Why Use PowerPoint?

The digital world is so prevalent today.  We no learn through all types of mediums including audio and visual.  PowerPoint has become widely used in all types of presentations, mostly in corporate settings and in academia.   Here are some reasons why we use PowerPoint according to Dave Gray:

1. PowerPoint is accessible. For the novice, it’s easy to learn and use.
2. PowerPoint is everywhere. Pretty much everyone has it, or has the ability to view a file. This makes it easy to share ideas and generally move meaning around. Slides can be borrowed, stolen, recycled and re-used.
3. PowerPoint is flexible. The same document that is used to present information in a meeting or conference, can, with little or no modification, be emailed as a document or shared online, retaining much of its meaning.
4. PowerPoint is easy to read. PowerPoint documents can be scanned and understood more rapidly than text documents. Because they are primarily visual they tend to be more easily understood and remembered.
5. PowerPoint is modular. It can be broken down into single slides, which can be arranged and rearranged into numerous different sequences. Over time you can build up a storehouse of slides that represent your – or your team’s – collective knowledge about any subject, which can be distributed, shared, discussed and modified as things evolve over time.
6. PowerPoint is powerful. For the more experienced user, it’s a powerful multimedia tool, with animation and other advanced effects. It’s easy to add information of any kind: Video, charts, photographs, maps – just about anything that can be digitized can be added to PowerPoint.

Article Source: http://www.davegrayinfo.com/2008/05/22/why-powerpoint-rules-the-business-world/

These are all great reasons however if the presenter is not well prepared, the PowerPoint will not be as effective.  Many people are pressed for time and try to prepare at the last minute and may rely too heavily on the PowerPoint versus the overall presentation.  I view this as “PowerPoint gone Wild” because the presenter may read directly from the slides.  It becomes evident to the audience that the presenter is not as knowledgeable on their topic as they should be. This may cause the PowerPoint to lose its importance.  Even though PowerPoint is an effective tool for presentations it is imperative to be prepared in case of equipment failure.

PowerPoint presentations are essential for presentations however it should not be the main focus.  The presenter makes the presentation. The PowerPoint serves as an aid or visual.

Presentations Made Easier

The time has arrived in the semester when papers are due, finals are being taken, and presentations are underway.  I have the opportunity to showcase what I have learned from my IT 2010 course concerning PowerPoint presentations in another course.  The video Life after Death by PowerPoint by Don McMillian http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpvgfmEU2Ck although comical was very informational as well.  It helped me to realize some of the mistakes that I have made regarding preparation of PowerPoint presentations.  Now I feel confident that I can create an interesting and effective PowerPoint presentation.

The importance of PowerPoint presentation according to Krish Paul:

PowerPoint Presentations are a way of attracting audience towards your views and arguments. It is one of the most helping factors behind success of every meeting.

Power point presentation combines audio and visual both aspects, making it easier to understand for audience. Even the normal teaching or training becomes interactive by just using presentations in lectures.

It's always beneficial and less time consuming for corporate trainers, if they use these tools in their sessions, it generates more results.

Inclusion of different types of charts, images, clip-arts, other graphical structures, makes a presentation eye catchy. Animation and sound effects add extra emphasis on these presentations making them look more interactive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1105064

How important is the use of PowerPoint to you?

How important are PowerPoint presentations?

The importance of a PowerPoint presentation is based upon the type of presentation and the audience.  The PowerPoint should be a visual aid or guide not the presentation itself.  A PowerPoint presentation can be important because it can keep the presenter focused on the topic.  It serves as an aid to present statistics, charts, graphs and pictures.  Some people are visual learners and the audience may pay more attention if they have something to look at as well as listen to.  PowerPoint presentations can also bring clarity to what the speaker is conveying. 

A good presenter really doesn’t need a PowerPoint presentation.   The president of our country does not use PowerPoint to present his message.  Many presenters have used PowerPoint as a crutch.  Presenters rely on the PowerPoint as their vice for information.  PowerPoint presentations can be too wordy with too many slides and too many bullet points.  The PowerPoint may have distracting background and text colors and font.  There may also be too many graphics which will take away from the content.  The presenter may also read directly from the slides.  This can make a presentation boring and ineffective.  In cases such as these it may be better to do without a PowerPoint presentation.

When used properly, PowerPoint presentations can be very important.  It is best to keep it simple.