How to Plan a Power Point Presen

How to Plan a Power Point Presentation Using Textbooks

Research Tips

· Pick a subject that interests you, or a subject assigned by your professor.

· When you begin looking up information, use your table of contents in the front of the textbook and/or index in the back of textbook to find the information you need. Look for key words or phrases in your table of contents/index. If it is not information that can be added to your presentation, move on. If you see something that might be key information, flip to that page in the book and read a few paragraphs. If it is, re-read it and begin highlighting or writing down important information. You may even tab important pages with sticky notes to make your information easily accessible.

· As you begin researching your subject make sure to cross reference. For example, sit on the floor with all resources open to the material you will need. Compare the information to see if useable information is included in each of the resources. This can help weed out research that is not pertinent. Also, if a roommate or friend can help you, it would make this step it a lot easier!

· Make a rough outline of your power point. You can do this on a Word document, notebook paper, or even begin your Power Point slide show. Pick 5 of the most important points from your research and make this be your bare bones outline. You will add to this later. Give each point a short title and that will be the title for your slide. This lets the audience know what each slide will be about.

· After you have chosen your 5 main points, give anywhere from 3-6 points for each slide. Be sure to limit each point to a short sentence. You may have gained a lot of new information on the subject. For example if you found an entire paragraph of pertinent information, you can share it with your audience! Write one sentence from that paragraph on your slide and then share that information verbally with your audience. Remember, the purpose of the Power Point is more or less a visual aid to your presentation, you don’t want too much information on the slide. Add in pictures where you see fit.

· Practice your presentation before you come to class! Use your roommate, friends, family, or even your pet!

· Don’t forget to document your sources!

Helpful Resources for Using PowerPoint

PowerPoint Plug-ins - commercial products (plug-ins) available to expand your PowerPoint capabilities - free trial downloads allow you to preview applications
PowerPoint in the Classroom - This is more than a little "hokey," but if you are in the beginning stages and need a very basic explanation of "how-to's" related to designing PowerPoint presentations, you might find this useful.
PowerPoint Tutorial - On-line tutorial with screen shots.
Frequently Asked Questions about PowerPoint - Information for more advanced users ... comprehensive site that includes how-to's, troubleshooting, special effects, etc.
PowerPointAnswers.com - A little heavy on the advertising, but does contain some useful information especially for those wanting to try out some new applications.
Technology for Teachers: PowerPoint Tutorial - Another VERY good tutorial that includes screen shots, explanations of all buttons and tool bars, and a presentation that gives many good design tips. This would be a good site for anyone still working on the "basics" of using PowerPoint or a site you would recommend to your students for their use in designing PowerPoint presentations as part of your coursework.
PowerPoint Links - Nice collection of on-line resources ... very comprehensive.
PowerPoint Tips and Tricks - Just what it says it is.
PowerPoint tutorial: http://www.tomsnyder.com/profdev/rst.asp scroll down to bottom of page
Presenters University - Downloads, templates, and how-to's for effective electronic presentations.
PowerBacks: 100 free PowerPoint backgrounds (also available 2,000 backgrounds for $49.99)

- contributed by Holly Ringo, LTCY 524