Wednesday, February 25, 2009
On any given day in any given class, I sit in a classroom staring at a lime green or blue or red screen. Blinking restlessly, I try to decipher the black text filling the screen. As soon as I copy down one slide, the next shows up. This repeats until I eventually stop looking at the screen and try to concentrate on a professor talking.
As students, we face the daily dilemma of whether to focus on PowerPoint slides or listen to speakers during class. Many times, I choose just to listen because of slides that are overloaded with information and awfully designed.
People need more than one outlet of information, and good presentations allow them to hear, see and do, said Rick Altman, presentation consultant and the author of “Why Most PowerPoint Presentations Suck.” His suggestion sounds simple, but not many people — whether professors, TAs or students — are successfully doing this. Some people seem to make slides only because they think they have to. Others rely on PowerPoint to cover up their weaknesses, such as when they become nervous and simply read out texts on slides.
Call me old-fashioned, but I’d rather not have a PowerPoint unless it’s well-made. One of my favorite instructors, for example, never used PowerPoint in his class. He always made his point clear and I never felt bored in class. His animated expression and gestures showed his passion for his subject, which drew me to the class.
A simple aural presentation can be powerful, but images, such as maps, graphs or photos, can make even stronger presentations. When you put graphics on PowerPoint slides, they should be relevant, rather than images to make the slides less boring. Also, always make sure to put text and images that are big and clear enough for the audience to see.
PowerPoint is not a must, but it can be good when used appropriately. Don’t just make it. Before you work on it, think about what messages you want to get across. And even before that, ask yourself if PowerPoint is really necessary at all.
Here are some tips from professionals on effective visual presentations:
• Outline important points, but use less text and fewer words that represent your idea. — Altman
• Avoid using red and green because some people are color-blind. — Altman
• Try the “squint test”: Squint at the slide, so that none of the text on the slide is legible. Make sure you’re still able to understand what the main point of the slide is from the layout design alone. — Andrew Abela, founder of ExtremePresentation.com
— Miyakawa is a Tokyo, Japan, senior in journalism.
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Comments
Miyakawa: PowerPoint in lectures overused and overrated
I agree. There are not that many teachers, and I know professors don't like that word, but that is what they are supposed to be doing even at the college level, teaching; who actually like what they teach and sound like it might be relevant to them, let alone to anyone else. If I wanted to watch a show I would go to a move. Anyone remember what happened to Ross Peron when he ran for president and used those pie charts?
Miyakawa: PowerPoint in lectures overused and overrated
In reality, PowerPoint and Keynote do not suck. What sucks is the approach many people take in the preparation of their presentation. Visuals are very good when complex topics and arguaments are being presented. People all too often use PowerPoint as prompt because of lack of preparation. Everyone should read Rick Altman and follow his suggestions.
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