Psychology of Media & Technology

A cautionary note on special effects in PowerPoint: special effects, including music and videos, in a PowerPoint presentation can add energy BUT if not used well, they can be distracting, or worse, appear unprofessional and immature.  When my daughters first started using PPT in middle school, their reports were full of figures dashing in with screeching sounds and words appearing with flashing lights and drum rolls.  I have seen far too many 'grown-ups' add those and a myriad of other special effects as if they were the cure to death by PPT.  (They aren't.)  You may have heard the term 'font abuse' that comes from having so many choices and results in a sense of exploration and new found font freedom that drives restraint out the window.  Don't fall prey to 'special effect abuse' in your enthusiasm.  Some good rules to follow: 1) Draft your ENTIRE presentation before you even put it in PPT. 2) Use special effects ONLY when they reinforce your message, make your idea more understandable or facilitate the flow of the presentation. Remember that a presentation is for your audience, not to entertain yourself or demonstrate your special effects prowess.