Why do Mormon church leaders use teleprompters?

Question

Aren't they supoposed to be inspired by the Holy Ghost, taking no thought what they should say, until speaking?

Answer 1

In ANY orchestrated gathering of people, the control of the audience is all important.
Sound must be just at the right decibles, the sleepy inflections in the repetitive nature of the sermon must be strong enough to inject a small state of hypnosis. The lighting and the actions on stage must hold the attention of the congregation.
The whole play must be under strict control, or the audience will become uninterested and lose concentration on the MESSAGE.
Teleprompters are only a small part of the controls used in a church or assembly setting where you wish to set a message in the minds of the audience. It is simply stage hypnosis!

Answer 2

Why do news anchors use teleprompters? Its a lot to memorize, a 30 minute speech. The influence of the Holy Ghost can come at many times, including the preparation of the message, the writing of the speech.

Answer 3

They write talks ahead of time using the power of the Holy Ghost. It is later put in the Ensign, an LDS church magazine, for all people to read. They put it on the teleprompter, so that they don't have to carry paper around. They don't always use the talks they prepared. Some times they speak what the Spirit prompts them to say.

Answer 4

Through preparation they are inspired by the Holy Ghost as to what to say. Yet, just because they have the teleprompter doesn't mean they are using it. Every now and again you will hear them say they are going to talk about another subject that they fill inspired to talk about.

Answer 5

In addition to the reasons already stated, there are other good and practical reasons as well.

First, since it is a world wide televised event, transmitted around the globe via radio, television, satellite and internet, the times must be exact in order to maintain the schedule broadcasting times. It would be wonderful if one could just broadcast when they wanted with no planned schedule, but it doesn't work that way.

The talks are also simultaneously translated into numerous languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Cebuano, Ilokano, etc, etc.). In order to ensure a correct translation, the speakers need to prepare their talks in advance to allow translators time to prepare as well. The speakers then must stick to their prepared talk to facilitate the worldwide, multilingual broadcast.

With the logisitical coordination involved in this event, you can surely understand the answer to your own question.

Answer 6

I've had the privilege of seeing the apostles give prepared talks, and spur of the moment talks with no notes, teleprompter or anything. I've found them both to be uplifting and good messages for me.

thanks

fun factiod - even when Thomas S. Monson has a teleprompter in front of him, he never needs it - he has a perfect photographic memory.

Answer 7

The last few times he spoke in Conference, Elder Haight seemed to be talking off the cuff. For the most part I prefer them to be prepared and get to the point. I don't want 8 hours of the speakers wandering from the topic.

Answer 8

Give them a break, they're old! J/K

Seriously, they are inspired to write their talks...No subject is given to them, they speak on what they are inspired to talk about. I don't know if you have ever given a 15 minute talk or speech, but it's not easy. I have only spoken in front of my ward, I can't imagine speaking to millions of people watching me! Have you ever listened or read any of their talks? If you do sincerely, you will know they are truly men of God and they are speaking for Him.

Answer 9

There is nothing wrong with writing down one's thoughts. Although there have been times when one deviated from their planned talk.

Answer 10

They are still human and need to write thoughts down.