Reminders for Those Assigned Public Talks

Table of Contents

Use of the Outline 2-7

Use of Visual Aids 8-9
Improving Your Delivery 10-16

1. The goal of a public speaker is to teach effectively from the Scriptures, motivate and inspire
his listeners to love Jehovah, and help dedicated ones on the road to life.—Matt. 22:37.

USE OF THE OUTLINE

2. As you read the outline, think about the individuals in your audience. Ask yourself: What
are the circumstances and feelings of my listeners? Why is the information important for
them? How can I best present the material?

3. Consider the theme, the main headings, and the notes to the speaker to help you under-
stand the talk’s objective and the central idea that will be repeated throughout the talk.

4. Give structure to your talk by discussing one main point at a time. Main points begin at
the left margin. These outstanding points carry the main ideas that you want to convey to
the audience. Subpoints for each main point are indented under the main point that they
support.

5. Identify the key scriptures—often marked “Read”—that support the main points. Allow sufficient
time to explain, illustrate, and apply the key scriptures.—w17.09 p. 26 par. 12; be pp. 53-54.
(1) Explain: Make sure that the audience knows why the scripture is being read. What
does it teach us? Deepen their understanding of the scripture. (Prov. 4:5; it-2 p. 1138
par. 6) Isolate key words or phrases. Consider whether discussing the context, set-
ting, writer, or points from the Research Guide will help the audience grasp the scrip-
ture’s significance.—th studies 6, 18.
(2) Illustrate: Use simple illustrations that help your audience gain a deeper understand-
ing of a main point and that help them remember it. An illustration may be a word
picture that compares two things, a Bible example, or a modern-day experience. Use
only verified experiences, and avoid those that are overly sensational. A wide variety
of experiences have been featured in our publications and on JW Broadcasting. Avoid
illustrations that require lengthy explanations or that may be offensive to some listen-
ers.—th study 8.
(3) Apply: Help the audience see what needs to be done and how to do it. Be practical.
Think about the challenges facing different groups in your audience, such as older
ones, married couples, single persons, and youths. Present real-life scenarios to help
the audience visualize how the scriptures can help them to act wisely under those
circumstances.—th study 13.

6. Determine which subpoints and cited scriptures not marked “Read” best support each
main point. You may choose to spend more time on certain subpoints and less on others.

7. Prepare your personal notes based on the outline provided by the organization. Many use
an outline with condensed sentences for the main ideas and subpoints. This type of outline
allows for a fuller expression of ideas and can be elaborated on extemporaneously during
the delivery. Some prefer a topical outline with the main points and subpoints written more
concisely.

USE OF VISUAL AIDS

8. Make judicious use of dignified visual aids to highlight important points, not minor details.
You may display still images only. When you display an image, you should refer to it and
use it to teach. You should not display an image merely to add visual interest or entertain.
Nor should you display an image at the same time that you are reading a scripture. The JW
Broadcasting monthly program is not the model for how images are to be used in a public
talk.—th study 9.

9. You may show the text of selected scriptures on the monitors if this is done sparingly. How-
ever, it would not be appropriate to display the text of each scripture used. Do not use any
moving video footage unless directed to do so by the organization. (As an exception, speakers
at sign-language meetings may show videos of scriptures and make judicious use of other
videos from our organization as a visual teaching aid for the special needs of deaf audiences.)
Speakers should not contact the branch office to request pictures, graphics, or artwork for
use in their presentations.

IMPROVING YOUR DELIVERY

10. Audience contact helps your talk make a stronger impression on your listeners. How-
ever, if you are being projected onto a large screen, try to focus on the camera. If not, look
at someone in the audience, express a thought, and then move on to another person and
express another thought. As you observe the reactions—smiles, attentive looks—of individ-
uals to your thoughts, your talk becomes like an engaging conversation and has more force.

11. Practice your talk aloud prior to delivering it. Each time you practice, look for ways to
refine your material, timing, and delivery as well as ways to make your talk more specific,
practical, and motivating. Some record their talks to assist with this process.—th study 15.

12. Speak extemporaneously. Do not read your talk to the audience. Express the material
in your own words, and speak from the heart. Use appropriate enthusiasm, natural gestures,
and a warm smile to convey your feelings for and personal interest in your audience.—th
studies 11, 12; be pp. 166, 174-178.

13. When introducing a scripture, build anticipation for the verse by asking a question or
telling the audience what to look for. Avoid apologetic statements such as “we are all familiar
with this verse” or “we have read this many times.” Allow the audience time to find the verse
before reading it. Read scriptures accurately and with good sense stress. After reading the
scripture, keep your Bible open so that you can refer back to key words and phrases.—th
studies 4, 5.

14. Focus on the positive message of the Bible and on the benefits that come from applying
its wisdom. Speak positively about Jehovah’s organization and those in the congregation.
Avoid negative comments that discourage the audience or humor that disparages the be-
liefs, attitudes, or lifestyles of non-Witnesses.—th study 16.

15. If your audience includes a number of members of the public, develop the material in a
way that newly-interested ones will be able to understand. If only a few newly-interested
ones are present, you may adapt the public talk to encourage publishers in the congrega-
tion.—th studies 17, 18.
16. As a helpful option, before giving your talk, let the auxiliary counselor or another good
speaker know that you would like to hear his observations and recommendations afterward.
Regularly review the Teaching brochure and the Ministry School book. Pay careful attention
to the teaching methods used on the JW Broadcasting monthly programs. Remember, all of
us can improve in our “art of teaching,” regardless of how long we have been giving public
talks.—Tit. 1:9.
S-141-E 11/21