5 brain-friendly tips to enhance your presentations

Charles Stone Oct. 9, 2021

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It's all about the brain. When you preach a sermon or make presentations and want to maximize your impact with your presentation, keep the brain in mind.

More than anyone else, cognitive psychologist Richard Mayer has studied the link between learning and multimedia. In his experiments, those exposed to his learning concepts recalled details more accurately and problem solved better, what we hope happens when we preach, teach, or present.

Here's a summary of his findings with practical tips you can easily apply in your next Powerpoint or Keynote presentation.

1. People learn better when you use words and pictures versus words alone.

Application: Include applicable pictures in your slides, not just filler type pictures.

2. People learn better when you simultaneously use words and corresponding pictures rather than using them successively.

Application: Include words andpictures on the same slide.

3. People learn better when you place the words and pictures close to each other rather far from each other on the slide.

Application: Make sure you keep your words and related picture close to each other on every slide.

4. People learn better when you exclude extraneous material.

Application: keep your slides simple, the fewer words and pictures the better.

5. People learn better when you use animation and narration rather than animation and on-screen text.

Application: when appropriate, sprinkle animations into your presentations to illustrate key concepts. SermonSpice is a great resource for churches.

What have you discovered that has helped make your presentations more sticky?

Be sure to watch out for my newest book releasing October 12. It's called If Jesus Gave a TED Talk: 8 Neuroscience principles the Master Teacher used to persuade His audiences. Learn more here.

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Charles Stone coaches and equips pastors and teams to effectively navigate the unique challenges ministry brings. By blending biblical principles with cutting-edge brain-based practices he helps them enhance their leadership abilities, elevate their preaching/ teaching skills, and prioritize self-care. A pastor for over 42 years, he has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter. He published seven books, and over 300 of his articles have appeared on various Christian leadership websites. He holds four earned academic degrees, including a D.Min. and a Ph.D. Learn More »

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