Power Point - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

PowerPoint has been one of the first routes one takes when presenting a particular project or task. After all, the many features it provides is fast and helpful. Unfortunately, users have abused the program so much that its purpose is completely defeated. Frequently, presenters regurgitate the exact words the slides display and the presentation itself leaves much to be desired. Thus for the most part, I agree with the three articles with which Ms. Belisle provided. Each offered important information and tips that could both help the presenter and capture the audience.

I felt that the first link offered pointers that could aid those who were to give a professional presentation. Professional and innovative PowerPoint presentations that display concise information and high-quality pictures give a lasting impression.

Although short, the second article was succinct and down to the point. For someone who is not the greatest at public speaking, I wholeheartedly agree with practicing enough until one is prepared and confident. A lively and enthusiastic presenter will encourage the audience to connect and better understand what is being displayed.

I thought the author of the third article had exaggerated the negative aspects of PowerPoint. However, many of the points he made, such as reinforcing your words and selling your presentation, are extremely important. I also agree that the presenter should convey emotion in order to connect with the audience. I sometimes find it irritating when people give long, drawn out presentations that do not exhibit any enthusiasm.

After reading these three articles, I came up with 5 guidelines that I feel all users could benefit from:

1) Limit your words.
2) Incorporate professional, high-quality pictures.
3) Rather than using tables to display quantitative information, use graphs.
4) Practice your presentation and bring cue cards so that you do not have to rely on PowerPoint.
5) Show enthusiasm and liveliness when presenting your subject of interest!