Sacrament Talk Tips

DOs

• Prepare your talk early, even from the day you receive the assignment. This allows more time for the Spirit to guide and inspire you.

• Focus your talk on the Savior and building faith and testimony in Him.

• Listen to the Spirit and adjust your preparations according to promptings you feel.  

• Seek to teach the doctrines you have selected in a reverential tone.

• Practice your talk beforehand. Repeat as needed and time yourself to make sure you stay within your given time limits.

On the day

• Say a prayer in your heart before you begin.  

• Arrive early to church so you have a smooth and undisrupted experience.

• Speak clearly, slowly, and loud enough into the microphone so others can hear you well.

• Make eye contact and smile to put yourself and others at ease.

DON’Ts

• Begin your talk by expressing your reluctance to give it or making apologies for your delivery.

• Speak on subjects you are unfamiliar with or on which you may lack understanding.

• Speculate or talk about controversial matters.

• Read extensively from another person’s talk.

• Miss the opportunity to speak from your heart.

• Feel pressured to speak professionally.

On the day

• Arrive late.

• Take more time than you have been assigned.

• Be nervous -- these are your friends, they are interested in what you have to say.