MediaShout 7 User Guide

MediaShout 7 User Guide

 


 

Table of Contents

 

  1. Welcome to MediaShout 7

  2. Getting Started

  3. MediaShout 7 Interface Overview

  4. Creating a Script (Core Workflow)

  5. Working with Songs and Lyrics

  6. Working with Bible Scripture

  7. Working with Announcements

  8. Adding Text Cues for Sermon Message

  9. Media Management (Images, Video, Audio)

  10. Presenter View vs Edit View

  11. Stage Display

  12. Key Objects (Timers, Clocks, Dynamic Elements)

  13. Running a Live Service

  14. Tips, Best Practices, and Troubleshooting

  15. Keyboard Shortcuts & Efficiency Tips [Optional]

  16. Glossary

 


 

1. Welcome to MediaShout 7

 

MediaShout 7 is church presentation software designed to help teams confidently present lyrics, media, and service elements during live worship experiences. Built around a script-based workflow, MediaShout allows operators to plan services in advance while remaining flexible during live presentation.

MediaShout 7 is commonly used for:

  • Worship lyrics and Scripture

  • Announcement slides

  • Background images and videos

  • Confidence and stage displays for on-stage teams

 


 

 

2. Getting Started

 

System Overview

MediaShout 7 runs on Windows and is designed for use with one or more displays:

  • Operator Display: Where MediaShout is controlled

  • Primary Output: The main audience-facing screen or projector

  • Stage Display (Optional): A confidence monitor for worship leaders, pastors, or musicians

First Launch

When launching MediaShout 7, you will typically:

  1. Open or create a script

  2. Add songs, slides, or media to the script

  3. Configure displays

  4. Enter Presenter View to run the service

 


 

 

3. MediaShout 7 Interface Overview

 

Edit View

Edit View is where services are built and prepared. In this view you can:

  • Create and reorder cues

  • Edit lyrics and slide text

  • Assign backgrounds and media

  • Configure Key Objects

Presenter View

Presenter View is optimized for live presentation. It provides:

  • Clear preview of the current and next cue

  • Quick navigation through the script

  • Reduced distractions during live services

 


 

4. Creating a Script (Core Workflow)

 

Creating a script is the foundation of every service in MediaShout 7. A script represents the full order of service and contains every cue you will present, from worship lyrics to sermon notes and announcements.

 


 

What Is a Script?

A script is an ordered list of cues that make up a service. Each cue represents a presentable item, such as:

  • Song lyrics

  • Bible scripture

  • Announcement slides

  • Sermon message slides

  • Media (images, video, or audio)

Scripts are designed to be flexible. You can reorder cues, edit content, or skip ahead during a live service without disrupting the rest of the presentation.

 


 

Creating a New Script

  1. Create a new script from the main interface

  2. Name the script clearly (for example: Sunday Morning – January 28)

  3. Begin adding cues in the order they will appear in the service

Best Practice:

  • Include only one service per script

  • Use consistent naming so volunteers can quickly find the correct script

 


 


 

5. Working with Songs and Lyrics)


 

Inserting Song Lyrics (Step-by-Step)

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A search window listing song titles

  • Lyric sections such as Verse, Chorus, and Bridge available for ordering

  1. Open the script you want to add lyrics to

  2. Make sure you are in Edit View

  3. From the top menu, click Insert

  4. Select Insert Lyric Cue

  5. In the search field, type the name of the song you want

  6. Select the correct song from the results list

  7. Review the available lyric sections

  8. Arrange the sections into the correct order for your service

  9. Confirm the lyrics are correct

  10. Click Insert Lyrics to add the song to your script

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A grouped song cue added to the script

  • Individual slides created for each stanza

 


 

After Inserting Lyrics

You can:

  • Reorder lyric slides within the song

  • Edit text directly on slides

  • Remove unused verses or repeats

Best Practices

  • Always review lyrics before rehearsal

  • Keep lines short and readable

 


 

 

6. Working with Bible Scripture

 

Inserting Bible Scripture (Step-by-Step)

Bible Scripture cues allow you to quickly display passages during a service using your preferred translation and formatting.

Step-by-Step: Insert a Bible Scripture Cue

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A Bible insertion window

  • A Reference bar at the top

  • Dropdown menus for Book, Chapter, and Verses on the left

  1. Open the script you want to add scripture to

  2. Make sure you are in Edit View

  3. From the top menu, click Insert

  4. Select Insert Bible Cue

  5. Use the Reference bar to type the scripture reference (for example: John 3:16–18)

    • OR use the dropdown menus on the left to select the Book, Chapter, and Verse range

  6. Choose the desired Bible translation

  7. Review the scripture text and slide preview

  8. Click Insert Bible in the bottom-right corner

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A grouped scripture cue in the script

  • Slides automatically created for each verse or verse grouping

 


 

After Inserting Scripture

You can:

  • Reorder verses or slides

  • Adjust verse breaks for readability

  • Edit formatting to match your service style

Best Practices

  • Use the same Bible translation throughout the service

  • Avoid overcrowding slides with too many verses

 


 

 

7. Working with Announcements

 

Adding Announcement Slides (Step-by-Step)

Announcement slides are used to communicate upcoming events, reminders, and service information. These are typically created as a single cue with multiple pages.

