User talk:Thegatornation/Best Practices of PowerPoint

Application of Animations and Sounds


 * Consider the audience’s willingness to view and accept animations and sounds.
 * When using PowerPoint for informational purposes, use modest animations and transitions. Using many varied animations or using detail-oriented animations may be seen as unprofessional and distracting.
 * Do not be afraid to use animations and sounds. They can help stimulate interest and capture attention when used effectively. However, do not over use them.
 * When using sounds, make sure they relate to the presentation or material presented.
 * Do away with any irrelevant sounds or animation that will not help further the presentation
 * Establish a positive, equitable relationship with the audience, not one of dominance.
 * The presenter should also get the audience involved and not just read from the slides.

Pitfalls of PowerPoint

* PowerPoint offers may options for editing pictures, tables, and graphs. Do not over use these tools and make the image hard to see. * Slides should not contain a block of text to be read by the audience. * The presenter should not bullet every bit of information in the presentation. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Thegatornation (talk • contribs) 13:34, 17 October 2011 (UTC)

Inserting Images, Diagrams, and Graphs

 * Only chose images, diagrams, and graphs that relate directly to the information in the presentation. Place the graphic near the information which it accompanies.
 * When images, diagrams, and graphs are necessary, chose the simplest graphic that conveys the idea or information. Avoid images, diagrams, or graphs that bewilder or disorient the audience. In some cases, the graphic meant to increase audience understanding can cause more confusion and may cause the audience to spend more time trying to understand the graphic than actually focusing on the content.
 * Not all text needs graphics, and not all graphics need text. In some cases, graphics may distract from the text and not add any value to the content. Sometimes, stand-alone images may convey information without text. If using stand alone images, be prepared to thoroughly explain the image when presenting. Never use an image and expect the image to explain itself.
 * Do not abuse the tools that allow you to edit during the presentation, such as the pen feature. Overuse of these functions may distract the audience from the core content of the presentation.
 * Insert and format the image, diagram, or graph to an appropriate size so it may be easily viewed by all members of the audience.
 * When using statistical or mathematical information in tables and graphs, only include information that is relevant to the presentation. If all of the information cannot fit on one slide, table, or graph, consider creating a handout for supplementary information.

When to use PowerPoint
PowerPoint can be beneficial if you want to organize your thoughts for a presentation. It can also be useful for showing your audience the outline of the presentation, or the plan for the class or meeting. PowerPoint should be used for showing videos, graphics, or images that cannot be displayed on paper. Most importantly, use PowerPoint when you feel it will help engage listeners and enhance your presentation.