HOW TO HELP OTHERS TO LISTEN AT MEETINGS

8. Why should brothers who teach from the platform continue to improve in their speaking ability?

⁸ Brothers who teach from the platform, especially those who give public talks, should continue to improve in their speaking ability. A well-prepared, Bible-based presentation has tremendous potential to draw people to the truth and to help fellow believers stay in the truth. Accordingly, those who have parts at the meeting should not underestimate the good they can do. If you have that privilege, consider how you might apply the following points in your talks. Although these points are directed especially to those who deliver public talks, they can be applied in principle to any speaking assignment we might receive.​—2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9.

9. Why is it important for a talk to be easy to follow?

⁹ Prepare a clear structure. As a speaker, you want your material to be easy to follow. The audience may become distracted if the material is too complicated. What can you do to give a well-structured talk? Here are some steps: (1) Try to make it clear at the outset what your main points will be. (2) Cover these points one at a time, pausing between main points and clearly stating the next main point before moving on. (3) Briefly review the points in your conclusion.

10. Why is it important to get excited about the material?

¹⁰ Get excited about the material. You will speak with enthusiasm if you develop points you love. (Prov. 2:4, 5; Acts 4:20) Meditating on the scriptures and the assigned material will help you find these points. A brother from the United States who is in his 70’s recalls a talk he heard when he was in his teens: “I still remember how the speaker encouraged us to meditate deeply when reading God’s Word. He spoke with conviction and explained clearly how to do it. That talk marked a turning point in my life; it affected my Bible reading as well as my relationship with Jehovah.”

11. Why is it helpful to give practical, specific suggestions in talks? (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

¹¹ Think about what your audience needs, and offer practical suggestions. Rather than present general information, use the Scriptures to give specific encouragement and suggestions. For example, the apostle Paul gave Timothy a number of specific suggestions to help him stay spiritually strong in his assignment in Ephesus. (Read 1 Timothy 4:13-16.) Think about what your listeners need, and help them to see practical ways that they can apply the information in their life.

12. Why is it best to speak naturally when giving a talk?

¹² Practice your talk out loud so that you can speak in a conversational manner. When you speak naturally instead of writing out your talk word for word and reading it, those in the audience will find it easier to listen and absorb the information. The brochure Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching says: “Speak in a natural, sincere way that conveys how you feel about the topic and your listeners.” As you speak from the heart, your audience will find your delivery more lively, interesting, and motivating.

13. Why should teachers in the congregation ask experienced speakers for counsel? (See also picture.)

¹³ Ask an experienced speaker for counsel. How might you do this? You may want to share your notes with an experienced speaker beforehand and thereafter include his suggestions in your talk. Additionally, ask him to listen to your delivery with a view to giving you suggestions on how you might improve as a teacher. (Prov. 1:5) We all have “blind spots,” and we may not be able to discern if we are making our points in a clear and helpful way. We want to improve as speakers and teachers so that we can help our listeners benefit from the spiritual gems found in God’s Word.a