Sacrement Meeting Talks

[lilered]

Last Sunday we were driving home from Sacrement Meeting and discussing the talks that were given. We had noticed that several members appeared to be sleeping while others studied their lessons, or were inattentive to what was being said.

I made the comment and observation that perhaps what was needed when giving a Sacrement Talk would be something that would get and hold the congretations attention. For example a if one were giving a talk on "Putting On The Armour of God", at the appropriate time they could put on a Life Vest, or Flak jacket, etc. to illustate the point. Or perhaps use a step ladder to help emphasize the point of progression or growth.

As we continued our conversation, neither of us have ever witnessed the use of any type of prop. etc. by Sacrement Meeting Speakers.

Is there a reason for this? We then started thinking that perhaps the reason we have never seen this done before was that it was prohibited by in the Handbook.

[Elgama]

only one I remember is this one at General Conference LDS.org - Ensign Article - Baskets and Bottles

She brought a huge basket of fruit and it is my clearest memory of a Conference talk

However what I think we need is to be taught how to listen and take notes I learned this at Speakers Club and in the Teachings of the Apostles Institute Manual (may have wrong name) - and its invaluable for insuring that all talks are interesting. Its more difficult with 2 kids but Iknow it makes me listen.

-Charley

[Flyonthewall]

I have seen talks in Sacrament meeting use pictures that were either attached to the front of the pulpit, or held up by children.

Not sure if this is exactly what you were referring to.

[Canuck Mormon]

I remember hearing from someone, not sure who or when, that we were NOT to use props or visual aids during sacrament meeting talks. I think it would distract from the spirit. I understand that there are people who simply do not listen, but even if they only hear a portion of the talk, it could still have an effect on them.

[skalenfehl]

I also remember not too long ago hearing at church that visual aids were discouraged. Irony is my wife and I are in a new ward (stake boundaries recently split) and she's planning on using some, but I'm happy that she's quite enthusiastic (or at least agreeable and not nervous) about preparing a message.

[tubaloth]

I do remember people using pictures mostly. Maybe a couple of times people would bring some object (like maybe a chain, or keys). But that is discouraged a lot. I know there was a Leadership training that talked about not using over heads in Sacrament meeting, and I think something about trying to get the audience evolved (Like asking the audience a question, and waiting for somebody to answer).

There is a difference from learning, and being entertained. I think to many times we want the talk to entertain us. That is a plus if it does happen. But once people understand the different from a TALK and Lesson (which is given in Sunday School and primary) there the reasons are clear.

A talk in church, is just that a talk. You are talking about the subject. A Lesson is where discussion happens, and points are made (with objects and pictures).

[WillowTheWhisp]

We have also been told that we shouldn't use visual aids or ask for congregation participation during sacrament meeting. We've even been told as a congregation not to rifle through our scriptures looking for the verses which the speaker refers to and not to call out in response to anything they say, for example if they can't remember where to find a particular scripture reference and we know where it is we should not call out to tell them.

The only time I think pictures are allowed is for Primary Presentation.

[lilered]

Perhaps your correct in that we all need to be better listeners. Certaintly taking appropriate notes etc. would assist us in doing that. In giving this a little more thought, maybe what is needed is a Sacrament Talk on "How To Get The Most Out Of Sacrament Meeting Talks"? or "How To Show Respect For Sacrament Meeting Speakeers"? or lastly give a talk on "What Would Jesus Do If He Were Sitting At Our Sacrament Meeting?" :^).

[Hemidakota]

I do apply 'props', when gaging the audience and principle that needs some reinforcement. Others, I have seen from GAs, SPs, HCs, do it from time-to-time. What I have learned in using this method of teaching, members are more attentive in the meeting then lecturing a 15-minutes; some cases, 30-minutes.

[skalenfehl]

Ok, what's a GA, SP, and HC? I'm sure I'll slap my forehead once you reply.

[Hemidakota]

Sorry, I was counseling a person when I short keyed those abbreviations:

GA - General Authorities

SP - Stake Presidents

HC - High Councilmen

[WillowTheWhisp]

GA I recognise as General Authority but I don't know the other two. I've never seen a General Authority use visual aids.

You must have posted just as I was typing.

I suppose some Stake Presidents and High Councilmen may have their own views but I was pretty sure the instruction not to use visual aids in Sacrament meeting came from the First Presidency. They are certainly never used in General Conference,

[Hemidakota]

GAs will never do props in a general conference...

Different if it is a BYU Devotionals, local area talks, firesides, and so forth.

[WillowTheWhisp]

Oh yes talks and firesides are different though aren't they? I've seen General Authorities use them in those circumstances. We are encouraged to use them in lessons too.

[Flyonthewall]

GAs will never do props in a general conference...

Different if it is a BYU Devotionals, local area talks, firesides, and so forth.

Does a passage of scripture put on the screen count? That's a visual aid for those who watch conference on TV.

[Hemidakota]

You consider that a teaching tool.

Any talk under the influence and guidance of the HG is the same as General Conference.

[tubaloth]

General Authority, Stake President, High Counsoler