Frequently we hear someone say, “I’m giving a PowerPoint today,” instead of “I’m giving a speech today.” Some speakers hide behind their visual displays, focusing their attention on the slide show rather than on the audience. They might erroneously believe that the computerized display itself is the presentation, or that it will somehow save an otherwise poorly planned speech.¹ Other speakers become so enamored of generating graphics or creating glitzy multimedia presentations that they forget their primary mission: to communicate through the spoken word² and their physical presence. These behaviors usually signal inadequate preparation on the speaker’s part.³ As with all presentation aids, software tools such as PowerPoint, Keynote, and Prezi can sometimes help listeners process information and enhance a speech, but only as long as you truly work to engage the audience and achieve your speech goal.