Identify Different “Design” Options

Go back to the Home tab and choose a “New Slide”. Then go to layout and click. Select a blank slide and then go to the Design tab and have some fun.

Figure 2.2
Examples of different design options

In Figure 2.2 the grey background is subtle enough to add interest but not to distract, depending on your text choice, font size, style and color. The center slide requires a bold yellow with warm hues so the words are not overpowered by the blue background. The third slide expresses a more youthful perspective. If your audience is made up of teenagers, then the third slide will attract their attention.

It is important to keep in mind Shelton’s (1987) perspective as you investigate design options. Shelton, in his article “The Case For The Talking Head,” explains that “If we want audiences to perceive the information delivered as beneficial, we must make sure that our creativity in visual design does not itself become the message.” As you ‘play’ with the different backgrounds, you will see many bold patterns; however, I recommend you consider the question, “What makes an effective background for your particular audience?”

Examine The Element Of “Animation”

To be able to experiment with the Animation section of the PowerPoint package, you will need a few slides already in place. Those slides will appear when you click on the Animation tab (see Figure 1.3).

As you take the different transitions for a test-drive, it is important to keep a sharp eye out for what doesn’t work rather than what does work If your perspective is to eliminate flashy transitions and irritating sounds options, then you will be ready to put together an effective and professional PowerPoint presentation that will support your message. Edward Tufte (2011) in his article entitled “PowerPoint is Evil” states, “If your words or images are not on point, making them dance in color won’t make them relevant. Audience boredom is usually a content failure, not a decoration failure” (n.p.).

Investigate “Slide Show” Choices

Years ago, many classrooms were subjected to the inevitable slide show used as a creative element by school teachers. The lights would go off in the classroom, and the fan of the projector would start to whirl. The teacher, desperately trying to reference her notes by the glow coming from the projector, would begin her prepared speech hoping to help her students understand the subject matter on the slides. With each clunk of a new slide, students in the classroom would slouch further down in their chairs, taking the opportunity to catch up on some sleep. For those readers who have actually had to endure just such a slide show, your temptation will be to pass by the “Slide Show” tab because you have no desire to give your audience an opportunity to catch up on their sleep.

Don’t let the name of the tab derail you; instead, discover what this tab has to offer because it is about production rather than design. At the top of the page you is an icon with the label “From Current Slide”. Figure 2.3 is a screenshot of the PowerPoint slide with the tab “Slide Show” selected. Notice in the bottom right hand corner that the same icon is present. If you click on the little icon at the bottom of the page, the PowerPoint will fill the entire page and the slides can be moved forward with the arrow button on the keyboard.

Figure 2.3
PowerPoint with the tab “Slide Show” selected.

The pleasant aspect of the PowerPoint Slide Show is that the glow, whirl, and clunk of the old slide shows are gone. If appropriate and effective slides are part of your Slide Show presentation, then you will find this tab to be a helpful in the final production.

Recognize The Importance Of Editing In The “Review” Section

The Review tab allows you to sit back and analyze each slide, making sure you have the best word selection for the message you are trying to communicate.

Consider the slide in Figure 2.4 to the left (“Considering the best word section”). You might ask yourself if the word “first” is your best choice. If you want to consider your options, then put your cursor on the word “first.” Next, click on the Review tab and then click on the Thesaurus icon. In the “Search for” box at the top of the right hand column, the word “first” will appear.

What follows are synonyms that might work more effectively. You can use the Thesaurus to help you consider other words for ‘take’ and ‘step’ as well. Below are some alternative phrases:

• Take the initial step!
• Make your primary move!
• Seize your initial opportunity!

Consider The Final Touches Applied Through The “View”

Although the View tab comes towards the end of the tab options, you will find it useful to reference from time to time throughout the process of putting together your PowerPoint presentation.

The first icon on the ribbon is labeled normal.  This is an important tab because it brings you back to the original screen.  The second icon, Slide Sorter, allows you to see all your slides at one glance.  If needed, you are able to select one of these slides to copy and paste.  This might be a useful element if you want to add the slide to your notes.

These instructions are meant to inspire as you consider some of the elements needed in designing a rhetorically effective PowerPoint presentation.  Don’t be intimidated by all the options, rather enjoy the process of creating memorable slides.  It is time to put the power back into PowerPoint presentations!

Reference

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Brain, M. (1997). The Teenager’s Guide to the Real World. 

Choungourian, A. (1968). Color preferences and cultural variation. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 26. 1203-1206.

Gribbons, W.M. (1991). Visual literacy in corporate communication: Some implication for information design.

IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication. 34(1), 42-50.

Hutton, J. (1987), “How to Think Corporate Identity,” Public Relations Journal,43(5). 25-8.

Mackiewicz, J. (2007). Perceptions of clarity and attractiveness in powerpoint graph slides. Applied Research. 54(2), 145-156.

Stratten, S. (2013). Giving Effective PowerPoint Presentations. Retrieved from http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/management/qt/powerptpres.htm

Shelton, S.M. (1987). The case for the talking head. Society for Technical Communication Annual Conference Proceedings. VC12-15.

Tufte, E. (2003). PowerPoint is evil. Wired. 11(9). Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html