Ideas for a Smarter, Faster World

Thanks, Ernie -- that's beautiful! One of the best nutshell demonstrations of presentation dynamics I've seen yet (all in 2:21!). Couldn't agree more that .ppt is just a vessel for what you put in it. Unfortunately, this particular vessel lends itself to being filled with garbage. But it doesn't have to be that way -- as your example here illustrates so well. This sample presentation should be required viewing/listening (but quite pointedly NOT reading) for anyone who ever has to address a roomful of people. Where did you find the great accompanying images?

All of the images were free, Creative Commons (or other shareable license) from wikimedia.org. Did it that way, and made it very simple, to illustrate the fact that you don't have to work in a creative department to vastly improve your presentations.

I would add that notes are notes and handouts are handouts. Notes should help you give your presentation and are for you alone. Handouts should supply some useful function to the audience after the presentation. Printing out your presentation is rarely useful — unless the intention is to pass along the presentation to someone who was unable to attend. If you really want to leave something behind, make it something that supplements, enhances or otherwise adds value to your presentation.