Comments on: Why a neuroscientist doesn’t use PowerPoint

By: The medium’s PowerPoint, what’s the message? « James Christie's Blog

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:47:34 +0000

[...] I recently came across this wonderful piece that took that lecturer’s point to another level. Neuroscientist Professor Marian Diamond explains why she doesn’t use PowerPoint for her lectures. [...]

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:24:18 +0000

….and another “amen” from me! But personally I prefer flipcharts to whiteboards sometimes, so that i can then post them up on the walls around the room rather than over-write them.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:45:57 +0000

Joseph, I completely agree! I love whiteboards (even more so than chalkboards). Do you tend to present graphic intensive subjects – I mean, are you drawing a lot of visuals/diagrams on the board – like the UPS commercials? If you're an artist, this works amazingly well. For those who aren't artistic, it's a perfect time to bring out a prepared slide to show the visual, and then get right back to the whiteboard.

By: josephmartins

josephmartins — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:46:28 +0000

I’ve always used a whiteboard rather than PowerPoint, except in situations where the venue required presenters to submit PPTs. Whiteboarding is far more effective and there are practical reasons why it makes more sense than PPT.

First, it allows me to tailor the presentation on-the-fly to the audience and, as the presentation progresses, to change course and dive more deeply into difficult, confusing or interesting topics.

Second, it allows me to really connect with the audience in a way that feels genuine and unrehearsed.

Lastly, I’ve always perceived whiteboard presenters as more knowledgeable and interesting. Subjective, I know.