For this discussion we will review how you would present information in a PowerPoint or other visual presentation for different audiences and what some of the key “Do’s” and “Don’t” are in developing these presentations

For this discussion we will review how you would present information in a PowerPoint or other visual presentation for different audiences and what some of the key “Do’s” and “Don’t” are in developing these presentations. We have all sat through the good, the bad, and the ugly of presentations, and specifically, those presentations that use PowerPoint. This will be a busy discussion week, as we share insights and strategies to maximize our successes and minimize our obstacles.

Let’s first start the week with a reflection question based on what you have learned so far this term:

• PowerPoint and other presentation software have become a “given” in presenting information in the health industry. Has the use of this software made presentations better or worse? Has this tool simply become a crutch, expected in presentation and reporting - whether or not people know how to use it effectively? Or, has communication become better and more sophisticated as a result of using this software?

Let’s now apply our course materials and talk about the “nuts and bolts” of creating and delivering a presentation using presentation software.

• As we have read, one of the most common mistakes made in presentations is reading verbatim from the slides. What strategies can be used to counter this mistake? How might strategies for presenting differ based on professional and personal cultural expectations, type of presentation, and other factors?
• What are some of the common pitfalls with using graphics and other multi-media (sound, effects, video, etc.)? How can they be addressed so the use is effective?
• Knowing where to get resources (education, copyright free complementary materials, etc.) is key to learning how to do a presentation. Often when we go into a job, we are not given this information; rather, we are told to report out and are expected to be figure out how do accomplish this. What resources would you recommend for people who don’t know where to acquire the information?

This discussion will be graded using a rubric. Please review this rubric prior to beginning the discussion. You can view the rubric by clicking on "Discussion Rubric" on the Course Rubrics page within the Start Here module. All discussions combined are worth 30% of your final course grade.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on "Reply." Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click “Post Reply.” 

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.