TIPS FOR PREACHERS USING POWERPOINT…

1. Use more slides! (Powerpoints are not like overhead transparencies)

Back in the days when we used overhead transparencies, we tried to cram as much text onto the slide as possible (since each slide cost between 50c to $1). Powerpoint slides are much cheaper! Therefore consider putting just one verse of Scripture per slide, not 27. Use one Powerpoint slide to emphasize one point of the presentation. Consider using multiple slides to give the appearance of animating your presentation.

2. Avoid WordART

Powerpoint comes with a graphics/text editor called “WordART”. It’s ugly. Don’t use it. Instead, use a dedicated graphics program like Photoshop to create your text as a jpg file and import into your Powerpoint presentation.

3. Simple Backgrounds

Powerpoint slide backgrounds should be subtle and consistent. Don’t use a different background for each slide. This is visually confusing. Backgrounds are supposed to be backgrounds!

4. Use Pictures and Photos

Text-only is harsh. Pictures and photos soften a presentation and generally make it warmer. Really good Powerpointers can communicate their message cleverly by using pictures or photos as 80% of their presentation.

-Andrew Corbett