The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Presentation Software
The Good:
 Easy to use
 Aids speakers with organization and memory
 Provides speaker notes
 Allows for file sharing with team
 Provides a variety of options for slide design
 Allows imports from other applications
 Allows for scanning of images
 Converts to webpages
The Bad & Ugly:
 Tempts speakers to be less prepared
 Tempts speakers to spend too much time on visuals
 Downplays other features
 Tempts speakers to talk to the screen
 Could cause unforeseen technical problems
 What you see may not be what you get
 Transportability can be cumbersome
 Could cause audience amnesia
Tips for Presentation Software use:
 Stick with the basics
 Remember your audience/purpose
 Don't overdo the features/animation
 Use contrast (color, background, text)
 Use software tools (spellcheck, outline mode, etc)
 Use blank slides when necessary
 Check out equipment and hookups ahead of time
 Arrive early/run through
 Have a backup plan
 Talk to the audience, not the screen
 Get away from the computer
 Progress slides when ready
Kellie's Visual Aid Usage MUSTS (for every kind of visual aid)
 If you can say it--you probably don't need it! (not always the case with
lengthier presentations)
 Check out your speaking environment & equipment in advance.
 PRACTICE with the visual aid.
 Keep it covered until you're ready to use it (i.e. don't let us see it until
you're ready to talk about it!).
 Refer to it only when showing it and show it only when referring to it.
 Don’t talk to the visual aid---keep your eyes on the audience.
 Be sure the visual can be seen by everyone.
 Point to specifics.
 Do not distribute handouts during a speech!