In her recent New York Times article, Elisabeth Bumiller reports on the possible perils of powerpoint in the armed services and defense planning. After reviewing this article, how do you feel about Bumiller's assertions? Have you had similar or different experiences using powerpoint? Based on this article, your experiences, and our in class discussions, how might an audience-centered approach and other concepts from the course help to fix some of the issues Bumiller highlights? Please use concrete examples to back up your point.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Issue #3 (due 9/14)
The Perks and Perils of Powerpoint
In her recent New York Times article, Elisabeth Bumiller reports on the possible perils of powerpoint in the armed services and defense planning. After reviewing this article, how do you feel about Bumiller's assertions? Have you had similar or different experiences using powerpoint? Based on this article, your experiences, and our in class discussions, how might an audience-centered approach and other concepts from the course help to fix some of the issues Bumiller highlights? Please use concrete examples to back up your point.
In her recent New York Times article, Elisabeth Bumiller reports on the possible perils of powerpoint in the armed services and defense planning. After reviewing this article, how do you feel about Bumiller's assertions? Have you had similar or different experiences using powerpoint? Based on this article, your experiences, and our in class discussions, how might an audience-centered approach and other concepts from the course help to fix some of the issues Bumiller highlights? Please use concrete examples to back up your point.
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In the article, elisabeth bumiller assessed that power points are less informative and in critical situations such as briefings on strategies of the war, it gives the illusion of information, but that it could cause misunderstandings because it is a lack of sufficient information. In past experiences using power points, they are a good form of getting a point across if other, more detailed information is given. For example, if giving a presentation that included charts or graphics, adding a power point would help aid in that presentation. Power points should be used as an outline or for maps or charts that may be needed in a presentation, they should not be used solely for the purpose of getting the information to the audience.
ReplyDeleteThe enemy is power point? Power point is a tool, not a threat. Poor presentations reflect insufficient training and/or little preparation. Of course power points are not the sole means of relaying information; it would be unwise to rely solely on only one communication tool. Elisabeth states only the cons of power point; she would have done well to either name some pros or suggest a solution to the problems. Power point is a handy tool if used properly. The mistakes I made with power point were when I relied just on the power point to present information and when I failed to make it audience-centered. The overall tone of the presentation and the proper application of visual aids should make an inviting atmosphere for open discussion. The presenter should also possess an educated knowledge of the subject and be able to provide the audience with ready answers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Elizabeth Bumillers assertions. Point fails to relay critical elements in a given presentation. When giving a presentation, key concepts are misinterpreted, and can cause confusion. If there are large amount of U.S. military commanders who do not understand the information, then the PowerPoint program should not be used.
ReplyDeleteWhen using PowerPoint, it seems necessary to dress up titles and add pictures. These Icons are useful for drawling in an audience. I have experienced PowerPoint's that are attractive, yet only explain half of what is needed. PowerPoint is a useful tool, if used correctly. Most classes that I take, are taught using PowerPoint. These slides are very helpful, But the assigned books explain more to me than PowerPoint presentations.
To become more audience-centered, Bumiller should have weighted the good, from the bad. PowerPoint relates to many Americans, because it is a well known program. Instead of listing all negative ideas about PowerPoint, She could have said a few things about them that attribute to their success. While PowerPoint might not be meant for the Military, it still is useful in a business atmosphere.
I would have to agree with Bumiller about PowerPoint. PowerPoint most of the time is really confusing to use and to read. I think that it has taken over the business and education world. I have had a lot teachers that use PowerPoint for their classes, which is nice because many of them post up on Blackboard, but it is also confusing. Many people do not know how to use PowerPoint which makes this problem worst. The other things that drives me nuts about PowerPoint is that it is time consuming. The article Bumiller had many people say that send many hours a day on PowerPoint and as a student I know I spend a lot of time printing out PowerPoints. I believe that things would be a lot easier for people to understand if PowerPoint was not as big. Or if people learned how to use it better.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that power point is an enemy. I think that power point like all technology is only as good as the one using it. I have successfully used power point in presentations. However, if you try to display too much information in your presentation, you lose the advantage of organization. The audience-centered approach can help to correct some of these issues. First, you need to use simple language and ideas; this will allow each member of the audience to grasp the concept. Second, you need to balance text with complementary visuals; this will satisfy the many possible learning types in your audience.
ReplyDeletePowerpoint can be a very useful tool as long as you keep the material simple and easy to read. I agree that the military should not use it as a primary briefing tool because it takes way too long to make the slides. There should not be a designated person just for the sole purpose of making powerpoint slides every day. I have had many teachers at WSU overuse powerpoint. It is very difficult to sit through a 2 hour class in the dark, listening to a professor read off ppt slides word-for-word. The best way to use Powerpoint is with an audience-centered approach. Leaving time in between slides for comments and questions will will keep people interested and overall, make it a better presentation.
ReplyDelete