Focusing on Purpose

      In a few of my blogs, I have alluded to a Powerpoint presentation as a unique and effective way to convey a message. While I have written in relative depth about things like blogs, emails, and essays, I have yet to write in-depth about Powerpoint. While doing our "Campus Project" in Composition 2 (which requires a Powerpoint presentation), we were offered a handout focusing our powerpoint efforts and goals, as well as instructed on the art of Powerpoint. Through this project, I have come to understand the most important principle in presenting via slideshow. I was delighted to find this principle also on our list of  learning outcomes.
     In presenting to a live audience, whose attention is already split between screen and presenter, it is of upmost importance to focus on purpose. Any extra material will only serve to waste the time and attention of the one presenting as well as those in the audience.
   One of the first steps to focusing a presentation on purpose is simply limiting the topic and sub points. Before even opening Microsoft Powerpoint, a presenter who desires an effective presentation must ask, "What do I want them to take away from this?" A slide passes by an audience member`s eyes once- and only once. What is on that slide must be incredibly memorable, and anything unmemorable or irrelevant must be discarded. It will serve no positive purpose.
    Secondly, and obviously, slides must be concise and clear. Focus on purpose. Keep in mind the fact that a powerpoint presentation is not to provide reading material to the audience. A powerpoint presentation is there to compliment what the speaker says, not the other way around. A listener should be reminded of main points, and be afforded time and attention to listen to the speaker.
     Ultimately, focusing on purpose within a Powerpoint presentation means eliminating waste: images, themes, points, and speech that clutter the purpose. A successful presenter leaves an audience with simple, concise, and memorable ideas that will continue pulsing through the brain until it falls asleep that night.
      I am giving the Campus Project presentation tomorrow- hopefully I have practiced what I preach.