First published on this website in December 2009 and last updated in December 2011

Whatever the question, PowerPoint is not always the answer! The notes show what often goes wrong when it is used as a teaching tool (for a talk or sermon).

Ten case studies are outlined to demonstrate dangers such as loss of eye contact, cramming too much print onto a slide, overusing gimmicks and an audience trying to write out each slide as it appears.

If you still want to use it, these notes provide seven basic principles to ensure that it acts as servant rather than master. For example, it can work well to show an overview or to provide a visual backdrop.