How To Download and Embed YouTube Videos into a Powerpoint Presentation
Posted on 03. Dec, 2007 by Aaron Marshall in Church, Church Technology, How To, Social Media
I have recently been asked by multiple pastors and missionaries how they can play YouTube videos without having to be at YouTubes website. The problems are obvious…
The 2 Obvious Problems when Trying to Use YouTube in a Sermon or Presentation
Problem#1 YouTube Has Inappropriate Preview Images
This is not good if you want to show a video to an audience of ANY size. This is especially true of the homepage, which should be strongly avoided.
Problem#2 Good Internet Connection is Never Guaranteed
I have shown web pages in presentations dozens of times, and almost every time I had internet issues. Very Frustrating.
A Simple 2 Step Process for Downloading a YouTube video and inserting it into a PowerPoint presentation.
Step #1 Choose a Free YouTube Downloading software
- Media Converter
- Zamzar
- I like the 2 services above, but if you need more options checkout 23 ways to download YouTube videos
Step #2 Embed Video with Powerpoint Software (watch video)
YouTube has a ton of great content that can add a lot to a sermon or a presentation, but we must be careful not to endorse or broadcast inappropriate content to our audience.
If You Plan To Share Video Online Switch To Vimeo
Vimeo has taken the guess work out of sharing videos and has a nifty little tool that allows folks to download the raw file of the video. Look to the bottom right hand corner of this page for this button.
Learn RSS: The Best First Step for a Church or Ministry Wanting to Understand the Web
Posted on 11. Nov, 2007 by Aaron Marshall in Church Technology, Church2.0, How To, Social Media
How RSS Benefits folks in Church and Ministry
- Absorb large amounts of useful information without being overwhelmed.
- Make an easy way to keep up with news and information thats important to you.
- Create a constant stream of new ideas for your church and ministry.
- Keep up with multiple members, church leaders, and group blogs.
- Have daily devotionals and bible readings fed directly to you.
- Be aware of your local city and worldwide happenings without having to receive and read multiple papers.
Its very hard to keep up, let alone stay ahead. RSS feeds give a healthy boost of new and relevant information without overloading you. RSS is a foundational staple for understanding the web and keeping up. If you take the time to learn any new internet technology, take the time to master the RSS feed.
Instructional video to help you get started:
RSS Readers
Mobile RSS Readers
If you are like me and don’t like staring at computer screens I recommend using a mobile RSS reader. I dont read any RSS feeds at a computer, I do it all through my Blackberry. I will talk about mobile web content in the future. In my opinion its already becoming huge, and will quickly become a standard medium for receiving information.
Upcoming Posts about RSS:
How Missions Organizations can Benefit from using an RSS Reader
Awesome List of RSS Feeds for Church and Ministry
How to Fund-raise with YouTube
Posted on 06. Oct, 2007 by Aaron Marshall in Church, Church Technology, Church2.0, Evangelism, How To, Social Media, Social Networking
My life long friend Tony Coulombe is in the process of founding a new missions organization called the Mustard Seed Global Fellowship. They are headed for Japan and have an awesome vision of building Christian communities there. Tony has a lot of money to raise to be able to accomplish the mission so to help him I devised a viral fund-raising strategy using YouTube.
Step 1 Record Highly personal and direct videos that speak directly to prospective supporters
- Record in different environments: Try the park, a busy street or somewhere that reminds you of the possible supporter (Tony plans to record videos in little Tokyo)
- Be active in your recordings: Don’t just sit in one place, give the video some movement by walking around.
- Show your passion for the mission: Be authentic, be excited and don’t be scared to ask for money.
- Get them Engaged: Explain how you will continually use online video and blogs to keep them updated and connected to the mission.
- Make Hundreds of videos: The time it takes will make up for itself in the stronger commitments you will receive. (Givers gain)
- Use a cheap camera: No need for High Definition professional equipment here! Most digital cameras these days come with movie mode, use it!
- Keep it short: Between 1-3 minutes.
Step 2 Upload the videos to YouTube
- Files need to be under 100 megabytes: Another good reason for using a cheap digital camera.
- Don’t worry about people seeing videos you have created for others, it will only serve to support that you are dedicated.
Step 3 Setup an easy way for people to give, whether that be online giving or a simple way to receive information on how to give via mail.
- Realize how important this is: Your videos will deeply impact most people, give them a way to immediately respond.
- Google Checkout: Free for 5013c Non-Profits
- PayPal: Takes a commission so I am not a huge fan…
- See your Bank for possible methods or have a web developer get it done.
Step 4 Email videos to possible supporters
- Make it very clear: You want them to watch this video and they are accustomed to receiving spam so make sure they know it is a video from you made SPECIFICALLY for them.
Step 4.5 Submit the videos to various online social networks and Christian blogs creating a VIRAL reaction to a unique idea for raising support.
- Getting a Viral Response: This Idea is very young and unique. There is a window of probably a year that it will work virally to raise funds so GET ON IT!
Two Great Examples of the YouTube Fundraising
Raising support is getting harder and harder today. People are increasingly more difficult to engage and inspire about any specific cause or mission. On first reaction we could blame it on the laziness and depravity of the culture, but actually it is the recent evolution in communications. Though the mission maybe a very mighty one, the way we are accustomed to transferring inspiration, passion, and vision has been stifled to impersonal mass mailings. Lets change that. Lets start using Social Media to its fullest potential for the Church!
Recent Comments