MyWardFamilyHow far ahead to ask
Three to four weeks gives most people time to prepare without forgetting. Youth speakers and first-time speakers often appreciate even more notice. Confirm a few days before.
What to tell a speaker
- The date, and that it is sacrament meeting
- A clear topic, and a talk or scripture to start from
- About how many minutes, and where they fall in the order
- Who to contact with questions
A kind way to ask
“Hi, this is Brother Example from the bishopric. We’d love to have you speak in sacrament meeting on Sunday the 14th. The topic is gratitude, and Elder Example’s talk from general conference is a great place to start. Plan on about ten minutes. Would that work for you?”
Ask in person or by phone when you can. A text works well for the follow-up with the details.
Share the opportunity
Keep track of when each person last spoke. It’s easy to ask the same reliable few every month. A simple “last spoke” date helps the bishopric invite new move-ins, youth and members who haven’t spoken in a while.
Have a backup
Someone will get sick. Ask a member of the bishopric or a high councilor to be ready, and know which hymn you can add if time runs short.
MyWardFamily’s Speakers page shows who’s asked, who accepted and when each person last spoke, weeks ahead. See the sacrament meeting planner.
This guide is written by MyWardFamily, an independent tool. It isn’t official Church guidance and isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Always follow the General Handbook and your stake leaders.