msa talkdb manage public talks - ajtruckle/meeting-schedule-assistant-support GitHub Wiki

Manage

To display:

Database > Public Talks > Manage

Manage Public Talks menu button


Manage Public Talks window

Notes IconTo learn more about the features of this window, glance down the table below or highlight the control you are interested in by clicking on the screenshot above.

Public Talks

This is a list of all of available public talk outlines. Select an outline in the list to display all available information for that outline.

Outline date Each outline has an issue date in the lower left corner (e.g.: 04/18 for April 2018).
Category This is the category of the outline as indicated on the official S-99a document.
Has multimedia Some public talk outlines have official images or videos to be used.

Notes IconThe Outline date and Has multimedia details are read-only. Please use the Submit Update tool to let us know about any official changes for the benefit of other users.

Category Filter

When nothing is selected, all talks are displayed. When a specific filter is clicked, only talks within that category are shown

Submit Update

Meeting Schedule Assistant sponsors over 50 languages and public talk outlines are always being revised and re-issued.

Submit Update Window

You can use the Submit Update feature to inform us of any revisions, and the appropriate database will be updated accordingly.

To use this feature:

  1. Select the outline in the list.
  2. Click Submit Update.
  3. Make the required changes.

If a new outline has been released, please include the new outline number in the Message area. Feel free to add any additional information in the message.

When you're ready, click the Submit button to send the information.

Please note:

  • An active internet connection is required for this feature to function.
  • You need to configure your email account in the application preferences.

Details

The following information is stored in a secondary database within the user application data folder. You can update this information as needed.

Count This indicates how many times the talk has been given in your congregation.
Notes Use this field to make any notes about this outline. For example, if the outline is excluded, you could note the reference from the monthly announcement sheet that stated it should be excluded.
Last given Click the arrow to select the date when the talk was last given. Alternatively, you can click on the individual parts of the date in the edit box and use the arrow keys to adjust them.
Talk never given If checked, the date entry is disabled and automatically set to 01-01-1900. Uncheck this option to enable the date field again and reset it to today's date. Note IconWhen checked, this indicates that the talk has never been given in your congregation. Setting such an old date ensures it will be correctly positioned in any date-ordered reports you generate.

The software automatically refreshes the Count and Last given details when it starts.

Notes IconThis update will only work if the Assignment History database is kept up-to-date. Therefore, when saving schedules in the Meeting Editor, please make sure to say yes to the prompt to update the history.

Availability

Exclude from This setting is to be used in conjunction with the Exclude talk option. Normally, you will be informed of the date from which you need to start excluding the talk.
Exclude talk Sometimes, you might be instructed to temporarily remove a talk outline from circulation. Enabling this option will remove the talk number from the drop-down lists when managing your talk exchange.

Talk History

This is a list of dates when the talk was given in your congregation.

The following information is displayed:

  • Date
  • Speaker
  • Congregation

Speakers List

This is a list of speakers who give this talk.

The following information is displayed:

  • Speaker
  • Congregation

View Menu —Report Viewer

The Report Viewer is a powerful tool that allows you to select from a variety of reports for printing or saving as PDF. Here’s what you can do with it:

  • Select Reports: When you open the Report Viewer, you’ll find a list of available reports. Choose the one that suits your needs — whether it’s congregation statistics, public talk summaries, or other relevant information.
  • Custom Templates: In version 24.0.0, several custom templates were moved from the Meeting Editor to the Report Viewer. These templates provide flexibility in formatting and content. You can tailor them to your specific requirements.
  • New Field Service Group Template: Additionally, a brand-new template was added specifically for displaying Field Service Group information. This template ensures that group details are presented in a visually appealing report format.

Feel free to explore the reports and templates available in the Report Viewer.