Looking to Get More Out of General Conference? Think Like a Writer
Listening intently for writing inspiration completely changed my general conference experience.
Ten a.m. sharp Saturday morning, I sat upright in my chair, pencil and notebook in hand. I listened to each talk at general conference like I was the beneficiary of each speaker’s final will and testament—desperately hoping I’d score some meaningful takeaways and valuable insights.
I needed to get something out of conference.
I’d just learned I’d be writing and turning in a completed article for YA Weekly two days later. The thought of having to turn around a polished piece so quickly caused me some stress.
So instead of settling into my usual conference patterns (passive listening, light note-taking, and occasional doodling), I buckled down, the impending deadline and desire to share something valuable transforming me into the most focused listener I’d ever been.
Internalizing Every Message
For nearly every talk, I wrote down questions, article ideas, standout quotes, and impressions.
As Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke, I wrote, “He said ‘new beginning(s)’ 25 times. Why did he feel impressed to emphasize this so strongly?”
After Elder William K. Jackson of the Seventy spoke, I noted, “At the basic level, why are relationships important?”
Later I jotted down, “During a time of unrest, President Dallin H. Oaks focused on the family. What does that say about its importance?”
As I flipped through my notes at the end of conference, I realized I’d learned more than ever before. The messages were as inspired as always, but I was truly internalizing them.
A Unique Approach
Often, many of the words said at conference can go over our heads. So what can we do to engage more with what’s being presented?
My newfound answer: Think like a writer! Listen as if you’ve been asked to teach a lesson, give a talk, or write an article about something that stands out to you. You’ll be surprised by how much you take in!
Thinking like a writer goes beyond jotting down a few quotes. It means drawing connections, asking questions, and letting the Spirit lead.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Look for common themes.
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Ask lots of follow-up questions.
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Write down anything you don’t understand.
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Turn vague ideas into specific, actionable ones.
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Notice when the Spirit pricks your heart—and ask why.
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Look back over your notes.
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Ask friends and family about their takeaways from conference.
The Process Is the Point
Whether you use your notes for a talk, lesson, article, or just your own growth, the process of listening intently is what matters most. Post-conference, you can look over your notes and revisit what you learned. And if your bishop does ask you to speak about conference, you’ll be ready!
Yes, thinking like a writer takes work. It requires more effort than taking notes you’ll never revisit (calling myself out here), more concentration than fighting the urge to take a Sunday siesta, and more intentionality than sitting on the couch just waiting for words to jump out at you. But it’s worth it.
Listening with real intent “open[s] your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand” so the mysteries of God can “be unfolded to your view” (Mosiah 2:9). As you pair questions with insights, you’ll find the Spirit deepening your understanding of each message—and maybe even inspiring something new you can share!