Well, usually it would take me an hour, at most, and I could do it in 10 minutes if I just had the 3 scriptures I was going to read, but it would suck if I did that. And I didn't want my talks to be boring or to suck, so...I'd usually prepare it a week in advance, but not practice it too much. If I just didn't care, I'd wait until 2-3 days before to prepare it.
People always loved my talks. It was about the only time I ever felt an improvement of my self-esteem inside the congregation, after a talk or a WT reading. And even then, there was still a void, but...I digress. I've answered the question. Doormat out.
--sd-7