Improving your Powerpoint Presentation

Presenter Stan Skrabut
@skrabut #UWCES and #netc2010
Presentation at http://www.slideshare.net/skrabut/improving-your-power-point-presentations-by-stan-skrabut
Available on Google Wave - with:public netc2010

You want your audience to remember what you presented. It goes back to science and research. People can only work with 3-4 bits of info at any one time.
Overwhelming viewers with info does not aid learning:break it down.
Info is processed in two channels - visual and verbal.
Verbal channel is processed easier.
One idea per slide is easy to digest.
Use complete sentences to guide thought: This increases learning.
Use a simple graphic that ties the thoughts together

Recommended books - Beyond Bullet Points, and The Backchannel by Cliff Atkinson

Use Word template to create slides. Template is from book.

Use notes section to put in all the great info instead of putting it in a slide. Print them out and use them as handouts.

Add pictures

During presentation:
Step into the screen so attention will not be split
Use a presenter feature of Powerpoint and keep a small screen in front of you.
Use a remote control.
Keep slides simple. do not give into temptation of givine goo much info.
Make sure everything works.
Plan for problems.
Practice, Practice,Practice.

The three elements of your presentation: headline, sentance, graphic.
You should encourage a backchannel (Twitter, facebook, etc)