APPLY YOURSELF TO

READING AND TEACHING

th-E
180615
APPLY YOURSELF TO
READING AND TEACHING
—1 TIMOTHY 4:13

NAME
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CONGREGATION
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This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide

Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.
To make a donation, please visit www.jw.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the
modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching
May 2018 Printing
English (th-E)
˘ 2018
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
Publishers
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
Wallkill, New York, U.S.A.
Made in the United States of America
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

STU DY A Letter From the Governing Body

NUMBER

1 Effective Introduction

2 Conversational Manner

3 Use of Questions

4 Scriptures Properly Introduced

5 Accurate Reading

6 Scripture Application Made Clear

7 Accurate and Convincing

8 Illustrations That Teach

9 Appropriate Use of Visual Aids

10 Modulation

11 Enthusiasm

12 Warmth and Empathy

13 Practical Value Made Clear

14 Main Points Made to Stand Out

15 Expressed With Conviction

16 Upbuilding and Positive

17 Understandable to Others

18 Informative to Your Audience

19 Effort to Reach the Heart

20 Effective Conclusion
A Letter From the Governing Body
“You should be teachers.” (Heb. 5:12) Imagine! Jehovah—the finest Teacher in the uni-
verse—invites us to teach others about him! Any assignment to teach the truth about Jehovah
—in the family, in the congregation, or in the field ministry—is a precious privilege and a weighty
responsibility. How can we succeed?

The answer is found in the words that the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Continue applying
yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching.” Paul added: “By doing this you will save
both yourself and those who listen to you.” (1 Tim. 4:13, 16) You have a lifesaving message to
share. So it is vital to work at improving your reading and teaching. This brochure is designed
to help you do that. Consider a few of its features.

A cited scripture on each page that is either a Bible principle related

to the study point or an example of the study point being applied

Practical tips that relate to the main point being discussed

( IN THE MINISTRY: Suggestions that apply specifically to the field ministry.

Most of the other points in the brochure can apply both to the field ministry
and to teaching from the platform.

Jehovah is the “Grand Instructor.” (Isa. 30:20) While this brochure will help you to sharpen
your skills as a reader and a teacher, never forget that Jehovah is the Source of our message
and that he draws people. (John 6:44) Therefore, pray often for holy spirit. Make liberal use of
God’s Word. Draw attention to Jehovah, never to yourself. Endeavor to build in your listeners’
hearts a deep love for him.

You have been invited to teach the most important message ever given to humans. We are
confident that as you depend “on the strength that God supplies,” you will succeed.—1 Pet. 4:11.

Your fellow teachers,

Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

 1 Effective Introduction
SUMMARY: Your introduction should arouse interest,
identify your subject, and show why your listeners
Acts 17:22 should be interested in it.

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Arouse interest. Select a question, In advance, give careful thought

statement, real-life experience, or to the interests and concerns of
news item that will be of interest to your listeners and adapt your
your listeners. introduction accordingly.

˘ Identify your subject. Make sure that your introduction makes the
subject and purpose of your presentation clear to your listeners.

˘ Show why the subject is important. While preparing a discourse,

Adapt what you say to the practical ask yourself, ‘What situations
needs of your listeners. They should are brothers and sisters in my
clearly understand how the subject congregation facing?’ Then tailor
can help them personally. your introduction to their needs.

( IN THE MINISTRY: To determine what a person might be interested in,

observe his or her activities or surroundings. Begin a conversation
by asking a question or making a brief comment about those things.

4
Conversational Manner 2
SUMMARY: Speak in a natural, sincere way that conveys
how you feel about the topic and your listeners.
2 Corinthians 2:17

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Prepare prayerfully and carefully. If you plan to read from the Bible
Pray for help to concentrate, not on or another publication, get to
yourself, but on your message. Fix know the passage well so that
in your mind the main points you your reading will be fluent. If
need to convey. Express thoughts in people are quoted, read their
your own words; do not simply recite words with feeling, without being
expressions word for word as they overly dramatic.
appear in print.

