60 Seconds: Better Illustrations

60 Seconds: Hint and Help to Better Lesson Illustrations…

Great illustrations don’t just make a point—they make it stick. Whether you’re teaching middle schoolers or high schoolers, here are a few quick tips to sharpen your storytelling:

1. Be Real. Students connect with authenticity. Share personal stories—wins and fails. Vulnerability builds trust.

2. Keep It Simple. One clear image beats a cluttered analogy. If you have to explain your illustration too much, it’s probably not the right one.

3. Go Current. Tie into pop culture, viral trends, or shared student experiences. It shows you’re paying attention to theirworld.

4. Tap the Senses. Object lessons, smells, sounds—when students experience an idea, they remember it.

5. Aim for Transformation, not Entertainment. A funny story is fun—but does it move them toward Jesus?

Pro Tip: Test-drive your illustration with a volunteer or staff member before using it in a lesson. If they say, “I get it,” you’re golden.