Week 4: Supporting a Point of View

Forms of Media to Support a Presentation

There are many forms of supporting a presentation using media. Media can be delivered physically and visually in front of the listeners to help follow the presentation and help support a point of view, or even just to highlight a note worth remembering for later. 

Using media physically, with props, handouts, or even flip charts, the members of the audience have something with key points of interest and notes to take with them to recap the presentation. Having a physical copy of something always helps people follow along; even if they do not fully comprehend, they won't be lost completely. With props to pass out or use during a presentation, the listeners are able to again make a mental note to associate one very specific thing with your presentation. An example of this would be passing around a jar of tar from cigarettes during an anti-smoking presentation. It's disgusting visual can really help drive home the point of how unhealthy smoking is for people. 

Visuals delivered through projection, whether on slides, PowerPoint, transparencies, and even digital multimedia like videos and animations can be helpful with supporting a point of view. With the classic method of projections, the audience does not have to worry about being lost -as long as they pay attention to the enlarged slide show presentation created for their enjoyment and understanding. More and more people are using PowerPoint and like programs to create slide shows for their constant improvements of integration and versatility. Integrating visuals like animation and video allow for a break up in the presentation, giving the presenter a moment of rest, and the listener a moment to break from the constant listening to one person. 

At my job, we have several forms of media presenting. We use Smart Boards, and projected Power Point presentations typically, for the convenience and their ease of use and effective presence. Also using handouts, we find that having something to take with you is just as good as a presentation prepared for your visual needs. Knowing what's going on while you're there is great, but taking all of that information with you in a physical copy is better because you can look back and remember things you'd possibly forgotten or missed. 

-Robert