˘ Speak from the heart. Think about Do not confuse naturalness with
why your listeners need to hear the casualness. Maintain the dignity
message. Focus on them. Then of your message by using clear
your posture, gestures, and facial speech and proper grammar.
expressions will convey warm
sincerity and friendliness.

˘ Look at your listeners. Maintain eye contact where it is not offensive to

do so. When you give a discourse, look at one individual in the audience
at a time, rather than looking at or scanning over the entire group.

TEACHING 5
 3 Use of Questions
SUMMARY: Ask tactful questions to arouse and
maintain interest, to reason with your listeners,
Matthew 16:13-16 and to emphasize important points.

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Arouse and maintain interest. Ask rhetorical questions that stimulate

a mental response or curiosity.

˘ Reason on a subject. Help your listeners to follow the logic of an

argument by posing a series of questions that lead to a reasonable
conclusion.

˘ Emphasize important points. After reading a scripture, use

Ask an intriguing question to questions to emphasize the key
introduce a key thought. Use idea of the verse(s) you just read.
review questions after discussing
an important point or when
concluding your presentation.

( IN THE MINISTRY: Ask your listener to express his viewpoint on a topic.

Listen attentively to his response. Use discernment to determine when
and how to ask tactful questions.

6
Scriptures Properly
Introduced 4
SUMMARY: Prepare the minds of your listeners
before you read a scripture.
Matthew 22:41-45

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Determine why you are reading the Take the context into account.
scripture. Introduce each scripture Attribute quotations to the correct
in a way that draws your listeners’ speaker and Bible books to the
attention to the key point you are correct writer.
making with the verse.

˘ Cite the Bible as an authority. When you are speaking to people who
believe in God, draw attention to the Bible as God’s Word, thus
crediting it as the highest source of wisdom.

˘ Arouse interest in the scripture. Take into account what your

Ask a question that the scripture listeners already know about
will answer, pose a problem that the subject and the scripture.
the scripture will help solve, or Introduce even a familiar text in
state a principle that the Scriptural an appealing way, and help your
account will illustrate. listeners to take a fresh look at it.

TEACHING 7
 5 Accurate Reading

SUMMARY: Read aloud exactly what is on the page.

1 Timothy 4:13

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Prepare well. Determine why Ask a friend to monitor your

the passage was written. Practice reading and to point out any
reading word groupings, not just in- words that you read inaccurately.
dividual words. Beware of inserting,
skipping over, or substituting words.
Observe all punctuation marks.

˘ Pronounce each word correctly. If you do not know how to pronounce

a word, look it up in a dictionary, listen to an audio recording of the
publication, or ask a good reader for help.

˘ Speak clearly. Enunciate carefully, Do not enunciate so precisely that

holding your head high and opening your reading becomes unnatural.
your mouth wide. Make an effort to
pronounce each syllable.

8
Scripture Application
Made Clear
SUMMARY: Do not simply read a scripture and then move on
6
to the next point. Make sure that your listeners see clearly
the connection between the scripture you read and the
John 10:33-36
point you are making.

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Isolate key words. After reading a If you use different words to

scripture, highlight the words that restate the idea of the scripture,
relate directly to your main point. be sure that your listeners can
You may do this by repeating those still plainly see how the words in
words or by asking a question that the Bible itself connect to your
invites your listeners to identify the main point.
key words.

˘ Emphasize the point. If you As you discuss the scripture,

introduced the scripture with a keep your Bible open. This helps
clear reason for reading it, explain your listeners to connect your
how the key words of the scripture words to the verse you just read.
relate to that reason.

˘ Make your application simple. Avoid commenting on irrelevant details

that do not contribute to the main point. Based on what your listeners
already know about the topic, decide how many facts are necessary
to make the point of application clear and understandable.

TEACHING 9
 7 Accurate and Convincing
SUMMARY: Use trustworthy evidence to help your
listeners arrive at the correct conclusion.
Luke 1:3

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Consult reliable sources. Base your comments on God’s Word, reading

directly from it when possible. If you refer to a scientific fact, a news
report, an experience, or other supporting evidence, check in advance
that your source is trustworthy and up-to-date.

