2nd posting (e) - What is good powerpoint presentation?

“What is good powerpoint presentation?”.  There are few tips to achieve a successful powerpoint presentation. Good powerpoint presentation base on two criteria. First is the writing and second is the layout. According to Solomon Rothman (2005) on his “What makes a good scientific and technical writing? ” article, he points out good writing involves specific information which is directly and literally. Do not involve any symbolic or associate clarification.

 

Information with specific purpose and direct

The information written must be specific purpose and direct which should be remain unchanged and to be delivered without any information loss. Points should be detailed and realistic in the presentation and it is a must to understand the chronological of the event in order, so the slides presentation will be well-organized.

Presentation with argument, theory as evidence

              A good writing in presentation always present its argument, analysis, theory, hypothesis as an evidence to reinforce the points listed out. To get the writing of the presentation to be really affective, writer should delivered out some of his/hers thinking process idea, and any reasoning that maybe leads to alteration of the result or results they interpreted.

Good layouts capture audience's attention

                Layout plays important roles to keep the audience interested in the presentation.  There are few strategies listed out by Anderson (1987). Firstly, it is a must to consider the audience expectation towards the presentation so they will pay special attention when you are presenting. As the background is the main feature on any slides, avoid using dark color background. If the theme of the presentation plays on dark colors, solve the problem by changing the font to lighter color. Do not use more than two typefaces. Avoid fancy fonts and choose font that is simple and easy to read. Preferably font such as ARIAL, TIMES NEW ROMAN or VERDANA with the size of 20pt or 30pt. Base on Wendy Russell tips, she pointed out on using key phrases on the topic. Analyze and choose only three important key points on the slides and minimize the number of words on each screen. Put the title at the top of the slides as it will be the guide to the audience on what topic are you discussing on.

Reference :

• Dvorak John C. (2002). The Blog Phenomenon. Retrieve from : http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,12899,00.asp

• Marquez Zane L. How to make good powerpoint presentation? . Retrieve from : http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Make-a-Good-PowerPoint-Presentation&id=4313178 

• Putnis Peter & Petelin Roslyn. (1996) Professional Communication : Principle and Application. Page 236. Sydney. 

• Putnis Peter & Petelin Roslyn. (1996) Professional Communication : Principle and Application. Chapter 7 page 254. Sydney.

• Rothman Solomon. (2005) What makes good scientific technical writing. Retrieve from: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/9447/what_makes_good_scientific_and_technical.html?cat=4

• Russell Wendy. 1O Tips for Creating Successful Business Presentation. Retrieve from: http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointinbusiness/tp/bus_pres_tips.htm