Submitted by:  Becky5137@aol.com

We had another wonderful activity the other night. The girls planned at our class presidency meeting a night to learn how to give youth talks. They decided to ask one of the local seminary teachers. They had an opening exercises and one of the girls that took on the responsibility to ask got up and introduced him. We then had a half hour of entertainment about what is bad and what you see a lot of in church speakers. He showed them how to put an outline together and what parts of the outline they needed to have. He taught them so much in such a great way! One thing that was so neat was he had majored in speech. It just testified to me that when the girls plan and prepare and carry out the spirit is with them! They were so surprised when he said that he had majored in speech! But all of us leaders smiled and thanked our Heavenly Father for giving them such a great experience!

He stated:  "How many of us have heard speakers just read out of the New Era? BORING!

We need to come up with a way to introduction our topic or theme by getting the audiences attention, maybe a story, a picture etc. Then you might state what the body of the talk will be which will be stating the main points of the talk.

Then you start with the first point and use supporting materials, outside sources such as Ensign, Scriptures etc. If using a story,  know it well enough so you can put it into your own words!  Then you need to use a sign post or transition, such as "you can gain more faith by praying" to get you from the topic of faith topic to the next topic of praying.  

It is so important to prepare in advance. Practice so it comes natural and so you will have the spirit too, instead of being so nervous about just getting through.    (Prepare spiritually, Prepare yourself and know!--- Neal A  Maxwell said, "You can't draw knowledge from an empty well!")

Then you need to bring it to a conclusion. Testify of the topic instead of every thing else! He stated that a simple testimony of what the topic is instead of a testimony of every other gospel principal will bring it to a perfect end.

One More Suggetions From Karratti ldslafd@lds.net

It's funny how so many things that we did as youth are still good ideas.  Remember Speech Festivals? We used to have them after learning from people who taught how to speak. There is still something that I will always remember from them (and most speakers from High Councilman to the Youth are guilty of this). I actually find myself cringing a bit each time it happens.  It is this:  NEVER say that "I was asked to talk about..." The reason is that you have already lost half your audience. Anyone who isn't interested in your topic will already turn you off. It is much better to begin and let the audience listen and try to figure out what your topic is. I have shared this lesson with my children and many whom I have been a leader to.

Contributed by:  cj@fea.net

Three things that jumped out at me in that course (and have since become pet peeves!) are:

1) NEVER BEGIN WITH AN APOLOGY...."Brothers and sisters, I'd rather be anywhere else today, but I'll do the best I can..."  etc, etc

2) DON'T INTRODUCE YOUR SUBJECT  "I've been asked to speak on..." or "Today my talk is on..."  This conveys the assumption that the congregation isn't smart enough to figure it out on their own.  Jump right in to the topic and GO FOR IT - the congregation will catch on by the second sentence

3) DON'T POINT OUT YOUR MISTAKES OR IGNORANCE - if you don't know what you are talking about, the audience will know it without you telling them and a couple of other 'tips':

4) If you are too nervous to look at the congregation, look above their heads to the clock in the back of the chapel  - or -

5) Find a friendly face, someone who is paying attention, and speak to THEM

6) Remember - the audience is on YOUR side. They already know you and love you and want you to to well.


Contributed by: cmason@redriverok.com

I plan on teaching the girls how to give a talk. I will give a short talk myself to begin the night. We'll talk about what they think is a good talk and what grabs their attention. Then, I'll hand out these little booklets I've made. Then, the girls will draw a topic from a jar and write a short 2-4 minute talk on that topic. I will give them about 20 minutes of quiet time to look throught their scriptures and some New Eras that I will provide to collect stories and quotes. After they have completed the talk they will present it to the class. I only have 6 girls so it won't take long.

How To Give a GREAT Talk


Be Prepared

If you were not given a topic to speak on then you need to choose one. And you should do so prayerfully. Pray and look over all your possible topics before you jump into writing your talk. Who are you speaking to? Who do you want to reach? And finally, what point does your Heavenly Father want you to make for Him? Also, NEVER read a talk. People hate to be read to! Unless it's a quote or story, have your talk memorized and be familiar with it.   You'll be more relaxed and comfortable. The audience can tell if you're comfortable or not so be confident.

Make It Flow
  
Every talk, whether it's 2 or 20 minutes long, should have a beginning, middle and end. In the beginning have an attention getter. Grab your audience  by making them laugh, telling an emotional story or starting off with a great quote. Then, announce your topic. In the middle, tell your story. Make a point. Have definate point when you begin and make sure any stories or quotes you might include agree with your topic. And, depending on your subject, you may chose to make the audience laugh again. Finally, in the end, reemphasize your point.  Make sure you tie your ending to the beginning so your talk is a continuous circle of knowledge and information for your audience. Bear your testimony and close.
 
Get The Scoop

Find some interesting facts, stories, and quotes or poems to include in your talk that correspond with the scriptures you will be using.  It adds interest and excitement to an otherwise simple talk. 
 
Attitude

The way you present your talk is a reflection of your attitude. If you seem disinterested in the topic then your audience will, too. Be animated.  Be relaxed. And don't be afraid to be different. Everyone can get up and say out loud the talk they have memorized. But how much fun is it to get up and give your talk while making the audience smile, frown, laugh or even cry? If any of that is accomplished, then your satisfaction will be tremendous when you walk away from the podium.

Why Not

Why not go ahead and be extra prepared by making talks ahead of time?  Then, when the time comes you have a talk and all the work needed is to familiarize yourself with it. It really helps, especially when you have a busy schedule, to have a talk or quote or scripture file to refer to.

Remember....Have fun! You can do it! 

Personal Progress-Knowledge