How to Prepare a Church Talk
Purpose: Each of us are asked at some point to give a talk in Primary or during the Sacrament meeting on a gospel-related subject. Here are some helpful hints on how to prepare a talk.
Scripture: Pslams 34:4
Song: “Lead, Kindly Light”
Lesson: What makes people so nervous about giving talks in church? Is it the pressure of trying to teach gospel principles to others in your ward? Is is simply just talking in front of people? Or is it not knowing exactly where to begin to prepare your talk?
Usually, when you are asked to speak, you will have a topic assigned to you by the person asking you to speak. This will be your foundation in which to build your talk from.
Once you have your topic, try these following tips:
1. Pray frequently for the inspiration to know what to talk about, where to gather information and what experiences you should share to help edify those that will be listening.
2. Write down any scriptures, songs, or personal experiences you know or have had in regards to this topic. Reflect on this topic over and over. Even if you’re not sure of the exact scripture reference, write down what it is in general and find the reference at a later time.
3. Ponder. Think about your topic as you drive to work, walk the dog, grocery shop and so on. Take every opportunity to think about the subject and how it is important to us in these Latter-days.
4. Organize. Pull all the scriptures, quotes from church leaders, stories from church magazines or your own personal experience and start organizing it. You may want to use an outline to help organize it all into a talk.
5. Practice. You will want to practice giving your talk. This will make you more comfortable by being more familiar with what you’re going to be talking about. You will also be able to notice if ideas aren’t complete or if you’ve left out information. You may also receive further revelation for your talk as you practice it.
6. Time your talk. Be sure that you stay within your allotted time. Do not go over or fall short of the time. Get your talk as close to your time limit as possible. For examples of this… watch any session of General Conference.
7. Pray. Pray all the time. As you’re pondering, preparing and even all the way up to walking to the podium. Pray for the Holy Ghost to help you, comfort you and to teach you.
Remember, as you give talks or lessons– you, as the teacher, will gain much more from the experience than anyone listening. Cherish this opportunity to grow and see what you can learn!
Primary Talks~
1. Prepare the talks with your children.
2. Find a story in the Friend that you can share that is related to your topic.
3. Use visual aids to help teach your topic to the children in primary.
4. Teach the power of bearing testimony and help your children know how to do so properly.
5. Keep it stress-free for the children. Help them to have a great experience in giving talks. Practice at home during Family Home Evening or before going to church so they are comfortable and know what to expect.
Discussion:
What are some times in which you’ve been called on the give a talk? How did you prepare? What are some things that you’ve learned by talking in public?
Activity:
Small Children~ Click on the picture and print it for a coloring page.
Older children and adults~ If you’re in a family, group or ward– prepare ahead of time slips of paper with various gospel topics on them. Have members select from a bowl a random topic to use for this activity. Be sure to also gather scriptures, gospel topic books, hymnals, Ensign and Friend magazines and other church approved materials.
With the topic selected, take 10 minutes and prepare a 3-minute talk on that subject. After each person is done, share the talks with everyone. *If you’re in a larger group, it will be easier to keep groups to 2-3 people each.
Keep these talks in your journal for when you are asked to speak. You’ll have a beginning to a talk already prepared and you’ll also have practiced how to prepare one!
Treat:
Cookies ‘N Creme Fudge Brownies
