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“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” — Luke 23:42

Teaching Tips

Every teacher has a best practice, and participants at The Alabama/Mississippi Women’s Conference shared their tips for a successful presentation. Try one or more of these ideas the next time you teach or lead a group!

Getting Prepared

  • Pre-read material!
  • Research your topic thoroughly ahead of time.
  • Prepare an outline and keep your presentation simple.
  • Always provide a handout.
  • Bring a copy of the scripture reading for everyone because not everyone brings their Bible. Consider writing the scripture reading on a piece of paper that you give out before the session starts.

Making Introductions

  • When teaching a group of 15 or fewer, always have the participants introduce themselves and tell where they’re from. If possible, give a short question to be answered, too, one that goes along with what is being taught.
  • Ask each person to describe her day or week by using one good descriptive adjective. This is a good ice breaker. It puts at ease persons who may be having a “bad hair” day. It also reminds participants to be sympathetic to others’ needs.

Teaching the Material

  • Start with humor! Know that people are “sizing you up” for the first 2 to 3 minutes and will turn you off if they don’t get a good first impression. Share a short story that the audience can relate to.
  • Be comfortable.
  • Start Bible study with a question. Conclude by sharing answers to the question.
  • Involve all people in some way — when people leave they will feel they have a part.
  • Ask questions that involve everyone.
  • Don’t just lecture — ask questions, encourage active participation, role playing, etc.
  • During the lesson, use a variety of teaching techniques.
  • Use drawings, photos, charts or other visual aids.
  • Don’t feel like everyone else knows so much more than you — have confidence in yourself.
  • Make sure to speak clearly and loudly enough. Speak into the microphone if there is one. Learn to use it.
  • Speak plainly.
  • Talk to the students not above the students.
  • Include prayer at the beginning, middle and/or end of the lesson.
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