˘ Use sources properly. Apply Do not overstate or exaggerate

scriptures in harmony with their facts and figures. Be careful that
context, the Bible’s overall message, “some people” does not become
and the publications of “the faithful “the majority of people,” “in some
and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) cases” does not become “always,”
Use secular sources in accord with and “possibly” does not become
the original context and the intent “probably.”
of the writer.

˘ Reason on the evidence. After reading a scripture or citing a source,

ask tactful questions or illustrate the point to help your listeners draw
their own conclusion.

( IN THE MINISTRY: As you prepare to preach, anticipate questions that

you might be asked, and research possible responses. If your listener
poses a question and you do not know the answer, offer to research
the topic and return later.

10
Illustrations That Teach 8
SUMMARY: Enhance your teaching with simple illustrations
that appeal to your listeners and teach important points.
Matthew 13:34, 35

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Choose simple illustrations. Like Be observant. Look at the world

Jesus, use little things to explain big around you, study Christian
things, and easy things to explain publications, and listen to skilled
difficult things. Do not add needless teachers. As you do so, take note
details that complicate the illustra- of illustrations you can use to
tion. Make sure that the features of enhance your teaching. Save
your illustration really apply to the these illustrations in a file.
lesson you are teaching so that
your listeners are not distracted by
mismatched elements.

˘ Keep your listeners in mind. Select illustrations that involve activities

and interests of your listeners. Be careful that your illustrations will
neither embarrass nor offend them.

˘ Teach the main point. Focus on illustrating main points, not minor
details. Ensure that your listener will remember not merely the
illustration but also the point of instruction.

TEACHING 11
 9 Appropriate Use of
Visual Aids
SUMMARY: Use visual aids to make important points of
instruction more vivid.
Genesis 15:5

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Select visual aids that enhance your teaching. Use pictures, diagrams,
maps, time lines, or other visual aids to highlight important points,
not minor details. Help your listeners to remember not just the
visual aid but the point of instruction.

˘ Make sure that your listeners can Well before your presentation,
see the visual aid. ensure that any visual aids you
plan to use are ready.

( IN THE MINISTRY: Direct a listener’s attention to artwork in a publication,

and ask him to comment on what he sees. Ask additional questions,
as needed, to emphasize key ideas. When playing a video, turn the
screen to face your listener. Generally, it is not necessary to talk while
the video is playing.

12
Modulation 10
SUMMARY: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by
varying your volume, pitch, and pace.
Proverbs 8:4, 7

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Vary your volume. Increase your Do not increase your volume

volume to highlight main points and so often that your listeners feel
to motivate your listeners. Do the scolded. Avoid drawing attention
same when reading Scriptural to yourself by being overly
judgments. Decrease your volume dramatic.
to build anticipation or to convey
fear or anxiety.

˘ Vary your pitch. If appropriate in your language, raise your pitch to

express enthusiasm or to indicate size or distance. Lower your pitch to
express sorrow or anxiety.

˘ Vary your pace. Speak more To avoid startling your listeners,

rapidly to convey excitement. do not change pace abruptly. Do
Speak more slowly when stating not speak so rapidly that your
important points. diction suffers.

TEACHING 13
11 Enthusiasm
SUMMARY: Stimulate and motivate your listeners by
speaking with zeal.
Romans 12:11

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Get your heart involved. As you prepare to deliver your presentation,

think deeply about the importance of your message. Get to know your
material so well that you can express yourself from the heart.

˘ Think about your listeners. Meditate on how the information you will read
or teach will benefit others. Consider ways to present that information in
a way that will deepen your listeners’ appreciation for it.

˘ Breathe life into your delivery. Take care not to distract your
Speak with zeal. Use natural listeners by using the same ges-
gestures and sincere facial expres- ture repeatedly as a mannerism.
sions to reflect your feelings. Make your gestures meaningful.
Express enthusiasm primarily
when teaching main points and
motivating your listeners to take
action. Do not tire your listeners
by projecting a high level of
enthusiasm throughout your
presentation.

14
Warmth and Empathy 12
SUMMARY: Speak with genuine emotion, and show
your listeners you care.
1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Think about your listeners. Prepare your heart by reminding yourself of

the problems they face. Try to imagine how they feel.

