Follow Up and Public Speaking

My goal was to set up a time to meet with Matt, the other Gospel Doctrine teacher in my ward, to talk about our class, goals, and how we can be more effective. Matt and I are meeting Sunday morning before church to go over a class theme that we want to present to the class this Sunday.

I learned some good stuff about public speaking from Diona M. Wilson. First off-what a spunky, fun lady! I loved her enthusiasm and cheerful attitude! I really enjoyed the then tips for public speakers that she taught. She said that we need to know our audience by doing some audience analysis. My class is full of BYU students who live at Wyview. Most of them, if not all, are in a low income situation. Their lives are mostly comprised of class, homework, friends, roommates, BYU activities, and callings. They live busy lives and sometimes get little sleep. Relationships with the Lord and friends, having fun, and doing well in school are among some of their priorities. Some current events in their community: Jimmer and the BYU Basketball team, Midterms, but mostly Jimmer. Each of them are talented in their own way, have a desire to excel, have fun, and be accepted.  

Something else that I learned was to never start a talk or lesson with "Today, I'm going to talk to you about...." There should always be a great grab-a story, an impressive fact, a current event, an activity, etc. I need to think more creatively about a grab for starting the lesson in Sunday School. Usually the lesson gives an "Attention Activity," but I can come up with something more attention grabbing for college students.

Public speaking is a huge part of my leadership role and this was very helpful.