I just read a wonderful post on 43 Folders about making better presentations. I think that every high school student in the United States should have to read this post.
Here’s the post. It’s too often that I see people plainly reading off of slides, rather than genuinely talking about a subject they either care about or have researched. It’s a shame.
Why not just omit the PowerPoint while you’re at it?
I find writing on the board better; it gives the presenter (teacher) a break from the bored stares of the audience (students) and gives people time to take notes.
Or even better, screw the person, show just the Power Point!
My best tip on making a PowerPoint presentation for school:
Don’t use PowerPoint. If you’re on a Mac, use Apple’s Keynote.
http://www.apple.com/iwork/keynote/
It’s fully compatible with PowerPoint, but looks so much better. Finally, a presentation that isn’t stale.
I prefer writing on a board to power points. I feel as though my physical motion has some impact on my power as a presenter.
I love putting up complementary pictures or little funny things as I walk around and talk. I find it more entertaining. That doesn’t fully work for giving out tons of info, though.
And nothing is better than just standing up and talking. Make the people look at you, engage them.