Beyond PowerPoint

Justin McCreary

mccrearw@email.sc.edu

South Carolina EdTech 2011 Conference

10/26/11

Be Brief

• Limit what you put on slides

• Focus on Key Points

Be Concise Whenever Possible

• Herman Goering

• Born Jan. 12, 1893

• Hitler’s chosen successor, and commander of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force)

• Herman Wilhelm Goering was born on January 12th in 1893. He was a German politician, military leader, and leading member of the Nazi party. He was not only Hitler’s chosen successor, he was also the commander of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force).

This Not This

Images

• Use images when appropriate

Make Sure that the Text is Easily Readable

• Cannot be easily read

• Cannot be easily read

• Cannot be easily read

• Can be easily read

• Can be easily read

• Can be easily read

•Make sure that the colors do not blend in with the background easily.

•Even if you can read in on your screen, it may be difficult to read when presenting.

Text Size

• Make sure the text size is large

• Never less than 18 font size

Repetition

• Do not use different fonts and colors throughout the PowerPoint.

• It can be very distracting to the learner.

• The presentation can quickly lose it’s influence on the audience.

• Use the same fonts and font colors throughout.

• It helps a great deal in keeping the audience from getting distracted.

Flow

• Make sure the presentation has an order

• Information is appropriately grouped

Exceptions

• PowerPoint as Handouts/Notes

• Reference Slides

• Slides with specific examples

What to do When Animating your PowerPoint (Adding an Effect)

• Slide Animation -> Custom Animation

• Keep a few things in mind.

• If you choose to animate the text, make sure that you have it animate by text box or sentence

• Never by word or letter

• Do not animate too much on one slide

Sound Effects

• Sound effects can also be added to the animations

• Can be distracting

• Try to limit or not use them at all

• Make sure they have a purpose

Speaking

• Be Clear when you speak

Mock Presentation

• It’s always good to go through a little trial and error before the final presentation.

• Have a group of people watch your presentation.

• Afterwards, have them give you some feedback

• Practice makes perfect!

Remember to Have Fun

• Remember to have fun with it.

• Be creative and imaginative.