“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Create slides using layouts and placeholders
- Apply and customize a theme
- Use the Slide Master for consistency
- Add speaker notes and organize slides into sections
Lesson Notes
The PowerPoint Workspace
Slides appear as thumbnails on the left, the current slide in the center, and speaker notes below. Layouts (Title Slide, Title and Content, Two Content) arrange placeholders. Use Home > New Slide and choose the layout.
Themes and the Slide Master
A theme sets fonts and colors for the whole deck. The Slide Master (View > Slide Master) controls what appears on every slide, such as a logo or footer. Changing the master updates all slides, the same idea as styles in Word.
Organizing a Deck
Plan before building: opening, three main points, closing. Use Sections to group slides. Use Slide Sorter view to reorder. Keep one idea per slide.
Speaker Notes
Put what you want to say in the notes, not on the slide. Notes are visible to you in Presenter View but not to the audience.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | Arrangement of placeholders on a slide |
| Theme | Coordinated fonts and colors |
| Slide Master | Controls formatting for all slides |
| Speaker notes | Private notes for the presenter |
In-Class Activities
Outline First
Write a one-line outline for a five-slide presentation introducing the Bridge to Opportunity program to new volunteers: title, three points, closing.
Build With the Master
Build your five slides. In the Slide Master, add a small footer with the program name. Add speaker notes to every slide.
Assignment: Five-Slide Orientation Deck
Complete your volunteer orientation deck:
- Consistent theme and Slide Master footer.
- One idea per slide; no more than about 20 words of slide text each.
- Speaker notes on every slide.
- Organized into two sections.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 25:11 compares a well-chosen word to gold in silver. Presentations ask us to choose words carefully. What message about your life would you want to present to others?
Prayer focus: Ask God to give you well-chosen words and courage to share them.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
One Idea at a Time
Most people have sat through a presentation where the speaker read long paragraphs off crowded slides. It is exhausting. Good presentations are the opposite: one idea per slide, a few words, a clear visual, and a speaker who talks with the audience.
The Slide Master works like styles in Word: set the look once, and every slide follows. This keeps your presentation consistent and saves time.
Speaker notes are where your words belong. Slides support you; they don't replace you.
Jesus was a master communicator. He used simple images, like a lamp, a seed, and a lost sheep, to carry deep truths. You can learn from His example: keep it simple, visual, and focused on the listener.
Think About It
- What makes a presentation easy to follow? ______________________
- What message would you like to present someday? ______________________
- How did Jesus make truth memorable? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 6
Simple Stories
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables.— Matthew 13:34 (KJV)
Jesus used simple stories to carry deep truth.
Reflect: What simple image could explain something you care about?
Pray: Lord, help me communicate simply.
Do: Explain one idea using a picture or example.
Well-Chosen Words
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.— Proverbs 25:11 (KJV)
Fewer, better words are more powerful.
Reflect: Where can you use fewer words?
Pray: Lord, help me choose words well.
Do: Cut one slide to under 20 words.
Prepared
Be ready always to give an answer.— 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
Preparation gives confidence.
Reflect: What are you preparing for?
Pray: Lord, make me ready.
Do: Write speaker notes for one slide.
Order in the House
Let all things be done decently and in order.— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)
A clear structure helps listeners follow.
Reflect: What structure would help your message?
Pray: Lord, bring order to my thoughts.
Do: Outline one presentation idea.
For the Listener
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.— Philippians 2:4 (KJV)
Good presentations focus on what the audience needs.
Reflect: How can you focus more on others' needs?
Pray: Lord, help me consider others.
Do: Ask what your audience needs to know.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Where should most of what you plan to say go?
- 2.
The Slide Master controls:
- 3.
Which view is best for reordering slides?
- 4.
Each slide should focus on one main idea.
- 5.
How is the Slide Master similar to Word styles?