The best students of the gospel become the best teachers of the gospel I am sometimes asked, "Brother London, how long did it take you to prepare your talk?" I answer, "About 50 years." Powerful speaking and teaching requires lifelong ongoing study. We are commanded to engage in an ongoing lifelong study of the gospel … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #13: Lifelong Study and Preparation
"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." I remember a sacrament talk where the speaker began, “I really don’t have much to say.” After rambling for twenty minutes, he proved his point. It is obvious to listeners how much time a speaker or teacher has spent in prior preparation. “Those who fail to plan, … Continue reading Tips on Talks and Lessons # 12: Thorough Preparation is Paramount
For over two thousand years the classic outline for public speaking has remained the same. Basically, every major talk or lesson should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The classic introduction is divided into three short parts, the "attention getter," the "thesis statement," and the "preview." First, the "attention-getter." Each talk should begin … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #11: The Classic Organization/Outline
The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” 1 Cor 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power; “That your faith should not stand in … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #10: Teach “By the Spirit”
"Teach the doctrine, from the scriptures, by the Spirit" The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” I remember classes where the teacher so focused on secondary sources about history and culture, that we never mentioned the scriptures. When we … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #9: Teach “From the Scriptures”
"Teach the doctrine, from the scriptures, by the Spirit" The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” Gospel teachers must focus on first principles, fundamental doctrines, and the weightier matters. We must target our teaching. We must focus first, on … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #8: “Teach the Doctrine”
The best gospel lessons include class discussions. Edifying uplifting discussions are an integral part of a good lesson. We all learn best when we are actively involved. We can all learn from others. No teacher has a monopoly on gospel knowledge and insights. Only God is omniscient. Every student has something to contribute. Pure lectures … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #7: Lead Meaningful Class Discussions
We have often feel uncomfortable during pauses in our talks or lessons. However, planned pauses are very powerful. Mark Twain observed, “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” Benefits of Planned Pauses Gives the listeners a chance to absorb what you saidEmphasizes a pointLets the … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #6 -The Power of Pauses
“It is admitted that statements of personal experience, spoken or written, carry more force and make a more lasting impression upon the minds of the hearers and readers than can be made any other way.” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 265) There is power is sharing personal experiences during talks and lessons. Using … Continue reading Tip on Talks and Lessons #5B: Personal Experience Caveats
There is power in personal experiences. Sharing such experiences can be: InterestingEntertainingImpactfulHeartwarmingMovingTouchingSpiritualEnlighteningPersuasiveMemorable “It is admitted that statements of personal experience, spoken or written, carry more force and make a more lasting impression upon the minds of the hearers and readers than can be made any other way.” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 265) … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #5A: The Power of Personal Experiences
The London Edition 