Step-by-Step: Create an Announcement Cue

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • An Insert Text Cue dialog

  • A field to name the cue

  1. Open the script you want to add announcements to

  2. Make sure you are in Edit View

  3. From the top menu, click Insert

  4. Select Insert Text Cue

  5. Name the cue (for example: Announcements)

  6. Click Create

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A new Announcements cue in the script

  • A text box ready for editing

 


 

Step-by-Step: Add Announcement Text

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A blinking cursor inside the text box

  1. Click once on the text box

  2. Double-click to begin editing

  3. Type your announcement text

 


 

Step-by-Step: Insert an Image

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A file browser window

  1. Select the announcement slide

  2. Click Insert > Insert Media Files

  3. Choose an image

  4. Resize and position it on the slide

 


 

Step-by-Step: Add Another Announcement Page

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • Page Break option in the context menu

  1. Place your cursor at the end of the text on Page 1

  2. Right-click

  3. Choose Page Break

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • Page 2 added with a new text box

Best Practices

  • Use one announcement per page

  • Keep text brief and readable

 


Want to Loop your Announcements over and over again?

Check out this step by step guide for how to Loop your Announcements: https://support.mediashout.com/915502-Announcements-Loops--Script-Control-in-MediaShout-7


8. Adding Text Cues for Sermon Message

 

Adding Sermon Message Slides

Sermon message cues support pastors and speakers by displaying key points, scripture references, or supporting visuals.

Creating Sermon Slides

  1. Add a new slide group to the script

  2. Create slides for sermon points, titles, or notes

  3. Arrange slides in speaking order

Common sermon slide types include:

  • Sermon title slide

  • Main points or outlines

  • Supporting scripture references

  • Closing or response slides

Using Sermon Slides During the Message

  • Advance slides manually as the speaker progresses

  • Skip or repeat slides as needed

  • Maintain flexibility during live delivery

Best Practice:

  • Keep sermon slides minimal and uncluttered

  • Avoid placing full paragraphs on slides

  • Use Stage Display for speaker notes when appropriate

 


 

Reordering and Reviewing the Script

Once all cues are added:

  • Review the full script from top to bottom

  • Drag cues to fine-tune service flow

  • Check transitions between worship, announcements, and message

Before the service:

  • Run through the script once in Presenter View

  • Verify media playback and scripture formatting


 

 


 


 

 

9. Media Management (Images, Video, Audio)

 

Supported Media Types

MediaShout 7 supports common formats for:

  • Images (backgrounds and stills)

  • Videos (played through an integrated media engine)

  • Audio files

Assigning Media to Cues

Media can be:

  • Used as a full-screen background

  • Played as a standalone cue

  • Combined with text or lyrics

 


 


 

10. Presenter View vs Edit View

When to Use Edit View

Use Edit View when:

  • Building or rehearsing a service

  • Making detailed changes to content

  • Configuring displays and Key Objects

When to Use Presenter View

Use Presenter View during:

  • Live services

  • Rehearsals with minimal edits

  • Situations where focus and speed matter

 


 

 

11. Stage Display

 

What Is Stage Display?

Stage Display provides a confidence monitor for people on stage, such as:

  • Current and next lyrics

  • Timers or clocks

  • Custom layouts

Common Uses

  • Worship teams following lyrics

  • Pastors tracking sermon timing

  • Musicians anticipating transitions

 


 

 

12. Key Objects (Timers, Clocks, Dynamic Elements)

 

What Are Key Objects?

Key Objects are dynamic elements that can be added to cues, such as:

  • Countdown timers

  • Real-time clocks

Using Key Objects

Key Objects:

  • Update automatically during presentation

  • Can be reused across multiple cues

  • Are especially useful for announcements and pre-service loops

Step-by-Step: Create a New Timer

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A list of available timers

  • A + icon to add a new timer

  1. Click the + icon to add a new timer

  2. Choose Count Down or Count Up

  3. Enter the timer duration (for example: 5 minutes or 10 minutes)

  4. Choose what happens when the timer finishes:

    • Disappear when finished

    • Remain on screen at 00:00:00

  5. Confirm the timer settings

Step-by-Step: Enable and Position the Timer

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • A checkbox next to the Timer name

  1. Check the box next to the Timer to enable it

  2. Collapse the Key Objects plugin

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • The timer displayed on top of the slide

  1. Click and drag the timer to position it where you want it on the screen

  2. Resize the timer if needed to fit your layout

 


 

Showing the Timer at the Correct Time

⚠️ Important Note If the timer should not appear at the very beginning of the presentation:

 

👀 What you should see on screen:

  • Script Control plugin options for showing or hiding Key Objects

  1. Open the Script Control plugin

  2. Hide the Timer on cues that come before you want it to appear

  3. Allow the Timer to be visible starting on the correct cue

This ensures the Countdown Timer only appears when intended.

 


 

Best Practices

  • Test timers before the service starts

  • Use Countdown Timers sparingly to avoid distraction

  • Position timers consistently so they are easy to spot

  • Use Stage Display timers for speakers when appropriate


 

 


 

13. Running a Live Service

 

Before the Service

  • Verify displays and outputs

  • Review the script order

  • Test videos and audio

  • Confirm Stage Display visibility

During the Service

  • Advance cues using keyboard or mouse

  • Monitor upcoming cues

  • Make quick adjustments if needed

After the Service

  • Save changes to the script

  • Review notes for future improvements

 


 

14. Tips, Best Practices, and Troubleshooting

 

Best Practices

  • Build scripts ahead of time

  • Keep cue names clear and descriptive

  • Use Presenter View during live services

Common Issues

  • Media not playing: verify file paths and formats

  • Lyrics incorrect: refresh or select a different song version

  • Stage Display not visible: recheck display assignments

 


 

14. Keyboard Shortcuts & Efficiency Tips [Optional]

 

Here is a link to all of the Keyboard Shortcuts in MediaShout 7:

https://support.mediashout.com/672345-Keyboard-Shortcuts-in-MediaShout-7

 


 

15. Glossary

 

Cue – A single item in a script, such as a song or slide

Script – The ordered list of cues for a service

Presenter View – The live presentation interface

Edit View – The service-building interface

Stage Display – A confidence monitor for on-stage participants