Pointers on talking...

[Action_Eddy]

Good Day everybody :)

I'm new to this site, I've been a member since 2000, on and off. Well seeing as I started to going to church again the last coule of weeks my branch president asked me to give a talk. I've never given a talk before at church.

The problem is I don't know what to do, let alone even start . So I was wondering if any of you out there could give me some insight that would be much appreciated. The talk is on a talk given by Gordon B. Hinckley, "Let not your heart be troubled", I've read it over and over but I just can't seem to start it.

[Misshalfway]

I generally make an outline of all my talks. I highlight 3 or 4 main points from a talk and write them down and then list everything that helps me illustrate that point. I can then add a supportive scripture or an experience from the Ensign or my own life. Then I go to the next point and do the same thing. Sometimes I start my talks with a quote or a introductory story that brings me to my topic. And it is always appropriate to end with your personal testimony concerning your remarks.

Don't know if that helps, but the outline method helps me simplify things and also keep my remarks within time limits.

Good luck. That is a great topic!

[HoosierGuy]

Action_Eddy, you don't have anything to worry about. In the short time I've been in the Church, since March 8th of this year, I have seen and heard lots of talks. Some good, some not so good. The important thing is for you to do it at the best of your abilities and no one will be disappointed. Let the Spirit guide you and us listeners should listen for the important big or little messages in your talk.

[MrNirom]

I think this talk has everything to do with John 14:1. But if you step back.. and see what is going on here at the time he brings this up. This is at the last supper.. and the Christ knows what is ahead of him. Gethsemane.. the mock trial.. the scourging.. the Crucifixion. All negative things eh? But how does he handle it? Crying? Complaining? Fearful? Sorrowful? Worried?

Now compare it to the things that are going on now.. today in our lives. Troubled times. How do we or will we deal with these things ahead? Worry, fear, sorrowful? or the way Christ handled it?

To start the talk.. I normally would start like this....

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." said Christ. It reminds me of a story of a mother who worried about her two boys. They were always in trouble. If something happened.. you could almost guarantee that somehow.. these two were involved in it. So as this mother worried.. she decided she would have the Bishop talk to the boys.. not together mind you... but one at a time. She spoke with the Bishop and he agreed and asked that the first boy be sent to his office after school the next day.

The mother was excited that possibly this could be the trick to get her boys back on track.. as she did worry so. She told her first son that he was to see the Bishop the next day after school.

So the next day comes.. and this boy enters the Bishops office for his meeting. As the Bishop looks at him.. he decides to teach him about God.. and being more like him... So he asks the boy.. Tell me.. where is God?

The boy just looks at him and says nothing... The bishop then moves closer to him.. thinking maybe he didn't hear him and repeats the question.. Where is God? The boy again.. says nothing.. but looks at the Bishop. The Bishop.. then troubled by the lack of response.. stands up.. and says.. Son.. I have asked you a question... Where is God?

All of a sudden.. the boy jumps up from his seat and runs out of the Bishop's office.. running for home.

He gets home and immediately runs into his bedroom where his brother is and says to him.. We are in big trouble. God is missing and they think we had something to do with it.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me."

And then proceed from there. I would include truthful things from you life. Try to tie in your absense from the Church and why you have decided to come back.

I hope this helps. But please... don't ask me to write the whole speech.. hehehe

Edited November 13, 2008 by MrNirom

[Guest tomk]

The best talks are not the ones you think OTHERS want to hear, but the ones that come from your heart. Just make notes about what you like about the subject and mix in a few life experiences that you feel are relevant.

Also -- I like to find-out how long the talk is supposed to be and I practice practice practice. I practice in front of a mirror. I practice in front of my wife. I time myself to see how long it takes to give the talk speaking as fast as I can or talking slowly. I listen to the flow of the talk. Does it sound smooth? Or is it choppy? Can I elaborate on some things?

I'm no expert - but that is what came to mind.

Pray for the Spirit. You'll be fine.

[tubaloth]

After reading the talk.

1. Explain to me what you got out of it. (how did this teaching effect you).

2. How does this teaching fit into the gospel. Why did Pres. Hinckley feel he needed to talk about this. Why is this teaching important?

3. How can you better apply this teaching in your life? What ways do you think this would effect your life? How can others apply this teaching?

4. What are the blessing we gain from keeping/following this gudiance by a prophet of God. (Challange/invite the members of your branch to follow this principle, and give them a reason why they should)

5. Do you know this principle is true? Do you know Pres Hinckley was a prophet and taught the words of God (bare your testamony)

[Hemidakota]

Yes! You will need the Spirit to be with you. However, the church has setup a talk lesson builder for the Saints.

Check this site out: LDS.org - Prepare a Talk

Beside what others already stated, remember, when you are done, read it again and again and again. Memorize much as possible to keep an eye contact to the those in the back and talk from one side of the chapel to the other. You will do fine though....

[Elgama]

just remember most have done it before - and not one LDS I have met has complained when sacrament finishes a bit early now if it overruns......

-Charley

[Action_Eddy]

Thanks for all your help, I feel more comfident in myself now, thanks to all of you :)

[Hemidakota]

Yes! Rambling beyond the Sacrament time is a notable problem.

[Justice]

What I've learned is that we often try to make too many points during talks. The best talks, in my opinion, pick one principle and center the talk around it. Also, one of the fastest ways to invite the Spirit into meeting is to relate personal, relevant stories that are good examples of the principle you chose. Speaking about "things we know" is a powerful tool for inviting the Spirit. People can often relate to how we learned something, as long as it's something the Spirit tells us we should share.

Welcome Eddy and it's awesome you've decided to start attending again.

[Moksha]

I am a bit rusty at advice (used to do some public speaking), but have never once been asked to speak since becoming active - so I can well imagine the trepidations you are feeling. I would like to give you some helpful suggestions.

1.Think it through ahead of time. In my ward there are too many off the cuff talks, where people parrot back over used phrases. Lack of preparation has a way of shining through. Select a theme for the specific topic you have been either assigned or chosen. Write it out. In paragraph outline, jot down your thought. Then condense each paragraphed thought into one word and put it down as number 1 on a note card. Do this with all you paragraphs. Try to have no more that 6-7 points. You want to be talking to the audience and not looking at your card. Leave out clichés from you talk.

2. Best to use your own original thought and not something recycled from the Ensign or elsewhere.

3. Practice once in the mirror before your talk. This really helps. Don't overdo it.

4. Smile and speak in a conversational style. Never try to imitate those slow sonorous tones and rhythms from General Conference. If you are timid then try to be lively. If you are a drama queen then put your talent to work.

5. Do include personal examples from your life if you have any that relate to what you want to say. Don't be afraid to use humor, because the audience will appreciate it. Don't read stuff. Never be overly intellectual.

Hope this helps.