Presentation Design "Death by PowerPoint"

This week we began studying presentation design. I had no idea that when creating a presentation that you could do so much with so little.  I have come to realize that my use of images, bullets, themes and text have been so wrong.  I have sat through many presentations and do recall leaving the room either tired and board or excited and questioning what I just learned.

The readings and videos that I just finished, made me think.  Do I spend enough time preparing for a presentation?  I do believe that I am good in front of an audience, but I never really thought about what my visual aids or PowerPoint conveyed to the audience.  I know I was guilty of "Death by PowerPoint".

Here are some things that I can work on:

1. Less is More:  Be thoughtful about what I choose to put on the presentation
2. Focus Attention:  Place images, text and title in a way to keep the attention of my audience 
3. Take Time:  Brainstorm the old fashion way first.  Then develop a presentation to match what I'm going to speak about.
4. Be Creative:  As I look at the tips and good presentation, I feel that I could use some different visual aids to make my presentations so much better.  

As a teacher, I was guilty of putting every piece of information or script on my slides to show to my class.  Why was I even there.  I remember even pausing to give my students time to write down notes or important facts.  As I have moved into teaching or working with teachers, I see that I need to revisit how I present my materials.

Taking time to create something that will aid in my presentations will take me to the next level.  I hope that I can start to rethink my visual aids and hopefully keep my audience coming back for more.