˘ Choose your words carefully. Seek to refresh, comfort, and invigorate

your listeners. Avoid expressions that could needlessly offend them, and
do not speak disparagingly of unbelievers or their sincerely held beliefs.

˘ Show your interest. With a kind Do not force or exaggerate emo-

tone of voice and appropriate tions. While reading, express the
gestures, show your listeners that feelings indicated in the passage,
you really care. Be mindful of your but do not draw undue attention
facial expressions; smile often. to yourself. Since emphasizing
consonants can result in a cold,
clipped delivery, draw out vowels
to warm up the tone of your voice.

TEACHING 15
13 Practical Value Made Clear
SUMMARY: Help your listeners to understand how your
subject affects their lives, and show them what to do
Proverbs 3:21 with what they learn.

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Think about your listeners. Meditate on why your listeners need to hear
the information you are sharing, and consider what aspect of the topic
will be particularly helpful to them.

˘ Throughout your presentation, Discuss the application of Bible

show your listeners what to do. principles lovingly and empa-
Right from the start, each listener thetically. Rather than burdening
should realize, ‘This involves me.’ others with guilt, strengthen
As you develop each main point, their love and faith, confident
show how to apply it. Avoid that their heart will motivate
speaking in generalities. them to do the right thing.

( IN THE MINISTRY: When preparing to preach, give thought to what is in

the news and to topics that may interest people in your territory. Adapt
your comments to address what is most practical then and there. Ask
tactful questions that draw out a person’s concerns and interests. Then
listen to the response, and adapt your teaching accordingly.

16
Main Points Made to
Stand Out 14
SUMMARY: Help your audience to follow along with your
talk, and make clear how each main point relates to
your objective and theme. Hebrews 8:1

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Have an objective. Consider wheth- Ask yourself: ‘What questions or

er your talk is intended to inform, objections might my audience
convince, or motivate your audience, have about this topic? In what
and then develop it accordingly. logical order would they raise
Make sure all main points help you those questions or objections?’
to achieve your objective. Then arrange your points in the
same order so that your audience
can follow along with, understand,
and accept the information.

˘ Emphasize the theme of your talk. Refer to the theme throughout

your discourse by repeating the key words of the theme or by
using synonyms.

˘ Make your main points clear and You might state the main points
simple. Select only main points that in your introduction to help the
relate to your theme and that you audience follow along or restate
can teach effectively in the allotted them in your conclusion to help
time. Limit the number of main the audience remember them.
points, clearly state each main
point, pause between them, and
lead smoothly from one main point
to the next.

TEACHING 17
 15 Expressed With Conviction
SUMMARY: Show that you firmly believe in the truth
and the importance of what you are saying.
1 Thessalonians 1:5

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Prepare thoroughly. Study the Practice your presentation aloud

material until you understand how to become fully acquainted with
the Scriptural arguments can lead your material and to improve
to one logical conclusion. Try to your delivery.
express the main points of your
presentation in a few simple words.
Concentrate on its value to your
listeners. Pray for holy spirit.

˘ Use words that convey conviction. Rather than repeating the exact
wording of published material, use your own words. Choose language
that shows you are certain of what you are saying.

˘ Express yourself earnestly and Do not confuse expressing

sincerely. Speak with sufficient conviction with being tactless,
volume. Where it is not offensive to opinionated, or pushy. Even
do so, maintain eye contact with when speaking earnestly, appeal
your listeners. to your listeners in a loving
manner.

18
Upbuilding and Positive 16
SUMMARY: Focus on things that improve a situation and
that inspire confidence.
Job 16:5

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Cultivate a positive view of your Let love, not irritation, motivate

listeners. Assume that your fellow what you say. Smile warmly to
believers want to please Jehovah. build a rapport with your listeners.
Even if you must give counsel,
first sincerely commend whenever
possible.

˘ Limit negative material. Include negative aspects of a topic only to the

extent that they serve a useful purpose. The overall tone of your presen-
tation should be positive.

˘ Make good use of God’s Word. Draw attention to what Jehovah has
done, is doing, and will do for humankind. Impart hope and courage to
your listeners.

( IN THE MINISTRY: Consider each person as a potential fellow believer.

