Powerpoint is nice, but it is probably the most abused tool on the computer. People either cram wall-to-wall text, slide after slide or they try out every one of its fancy features in a dizzying array of fades and transitions. It’s like they are trying to force-feed you a novel. Roger, I’m with you.
Years ago I taught my pastor how to use PowerPoint. While I showed him the transitions and other fancy things, we both agreed that simplicity was best for a sermon.
For our church PP is used but not to the extreme. Our Pastor uses electronics even for monthly news letter, yet does have hard copies as elder members have no computers. Our hymns is solid background from PP. Even mission’s use PP to highlight what is going on money is used for.I attend webinars PP is used.
I once used Powerpoint to create a lyric video. You know, the ones that lay the lyrics of a song on the screen while it plays? I used transition tools and related pictures to make it, and it turned out really good.
After a few really bad PowerPoints at my Toastmasters meetings, I did a presentation on PowerPoint. I kept it simple….
1. Make the first slide completely black so that we can have the projector on and ready to go without blinding the MC (yes i know you can blank the screen, but this was aimed at beginning amateurs)
2. 6 words or less per slide
3. Do not read the slides. Ever. They should complement your speech, not replace any need for you to be up there. EG, I did a speech about plane crash evacuation failures, and showed a picture of 3 people stuck in the exit from a test evacuation to demonstrate why crowd control from the cabin crew is essential. No words necessary.
4. Don’t be afraid to have blank slides to “turn off” the PowerPoint if you are in a section of your presentation that doesn’t really need it.
5. Treat PowerPoint like hot sauce. In moderation, it can add that kick you need in your dish, but too much and it takes over the dish completely, and no one likes that. Even people who like hot sauce.
Templo S.U.D. over 6 years ago
bring on the earplugs for Roger’s sake, Paige
DanFlak over 6 years ago
Powerpoint is nice, but it is probably the most abused tool on the computer. People either cram wall-to-wall text, slide after slide or they try out every one of its fancy features in a dizzying array of fades and transitions. It’s like they are trying to force-feed you a novel. Roger, I’m with you.
Wren Fahel over 6 years ago
Years ago I taught my pastor how to use PowerPoint. While I showed him the transitions and other fancy things, we both agreed that simplicity was best for a sermon.
kab buch over 6 years ago
For our church PP is used but not to the extreme. Our Pastor uses electronics even for monthly news letter, yet does have hard copies as elder members have no computers. Our hymns is solid background from PP. Even mission’s use PP to highlight what is going on money is used for.I attend webinars PP is used.
KEA over 6 years ago
What is this “Powerpoint” of which you speak?
BiggerNate91 over 6 years ago
I once used Powerpoint to create a lyric video. You know, the ones that lay the lyrics of a song on the screen while it plays? I used transition tools and related pictures to make it, and it turned out really good.
Geldhart over 6 years ago
After a few really bad PowerPoints at my Toastmasters meetings, I did a presentation on PowerPoint. I kept it simple….
1. Make the first slide completely black so that we can have the projector on and ready to go without blinding the MC (yes i know you can blank the screen, but this was aimed at beginning amateurs)
2. 6 words or less per slide
3. Do not read the slides. Ever. They should complement your speech, not replace any need for you to be up there. EG, I did a speech about plane crash evacuation failures, and showed a picture of 3 people stuck in the exit from a test evacuation to demonstrate why crowd control from the cabin crew is essential. No words necessary.
4. Don’t be afraid to have blank slides to “turn off” the PowerPoint if you are in a section of your presentation that doesn’t really need it.
5. Treat PowerPoint like hot sauce. In moderation, it can add that kick you need in your dish, but too much and it takes over the dish completely, and no one likes that. Even people who like hot sauce.