Microtraining 6

How to Teach Truth Simply and Clearly

Define

Explain that teaching truth simply and clearly is a powerful way to answer questions and address concerns. Display and read the following statements by President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and President John Taylor:

President M. Russell Ballard

The most common request we hear is a fairly simple one that goes something like this: “Tell me a little about your Church.” The key word here is “little.” They are not saying, “Tell me everything you know and then send others to tell me everything else.” …

… There is a great need for clear, simple statements that present those who are curious with the basics about the Church as it is today. (M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 25)

President John Taylor

It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it. (John Taylor, “Discourse,” Deseret News, Sept. 30, 1857, 238)

Model

Share with students the following examples of simple and clear statements given by President Ballard (see “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” 26):

• Restoration: “We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.”

• Scripture: “We believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is ‘Another Testament of Jesus Christ.’”

You could also watch the video “What Happens after We Die?” (1:43) and look for what makes this video a simple and clear answer to that question.

• What impressed you about these examples of simple and clear statements?

• How could you bless others by improving your ability to share simple and clear statements?

Apply

Display the following questions. Invite students to work with a partner and take turns answering these questions. Encourage them to answer each question in 30–60 seconds.

• Do Latter-day Saints believe in Jesus?

• Why do I need the Book of Mormon if I have the Bible?

• Do members of your Church practice polygamy?

• Why do I need organized religion?

To end the practice, invite one or two students to share what they learned through this experience.