Research article on power-point presentation

Significance of PowerPoint Presentation in Technical Communication

Nisha Gurung, Department of Computer Engineering

Abstract

Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint is widely used to communicate technical ideas. This article explains the significance of PowerPoint presentations in technical communication, based on a study of the literature and a survey of 60 engineering students. The results show that well-designed slides improve clarity, retention and audience interest, but poorly designed slides cause confusion. Good practices and limitations are discussed.

Keywords: PowerPoint, presentation, technical communication, visual aids

Introduction

Technical communication conveys complex information to a specific audience in a clear and useful form. Engineers have to present proposals, project results and designs to teachers, clients and managers. A PowerPoint presentation combines text, pictures, graphs, animation and sound in a slide show, and it has become the standard tool for this purpose.

Methodology

The study reviewed books and articles on presentation skills and collected the opinions of 60 engineering students through a short questionnaire on the use of slides in their classes and project presentations.

Significance

1. Clarity: diagrams, flowcharts, tables and graphs show complex data in a simple way.
2. Organisation: slides provide a structure for the speaker and the audience, and help the speaker keep to time.
3. Attention and retention: images, colour and short points hold the interest of listeners; people recall more when they see and hear at the same time.
4. Flexibility and reuse: slides are easy to edit, share and present, online or face to face.
5. Professional image: a neat presentation gives the speaker confidence and credibility.
6. Inclusion of multimedia: videos and simulations can demonstrate processes that cannot be shown live.

Findings and discussion

In the survey, 83 percent of students said that slides help them understand technical topics, and 70 percent said they remembered presentations better when the slides had pictures or diagrams. However, 62 percent also complained about slides full of text or slides read aloud by the speaker. Other problems include too many animations, small fonts and technical failures.

Good practice includes one idea per slide, six lines or fewer, a font size of at least 24 points, high-contrast colours, relevant visuals, a consistent design, and practising with the equipment before the event. The slides should support the speaker, not replace him or her.

Conclusion

PowerPoint is an important tool of technical communication because it makes information clear, organised and attractive. Its value depends on how skilfully it is used, so students should be trained to design effective slides and to deliver them confidently.

References

• Reynolds, G. (2019). Presentation Zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery (3rd ed.). New Riders.
• Tufte, E. R. (2006). The cognitive style of PowerPoint: Pitching out corrupts within (2nd ed.). Graphics Press.

Note: survey figures and local details in this article are illustrative.