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Presentation software (sometimes referred to as slideware) enables users to create, edit, and present information, usually in a slide-show format. You can use presentation software to create tables, charts, graphs, and illustrations. Digital cameras, cell phones, and MP3 players have further transformed the world of presentation aids by enabling you to capture, download, and share photos, audio, and video cheaply and easily. If you have access to a computer as well as a digital projector and audio speakers, this software makes it relatively easy to incorporate all of your aids into a digital slide show and present it to your audience. Such digital presentations have become extremely widespread in business settings, in communities across the world, and on college campuses; indeed, some instructors may require a digital presentation for a public speaking course.

The most commonly used presentation software is Microsoft PowerPoint,⁵ but other software, such as Adobe Flash, OpenOffice Impress, Apple Keynote, Prezi, SlideRocket, Google Docs Presentations, and Zoho Show, is also available.⁶ The instructions for using these programs vary and change with each new version (refer to your program’s user guide for technical guidance). Along with the general guidelines for any presentation aid, there are certain things you should keep in mind when developing a digital slide-show presentation.

Use It to Unify a Mixed-Media Presentation. If you have many different types of aids (pictures, data graphs, lists, video, and audio), presenting them in a unified way helps keep the audience focused on your message. Digital slide shows allow you to incorporate a variety of presentation aids and present them in one consistent frame. They also make it easy to print out parts of your slide show for audience members to take home. Such handouts are especially useful in informational presentations.

Remember, Content Is King. Don’t let your speech be eclipsed by technological bells and whistles. As with any presentation aid, it’s important to use presentation software to share material that supports your points. A slick digital presentation that lacks substance might look good, but it is unlikely to impress your audience (or your instructor). Your speech should be solid enough to deliver without any aids at all.

Don’t Let the Software Steal the Show. Presentation software should be used to assist you in delivering your speech—it shouldn’t deliver your speech for you. Remember that you need to be the center of attention, not your slides. Help your listeners focus on you and your message: avoid reading from your slides, move around as you speak, maintain eye contact with listeners, and limit the amount of text in your slides. Use your slides to show material; use your speech to talk about the material you show.