Steve and Phil review some common mistakes made in multi-media presentations and how to avoid them.
Listen to the full podcast here or hit the play button below:
===
10 Common Multimedia Presentation Mistakes in Church Services (and How to Avoid Them)
When it comes to church services and presentations, technology can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, multimedia tools like projectors, videos, and screens can greatly enhance your message. On the other hand, they introduce the potential for embarrassing mistakes and distractions. In this blog, we’ll cover ten common multimedia presentation mistakes that are often made in church settings and how you can avoid them.
1. Notification Interruptions
Imagine you’re delivering a powerful message, and suddenly, a notification from Facebook or an email pops up on the big screen for everyone to see. It happens more often than you’d think, and it’s an easy fix—turn off notifications on the device you’re using before starting your presentation. It helps maintain professionalism and keeps the audience focused on the message, not your incoming texts.
2. Cluttered Desktop
Sometimes, your multimedia presentation software can crash, revealing your cluttered desktop to the entire congregation. To avoid this, clean up your desktop before the service. A neutral wallpaper and minimal icons keep things professional if technology hiccups occur.
3. Unintended Video Content
Showing a video clip during a sermon can be powerful—unless it goes off-script. Make sure you stop the video at the right moment to avoid any unwanted scenes. Better yet, trim the clip in advance using simple video-editing software to avoid any surprises, especially inappropriate content that could derail your message.
4. Not Having Backup Slides
If your PowerPoint or multimedia presentation goes off-track or malfunctions, you’ll be glad to have printed copies of your slides. This gives you a safety net, allowing you to continue with the message without losing your flow.
5. Untested Videos
There’s nothing worse than depending on a video that refuses to play at the critical moment. Whether it’s a video clip for a sermon illustration or a special presentation, always test it on the equipment you’ll be using ahead of time. Ensure the video works with the software and format your tech team plans to use.
6. Not Testing Everything
It’s not just the video that needs testing—everything should be tested, from sound levels to internet connections. Run a full dress rehearsal before the service, so you know everything will work smoothly on the day.
7. Typos in Worship Lyrics or Slides
Typos can be distracting, especially when they’re in worship lyrics or sermon points. A simple error like “The Lord is my refuse” instead of “refuge” can confuse and amuse the congregation. Have someone double-check your slides for spelling and grammatical errors before the service.
8. Slide Visibility Issues
Another common problem is poor visibility of slides. Sometimes text is too light, too dark, or pixelated. Make sure your fonts are legible, your images are high resolution, and your colors don’t clash. Test everything on the actual projector to ensure it looks as good in the sanctuary as it does on your computer screen.
9. No Backup for Files
Always have a backup of your presentation files. Whether it’s on a USB stick or a cloud drive, this will save you from the embarrassment of a total tech meltdown. You never know when a file might go missing or a computer might crash.
10. Freaking Out When Things Go Wrong
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, don’t freak out when things go wrong. Technology failures happen. Stay calm, and if something goes wrong, make light of it. Your congregation will appreciate your grace under pressure. After all, it’s not about perfection, it’s about delivering the message.
Final Thoughts
Using multimedia can significantly enhance a church service, but only when done right. By being prepared, testing your technology, and staying calm when things don’t go as planned, you can minimize distractions and keep the focus on the message.
If you have any questions or need help with church tech, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We love helping churches navigate the world of streaming, mobile apps, and multimedia presentations.
Stay tuned for more tips in next week’s edition of the Church Solutions Podcast!
This post was adapted from the Church Solutions Podcast with hosts Steve Lacey and Phil Thompson.