Giving a Talk, Any suggestions? Options

[Tosher]

Hello folks,

This November I am scheduled to give a talk to a Methodist ladies group entitled 'Hymns & Psalms'. Perhaps you will detect the extremely intelligent pun there.

I am going to try to deliver this in most interactive, interesting and multimedia enriched way that I can. Knowing what I want to achieve in terms of the aims for quality of delivery and some basic presentation skills, the main issue now is obviously content. I have been approached to do this following an extremely successful 'Evening with the Organ' last September which I ran with the same group in the church, which raised some funds for Action for Children (as will this).

I would be interested to know what sorts of things members would wish to include. The history of hymns and psalms, some key writers and composers, perhaps sing a couple (start and end?), maybe something about accompanying them (maybe some funny stories) and with regard psalms in particular, a bit of an explanation of how they work in practice today. How do these ideas sound? I would obviously try to place them in some kind of chronology, although they perhaps are a little bit there. I think the key balance to achieve is somewhere in the middle of it being a plain lecture and being 'fun' - by way of an interesting and enjoyable evening - for them.

I know this is a very broad question, but I would be interested to note any responses.

Thanks in advance,
Tosher

[fsharpminor]

I'm rather dim at the best of times and still haven't 'got' the pun yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

Hint: Could be something to do with the Methodist Hymnbook.

No I haven't got it (the pun) either, and I am very familiar with the old MHB , but not the more recent one used now.
I have a book on the origin of various hymns and there surely some interesting tales there. But Im away from home till Thursday evening so I cant remember the exact title. Will post again late Thurs for Friday.
I have always been interested in hymn and their origins. I love to hear your talk !