In the article I wrote The Bad Side of a Slide Presentation, I recalled my experience at a programming conference where I saw one bad presentation after another. For the most part, the reason for that wasn't because of the actual presentation file, but how it was presented. I believe you can have the greatest looking presentation, and it still be presented poorly by the presenter.
Darren Strange of Office Rocker! has posted some great tips on how to give a better presentation. Again, very little of this post has to do with honing your Microsoft PowerPoint skills, but more to do with making your audience comfortable and conveying your message simply and strongly. I think this quote from him really sums it up:
| We've forgotten why PowerPoint was created, to help you deliver interesting and compelling presentations and get your message across to your audience. It was not designed as a way for you to bore people. Presenting is a skill and a great tool isn't all you need. Like all great tools, it is best used by a skilled practitioner - someone who knows when and how to use the tool to maximum effect. |
Thanks, Darren!