Document Design - What is a good powerpoint presentation?

    

So what is a good powerpoint presentation? To me, it would be one that is able to persuade the audience into receiving what is presented. 

A good powerpoint presentation is not boring. It will draw its audience's attention even without the presence of the speaker. Layout plays a big role in a good powerpoint presentation. Putnis & Petelins (1996) cites through Anderson (1987) states that the presentation is good when it helps the readers read efficiently. In layouts, design features are important because they direct the attention of the readers towards important messages. Reep (2006) states there are several format elements that must be considered when producing a good layout for the presentation. For example, these elements include written cues such as headings; help readers find specific information quickly. Other elements include white space. White space in a page helps the reader concentrate on the text efficiently (Reep 2006). Putnis & Petelins (1996) backs this up by stating there should be balance between white spaces and text. Using fancy fonts in slides are not appropriate because they are difficult to read and thus, harder for the reader to understand (Russell n.d.).

The content of a powerpoint presentation is just as important as the design layout.  Marquez (n.d.) states that it is important that slides do not have too many words or sentences in them. Clear-cut and straight to point is the key word here. The presenter should be able to present specified messages through sentences that should not be changed or lose any critical information (Rothman 2005). A good presentation should always have images. Marquez (n.d.) instills that images help draws attention from the audience.

Source : Presentation I did with coursemates.

An example of using headings in your slide to attract the attention of readers. Clear-cut short sentences in bold.

294 words

References


Marquez, Z L 2010, How to Make a Good Power Point Presentation, Ezinearticles.com, viewed 26th August 2010, <http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Make-a-Good-PowerPoint-Presentation&id=4313178>


Russel, W 2010, 10 Tips for Creating Successful Business Presentations, About.com: Presentation Software, viewed 26th August 2010, <http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointinbusiness/tp/bus_pres_tips.htm>


Rothman, S 2005, What Makes Good Scientific and Techinical Writing?, Assosiatedcontent.com, viewed 26th August 2010, <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/9447/error?cat=4>


Reep, DC 2006, 'Document Design', Technical Writing, Ch. 6, pp. 133-172


Peter, P & Petelin, R 1996, 'Writing to communicate', Professional communication : principles and applications, Ch. 7, pp. 223-263