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See, Sort, Learn: Design Elements of an Engaging Technical Presentation

Objective

This course provides participants with the tools to create an engaging technical or scientific presentation using Microsoft® PowerPoint®. After learning basic elements of good design, participants will review how these can be used to capture and hold the interest of an audience. ‘Good’ and ‘bad’ examples of text, images (e.g., photos, maps, diagrams and data) and advanced PowerPoint® features (e.g., builds, animations and action buttons) will be reviewed to stimulate creativity and reinforce design concepts. The course closes with opportunities to critique existing presentations. Names will be changed to protect the guilty.

Prerequisites

Participants must have a basic understanding of PowerPoint® because operational fundamentals will not be taught. It is important to know how to save files, input text, change slide formats, and switch between panes. Familiarity with the charting function of Excel® is also helpful.

Outline

Introduction

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Review the external controls (audience, expectations, media, place, timing, formality)

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Determine the message (find it, organize it, focus it, prioritize)

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Plan the delivery (partitioning of time)

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Design elements for effective communication

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How we see, sort and learn/remember information (basic blocks that overlap)

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Aspects of seeing (colour, font, contrast, positioning)

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Aspects of sorting (clutter, sequencing, emphasis, uniformity)

bulletAspects of learning/remembering (repetition, structuring)

Using these design elements in PowerPoint®

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Entering the core of the presentation into PowerPoint® (including import of Word and Excel® files)

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Viewing and moving slides

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Titles and text

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Bullets

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Images
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Maps, sections, diagrams

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Photos and clip-art

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Charts (simple charts, triangular plots, x-y plots)

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Data tables

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Advanced features that enhance the message
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Builds

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Animations

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Action button

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Use of slide masters and design templates (if requested)

bulletMimicking two-projector talks

 “The good, the bad and the downright ugly”

bullet Review existing presentations

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Copyright © 2005 RnD Technical
Last modified: January 11, 2007