To PowerPoint or not to PowerPoint

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Section Home Data Presentation: The Board Display board gallery Effective Communication: How it's Done! Structuring Your Presentation To PowerPoint or not to PowerPoint Top 10: Mistakes People Make on their Boards

There is one major question to ask yourself when facing this decision: Will PowerPoint enhance the audience's understanding of your project'?

Here are a few key questions you can ask yourself to help make this decision:

If...

• You have visuals that are necessary to your presentation, such as images of cells, plants, or equipment. You need to consiser if it is impossible to effectively present without these visuals, AND if they will fit on your board or not,
• You have a video of a procedure or a Flash animation that is necessary or will clarify any aspect of your project,
• You have images of equipment or apparatus that you were unable to include in your table-top display or on the board, or
• You have charts or flowcharts that are better depicted digitally.

Then you should consider using a PowerPoint.

The problem with PowerPoint, however, is that when used incorrectly it can deter from the effectiveness of your presentation.

Using a PowerPoint is like having another backboard, and the risk is that it is easy to rely on it too heavily. Remember, your slides arw not digital cue cards!

If you have chosen to use a PowerPoint presentation, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Do not use the PowerPoint as a guide for your presentation. It should ONLY be an AIDE to your presentation.
• As with your backboard, you should never read off of your PowerPoint. This will cause you to look at the computer, not the judges, and it will make it appear as though you are not secure with your presentation. Include information in point form. Do not write paragraphs!
• Make sure that you are able to easily navigate the PowerPoint. It drives judges crazy if you have to jump around from slide to slide searching for whatever it is you are looking for.
• Make it look good! Take as much care in designing your PowerPoint as you would designing your backboard (which should be a lot!). Choose coordinating colours, legible fonts, and attractive and clear designs. Make it simple, and easy to follow.

A PowerPoint is a wonderful tool that really enhances your presentation. It complements your oral and visual presentations and adds a unique flair to your project. Remember to be flexible and know when it is best to make use of the PowerPoint and when not to. Keep these easy tips in mind and you are own your way to mastering the art of PowerPoint!