The Science of Speaking in Sacrament Meeting | An Interview with Stephan Taeger

Leading Saints Podcast

Stephan Taeger is an assistant professor in Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. He received a PhD from BYU in Instructional Design and Technology in 2018. Stephan’s research focuses on homiletics (the study of preaching), narrative instruction, and ancient scripture. He is also an author and co-host of the RVVL podcast with David Butler.

Links

Religious Educator: “Using Elements of Narrative to Engage Students”
StephanTaeger.com
RVVL Podcast
Ears to Hear: Mini Sermons That Make You Think
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Highlights

Stephan shares insights into the art of giving talks (or sermons) within the Latter-day Saint tradition, from his academic background and teaching experience. He highlights the unique aspects of Latter-day Saint preaching, contrasting it with the more formal sermon traditions found in other Christian denominations. Stephan emphasizes the importance of storytelling in effective preaching, noting that narratives can create experiential learning opportunities for the audience, allowing them to connect with the message on a deeper level. He encourages speakers to focus on a central question and a clear message, suggesting that personal stories and scriptural examples can enhance the impact of their talks.

Throughout the episode, Stephan discusses the significance of understanding the audience’s needs and the role of the Holy Spirit in facilitating change. He advocates for a balance between using scripture and personal experiences, urging speakers to be authentic and relatable while also drawing on the teachings of living prophets. The conversation culminates in practical advice for church leaders on how to set speakers up for success, including providing clear guidance on topics and encouraging a focus on Jesus Christ. Overall, this episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their speaking skills and effectively communicate gospel principles in a way that resonates with their audience.

02:12 – Teaching at BYU and Engaging Non-Latter-day Saints
04:41 – Understanding Non-Latter-day Saint Classes
06:07 – PhD in Instructional Psychology and Homiletics
07:30 – The Importance of Storytelling in Teaching
08:51 – Differences in Preaching Traditions
10:12 – The Unique Nature of Latter-day Saint Talks
11:34 – Purpose of Sermons and Building Faith
12:45 – The Role of the Holy Spirit in Change
14:13 – Focus on Jesus Christ in Messages
15:11 – Analyzing Unmet Needs in the Congregation
16:49 – The Importance of Scripture and Prophetic Quotes
18:45 – Discernment vs. Compliance in Teaching
19:48 – The Role of Personal Interpretation of Scripture
22:09 – The Power of Story in Teaching
23:25 – Balancing Personal and Scriptural Stories
24:17 – The Importance of Context in Scripture
25:31 – Encouraging Personal Interpretation of Scripture
28:07 – Crafting a Clear Message for Talks
30:24 – The Role of Emotion in Effective Speaking
31:16 – Setting Up Speakers for Success
32:30 – Starting a Talk Effectively
41:00 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Effective Communication

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