TEACHING 19
 17 Understandable to Others
SUMMARY: Help your listeners to grasp the meaning of
your message.
1 Corinthians 14:9

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Study your material thoroughly. Understand the topic clearly so that

you can explain it simply and in your own words.

˘ Use short sentences and simple Eliminate unnecessary details that

phrases. Although longer sen- may confuse and overwhelm your
tences are acceptable, convey listeners. Favor plain language
key points using concise phrases over complicated speech.
and sentences.

˘ Explain unfamiliar terms. Minimize the use of expressions that are un-
familiar to your listeners. If you must refer to an unfamiliar term, Bible
character, or ancient measurement or custom, provide an explanation.

20
Informative to Your
Audience 18
SUMMARY: Stimulate the thinking of your listeners,
leaving them with the feeling that they learned
something worthwhile. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Consider what your listeners Cover familiar points more

already know. Rather than simply quickly, but slow down when
repeating what they have heard presenting new ideas.
before, help them to look at the
topic from a fresh perspective.

˘ Research and meditate. When As you examine the material,

possible, include less-familiar facts stimulate your own thinking by
or current events to illustrate key asking yourself such questions as
ideas. Think deeply about your ‘what, why, when, where, who,
material and the connection and how.’ Enliven your teaching
between the material and the by raising and answering some of
facts you intend to cite. those questions throughout your
presentation.

˘ Show the usefulness of your message. Explain how Scriptural points can
help your listeners in their daily lives. Discuss specific situations, attitudes,
and actions that are relevant to your listeners.

TEACHING 21
19 Effort to Reach the Heart
SUMMARY: Help your listeners to appreciate what they learn
and to act on it.
Proverbs 3:1

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Help your listeners to make a self-examination. Ask rhetorical questions

to help people in your audience examine their own feelings.

˘ Appeal to good motives. Urge your listeners to analyze why they

perform good works. Help them to build the finest motives—love for
Jehovah, for fellow humans, and for Bible teachings. Reason with your
listeners; do not lecture them. Rather than shaming them, leave them
encouraged at the end of your presentation, motivated to do their best.

˘ Direct attention to Jehovah. High- Remember that Jehovah draws

light how Bible teachings, principles, people. Use his Word to motivate
and commands reflect God’s quali- your listeners.
ties and his love for us. Cultivate in
your listeners a desire to consider
Jehovah’s feelings and to please him.

( IN THE MINISTRY: When possible, use questions to find out what your
listener really believes. Observe his facial expression and tone of voice
for signs of his true feelings. However, be patient. You will likely have
to build trust before your listener will reveal his inmost feelings.

22
Effective Conclusion 20
SUMMARY: In your final remarks, appeal to your listeners
to accept and apply what they have learned.
Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14

HOW TO DO IT:

˘ Connect your conclusion to your overall topic. Restate or rephrase

your main points and theme.

˘ Motivate your listeners. Show your listeners what to do, and give
sound reasons for doing so. Speak earnestly and with conviction.

˘ Keep your conclusion simple and Do not rush your conclusion,

brief. Do not introduce new main and do not let your voice simply
points. Using as few words as fade away. Deliver the last few
are needed, make a final appeal sentences with a note of finality.
for action.

( IN THE MINISTRY: As you conclude the discussion, repeat the main point
you want your listener to remember. If a conversation ends abruptly,
conclude the conversation on a positive note. Even if a person is rude,
respond in a way that may motivate him to listen next time.

TEACHING 23
 RECORD YOU R PR O G RESS
DAT E S C O N S I DE RE D

1 Effective Introduction

2 Conversational Manner

3 Use of Questions

4 Scriptures Properly Introduced

5 Accurate Reading

6 Scripture Application Made Clear

7 Accurate and Convincing

8 Illustrations That Teach

9 Appropriate Use of Visual Aids

10 Modulation

11 Enthusiasm

12 Warmth and Empathy

13 Practical Value Made Clear

14 Main Points Made to Stand Out

15 Expressed With Conviction

16 Upbuilding and Positive

17 Understandable to Others

18 Informative to Your Audience

19 Effort to Reach the Heart

20 Effective Conclusion