The creation of MS Powerpoint changed the landscape of presentations everywhere, be it in the classroom or in a business meeting. So what is the point of a powerpoint? Seth Godin (2001) explains how a powerpoint presentation aids in selling an idea, and how it can appeal to both sides of a reader's brain - emotionally and factually. The trick is to know the best way of harnessing this tool to enhance your presentation.
To communicate with the right brain, a presentation must be easy on the eyes. The best fonts to use in a powerpoint - especially sentences - are sans serifs as they are easier to read (Canali De Rosi, 2004). The size of the text is also a crucial detail so that it is easier for people in the back to follow the slides (Russell, n.d.). Garr Reynolds (2005) lists a point from Tom Peters about how simple visuals are the best way to go, without any extra clutter.
Image from www.intuitive.com
The above slide illustrates the error that many people commit whereby too much information is dumped into one space, making it uninteresting to read. The plain choice of background design also throws people off. Layouts should be simple without any busy backgrounds which may reduce the readability of the text (Russell, n.d.). Similarly, transition effects should be avoided, as well as sound effects as they may only irritate the audience and draw attention away from your slides (Hyatt, 2007). Furthermore, the use of pie charts and diagrams are a good way of presenting information. The slide below demonstrates a good combination of pie chart, image and declarative sentence to give support to a message.
Image from presentationzen.blogs.com
Hyatt (2007) also mentions how the slides are supposed to complement your speech, and are not meant to be the center of attention. Dave Taylor (2006) agrees, saying that a speaker who is passionate about the topic at hand will have the attention of his or her audience. Hence, the effectiveness of a powerpoint presentation relies on its design and the capability of its speaker in presenting the material.
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References
Canali De Rosi, L 2004, Best Fonts For An Effective Presentation, MasterViews International, viewed 3 September 2010, http://masterview.ikonosnewmedia.com/2004/10/26/best_fonts_for_an_effective.htm.
Godin, S 2001, Really Bad Powerpoint (And How to Avoid It), Do You Zoom Inc., viewed 3 September 2010, http://www.sethgodin.com/freeprize/reallybad-1.pdf
Hyatt, M 2007, Five Rules for Better Presentations, Michael Hyatt, viewed 3 September 2010, http://michaelhyatt.com/five-rules-for-better-presentations.html.
Reynolds, G 2005, Tom Peters on Presentations, Presentation Zen, viewed 3 September 2010, http://presentationzen.blogs.com/presentationzen/2005/07/in_may_tom_pete.html.
Russell, W n.d., 10 Tips for Successful Business Presentations, About.com, viewed 3 September 2010, http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointinbusiness/tp/bus_pres_tips.htm.
Taylor, D 2006, Use Powerpoint to Enhance Your Presentation, Not Cripple It, The Business Blog, Intuitive Systems, viewed 3 September 2010, http://www.intuitive.com/blog/use_powerpoint_to_enhance_your_presentation_not_cripple_it.html.
