I was invited to a speech night for the class of my 8 year old daughter. Members of the class were to do a "multi modal" presentation on subjects ranging from

I was invited to a speech night for the class of my 8 year old daughter. Members of the class were to do a "multi modal" presentation on subjects ranging from global warming to their favourite band. It was sad to see that most of the kids had PowerPoint decks full of words that they just stood and read. Of the class of about 25 kids only a very few did something different. A couple didn't use the screen at all, choosing to do a "show and tell" style of presentation showing relevant objects. The "My favourite Band" girl, talked about her band whilst playing a recording, and a couple gave their talk unassisted (well maybe palm cards) whilst referring to well selected pictures on the screen. I can still remember the talk about the impact of tropical storms (not my daughters) because of the well selected dramatic images that were used to emphasise the points made in the talk. PowerPoint presentations are not necessary bad, but use the tool for what it's best at, that is displaying information that cannot be displayed either in a written report or verbally. Use it to support what you are saying, not be what you are saying. If you do this the people in the room actually have to listen to you, not sit there reading the screen, and let's face it, in most cases you want them concentrating on you, otherwise what are you their for?