BackgroundPresentation software is used for displaying a series of screens one after each other. It is traditionally used in junction with a person physically present who provides verbal explanations. However, with the advent of the Internet there are more examples where the presentation stands on its own and is meant to be used independent of a person mediating the presentation.
The research on effective design in New Media applies to presentations. It indicates that comprehension and memory are benefited by meaningful multimedia elements. However, comprehension and memory are compromised when the elements are irrelevant or compete for a sensory modality (Mayer, 2001). This certainly comes into play with presentations. Tufte (2000), one of the leading writers in the field of visualization, critiques the cognitive style of presentations (PowerPoint) and the kind of mindless graphics that it tends to generate. Clearly not all presentations are poor so what makes a good presentation? Presentation Toolsdoing the presentationHere are a few tips to delivering a good presentation in person:
GuidelinesThere are principles of graphic design that play a part in effective presentations, many of these come from Mayer (2001) through extensive research studies:
While PowerPoint does not always equate to poor presentation design - too often it does. ImagesHere some guidelines for using images in a presentation:
See the following section for more on: imagesColour SchemeColour affects the mood and tone and adds life to the presentation. Here are some guidelines for helping you to setup a color scheme for your presentation:
Adobe kuler is good resource for selecting color schemes:Check out the following section for more information on colour: TypographyAll the rules of Typography apply to presentations so ensure you have at least looked at the following section before moving on:
Here are some good rules of thumb for selecting typefaces for presentations:
Animations & transitionsAnimations in a presentation can focus the attention of the viewer. However caution needs be used with animations because animations can:
Consider Bill Scotts discussion on the purpose of transitions: Bill Scott's Blog - Visual Transitions
Transition in presentations is similar to adding transitions in video editing. See the following section for more information on this - the key is make those meaningful and avoiding glitzomania:
Presenting dataOften part of a presentation is portraying data. Consider ways to make data presentation simple and elegant. Data visualization should be about telling the story, so don't overdo it.
Glitzomania
Glitzomania is an invented word by the author to suggest the inclusion of superficial bells and whistles. It is derived from the word glitz which suggests extravagant and superficial display, and then that is combined with "mania" which suggests an excessive enthusiasm or desire. Glitzomania is pomp and circumstance with no added meaning. A New Media element can easily travel down the avenue of glitzomania. Presentations are notorious for falling into the pit of glitzomania.
...too much of a good thing. |
PurposePresentations are communication technique for sharing a message. A good presentation can be entertaining, engaging, and convincing. A poor presentation can put people to sleep.
Mantra - Simplify
Often “less is more”, for instance, consider keywords or key phrases or images rather than full sentence bullet points. Don't put words on the slide you intend to say. The slides should have key words as a memory hooks for the presenter or a point the audience should pay attention to.
Hard work Reducing and simplifying a presentation is difficult. For instance it strains the brain to reduce a sentence down to one or two key words. Here are some ways to do that:
less is more Principles of PRESENTATION DesginGood presentations follow good design and organizational principles. Here are 4 simple but important design concepts for presentations:
Presentations that use large fonts and integrate images that are easily understood are processed faster by the audience, freeing their minds to focus on the verbal annotations. Design and Layout There is an aesthetic and subtle meaning communicated by the choice of style and appearance of presentations. Presentations that thoughtfully use backgrounds, fonts and graphic styles are more unified and consistent in their meaning. Even the choice of colour can communicate meaning, mood or can be a way to emphasize something. Consistency Presentations that are a hodgepodge of fonts, styles and colours lack a unified feel and tend to be more scattered and random in their meaning (unless that is the message). Delivery Keep in mind the principles when delivering the presentation. The following links summarize principles of effective delivery. Here is a link to the zen of presentation design. Read this Blog article thoroughly and look at the before and after slides. Watch the following video and the principles of effective presentations.
Another video on presentation design:
Take Aways
General Guidelines
ExemplarsThe link below will demonstrate an interesting style for a presentation:
SummaryIn summary:
Presentation Tools |
References
Atkinson, C. (2005). Beyond bullet points: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations that inform, motivate, and inspire. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press. [ISBN 0-7356-2052-0. 223}
Mayer, R. E. (2001). Multimedia learning. Cambridge University Press.
Scott, Bill. (2006). Mind hacking visual transitions. Looks Good Works Well [Blog]. Retrieved from http://looksgoodworkswell.blogspot.ca/2006/03/mind-hacking-visual-transi_114376913301122246.html
Seeley, Justin. (2013). Designing a presentation. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Keynote-tutorials/Designing-Presentation/
Tufte, E. R. (2000). Visual explanations : images and quantities, evidence and narrative. Graphics Press.
Mayer, R. E. (2001). Multimedia learning. Cambridge University Press.
Scott, Bill. (2006). Mind hacking visual transitions. Looks Good Works Well [Blog]. Retrieved from http://looksgoodworkswell.blogspot.ca/2006/03/mind-hacking-visual-transi_114376913301122246.html
Seeley, Justin. (2013). Designing a presentation. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Keynote-tutorials/Designing-Presentation/
Tufte, E. R. (2000). Visual explanations : images and quantities, evidence and narrative. Graphics Press.