The Rhetoric of PowerPoint Prepilogue
One of my students and I were talking about the “dead space” before a presentation when students or audience members are filing into the room. We discussed the fact that this is a valuable chunk of time that could be better used to communicate with audiences and get them engaged in the presentation, before it even begins. My student (thanks Richard) decided that this should be called a “prepilogue.” I recently tried it out at the ABC annual convention and it seemed to go over well. I wanted to add sound to it, but didn’t have enough time to figure out how. Another presenter also recommended I have a hyperlink from the prepilogue to the presentation, which certainly would have made the transition a lot smoother. Check it out above.
I think this is a very interesting way to entertain your audience while they wait for you to present. I never thought of using the time between set up to connect with the audience. I’m sure it makes them more relaxed and interested in what you have to say. Good Idea!
If you like to add sound file into the PowerPoint file. You need to use “.WAV” file. This kind of file is pretty big to comprae with “.MP3″ file. Therefore, you may need to prepare some disk space to put the powerpoint in. Last term, I studied Advertising and Promotional with Prof. Rossi. I done my final project, which was as big as 10 something MB. Clearly, you can not put it in a floppy disk.
You can add music or sound file by
- Right Click on the slide –> Choose “Slide transition” –> There will be a right hand side menu apear.
- Then look at “Modify Transition” –> Click on “Sound” –> Scroll Down and Click at “Other Sound…”
- There will be another dialog box asking you to choose the sound file –> Choose the sound file
- Click OK –> You will be all set then.
NOTE: Please remember to do this whole process on the slide you want the music to begin. You also can set “Loop” to make it run over and over agin.
I hope it help.
LLCJ
For me, I kind of too nervous before giving the presentation. While i was working in Thailand, I worked with Japaneese people, they did the same thing before they showed their presentation. Personally, i beleived that this can help us(the presenter) and the audiences have more connection, and commuicate better in the more friendly atmosphere.
Thank you for brought this up.
Relationship between you and the audience is half of your success. You should make them feel more comfortable and they will definitely something new from your speech. This implies that every one should be diplomatic in using time to make more connection and making your audience feel more comfortable.
A prepilogue is a great concept it reminds me of the movie theater. Before a movie they always have advertisements and silly questions that play before the coming attractions even appear. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere for your audience and you, especially if you are having technical difficulties or nervous. It allows the speaker to have a mini introduction to their topic with out even saying anything. It basically sets up the stage for your feature presentation as well as show off how good their powerpoint skills are. Which we all know after this class we can’t wait to do!!