public speakers, and since sermons are considered public speeches and preachers consequently public speakers, this paper analyzes the rhetorical characteristics of sermons. The paper includes the theoretical overview and comparison of the two largest Christian denominations – Roman-Catholic and Protestant. The analysis compares the public speaking skills of preachers of the two above-mentioned denominations. Elements of analysis include the rhetorical structure, i.e. whether the sermons follow the basic structure of public speech. Regarding the performance, this analysis tries to determine the level of preacher’s preparedness – do they read their sermons or is their performance spontaneous. The analysis also tries to determine which rhetorical tactics the preachers use. The rhetorical structure analysis has a special emphasis on the basic public speech components such as introduction and conclusion, as well as the choice of words and figurativeness. The performance part of the analysis emphasizes the rate of speech and pauses and non-verbal communication. The analysis has shown that although the majority of the analyzed preachers did not read their sermons, they should improve their oratory skills since their preaching abilities depend on their public speaking talent or the lack of it. For that reason, this thesis also includes a written class lesson with the purpose of improving these problematic areas in potential work with preachers.