People like pictures, and advertisers of commercial products long ago discovered that for attracting and educating the public mind, one good picture is more effective than ten thousand words. Whether in the sale of automobiles or houses, the launching of political or Red Cross campaigns, peace movements, or even war itself, the skill of the artist is in constant demand for producing striking cartoons and illustrations.
This same publicity method may be employed with equally effective results in the gospel ministry; in fact, it would be difficult to find an evangelist who does not make use of suitable illustrations in connection with handbills and newspaper advertising. But as an attractive feature in connection with the sermon itself, the chalk talk, or the made-while-you-wait picture, has many decided advantages. This does not necessitate the services of a skilled artist, but the evangelist himself, by giving attention to a few details, may successfully produce pictures of simple composition which will serve to excellent advantage in illustrating and impressing upon the mind the great principles of truth.
The chalk talk should be blended with the sermon in the most effective manner, and this is a matter to which the evangelist should give special attention, making use of whatever method is most appropriate. For example, the chalk talk may be employed as a "special feature," to precede the regular lecture once or twice a week. For such purpose the drawings should consist of two to four sketches which may not have direct bearing on the line of thought to be presented in the sermon to follow, but should be closely related thereto, and somewhat transitory in thought.
When the prophecy of Daniel 2 is the subject of the evening lecture, the "special feature" may appropriately emphasize the fact that God uses dreams as His channel of warning and direction, capitalizing the words, "I the Lord . . . Will Speak Unto Him in a Dream." Num. 12:6. The drawings may portray Jacob's dream (Gen. 28: 10-16), followed in quick succession by Joseph's dream (Genesis 37) ; outline the figure of Joseph asleep, while in the dream appear the sheaves of wheat bowing down to the one sheaf. At the proper time, a few additional strokes will transform the sheaves to represent men. The story must be told in a free and natural way as the drawing progresses. In connection with each dream emphasize that the dreams came to pass, and that they were given for a definite purpose. Then there may be time to tell of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which made such an impression on his mind that he demanded an explanation by his wise men. Draw the scene of the wise men before the king, showing their consternation at the impossible task demanded of them, and then leave the story to be continued in the lecture to follow.
When the chalk talk precedes the sermons as a "special feature," it may be best to have someone aside from the evangelist take charge of this talk, as the evangelist would not usually desire to appear before the audience until time for the sermon. But when the chalk talk serves to clarify an exposition of some vital point of truth, then the evangelist should be prepared to turn to the board, and by a few effective strokes, or a diagram, visualize the truth presented. For example, if the sermon is dealing with the subject of the millennium, the combining of talk and chalk in the setting forth of consecutive events in .the millennium is a simple matter. "Write on the board—
1. The Righteous Dead Resurrected; Meet the Lord in the Air.
2. Wicked Killed by the Brightness of Christ's Presence.
3. Satan Alone Inhabits the Desolate Earth.
In dealing with the prophecies, an effective illustration to be placed on the board, either during or preceding the sermon, is a drawing of the Saviour, placed in the center of the board. On all sides have hands pointing toward the center, each bearing a text of prophetic declaration concerning the first advent of Christ. In a similar way the evidence bearing on the second advent may be visualized.
The mocha operandi of a chalk picture presents one of the initial problems confronting the evangelist who wishes to make use of the method.
not make a picture of anything, there are a few simple rules, or "tricks of the trade," which will enable him to do v e r y creditable work.
A matter of first consideration is the procuring of proper materials with which to work.
1. The Drawing Board.—A sheet of beaver board, 4 ft. by 3 ft. 2 in., with a light frame tacked on the back to hold it rigid, will serve to good purpose. Cover this with "machine finished" paper, with a dull surface, so the chalk will adhere. Such paper may be procured from a printing shop. If there is no way whereby this board can be hung on the wall, so that everyone in the room can see it, a light, portable easel should be built. This is often an advantage, as it enables the speaker to get closer to the people while giving the chalk talk than when he has to go clear to the back of the rostrum and use the board on the wall.
2. Thumb Tacks.—Two dozen long-pointed, strong thumb tacks are essential.
3. Chalks.—Among the best are "Old Faithful," "Excello Squares," No. 910. They are packed eight colors in a box, and sell for 45 cents. These chalks can be purchased at any art store, or direct from the American Crayon Company, of Sandusky, Ohio.
4. Art Gum.—A square of art gum for erasing is a necessity.
5. Pantograph.—An inexpensive pant o-graph for enlarging pictures serves to good advantage in many ways. This may be procured from an art store for $1 or more.
Chalk talk pictures should be large enough to be clearly seen by people seated at the farthest corner of the room, and this means that in making a copy of any picture selected it should be enlarged. There are several ways of making enlargements: (1) By use of the pantograph—a very convenient and easily manipulated machine. (2) By lightly lining off into squares or spaces the picture to be enlarged, then marking the large sheet upon which the drawing is to be made into an equal number of squares or spaces, as much larger in proportion as the space requires, and then drawing, free-hand, the small part of the picture that appears in each square. This method develops the ability to draw, and insures correct general proportions; and this, after all, is the main thing to keep in mind while making a rapid chalk talk. The pencil marks should be very light, so that when the outline is made, the guide lines in the form of squares can be rubbed off with the art gum. If the lines are drawn lightly, the people looking on will not discern what is being drawn until the chalk is traced over the outline, and consequently they follow with deep interest every stroke as it appears on the board. (3) If the picture to be enlarged happens to be a lantern slide, the best method is to project the picture onto a large sheet of paper and lightly trace the outlines.
In making chalk drawings, care should be taken to draw strong heavy lines. Weak or fine lines do not have carrying power. Draw so that those seated in the back row can see every part of the picture as it gradually unfolds. Have the board well lighted. When the drawing is completed, stand aside, so that the picture will be unobscured from any angle. When pictures are to be used in connection with the sermon proper, a good plan is to complete the drawings beforehand, and thus save the time required to draw them while presenting the topic of the evening.
Success in giving a chalk talk depends much upon careful, painstaking preparation. Use as few lines or strokes as possible to convey the story. If it is desirable to color a picture, first draw a strong outline, then "lay in" the colors with flat, bold strokes. Chalk talks afford no time for details. Thorough preparation assures confidence when standing before an. audience, and enables the speaker to talk without hesitancy or interruption, while at the same time working out the drawing. The results of thorough preparation more than repay for the time and effort expended.
Takoma Park, D. C.
