Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
into your presentation.
Slides adapted from
Brain Rules
by John Medina.
Embed the video
Video is useful and powerfully engaging but it is also, unfortunately, underutilized by most
presenters today. When video clips are shown, the presenter usually spends a few
awkward moments searching for the file and opening the video in a separate application
rather than smoothly within the slideware program. When video is used well, the clips
simply become part of the show, serving to amplify your content and your connection with
the audience without any clumsy stops or hiccups.
Whenever possible, use the Insert Video/Sound option in your slideware to embed the
video. (In PowerPoint, you actually link to the video, but it will work as if it is embedded.
Make sure to put your video files in the same folder as your PowerPoint file.) The
advantage of having the video embedded in your file is that the presentation is
smoother. Your videos will just appear when you want, in sync with your narrative, just like
the other visuals. Leaving the application to show a video is distracting and visually
disruptive. In a good presentation, nobody is aware of your software (or the desktop
photo of your cat). They are engaged with you and your media—with your content and
story.
You do not have to spend a lot of money to get good-quality video. Most of the video you
can simply shoot yourself. Many inexpensive devices shoot video, including many
phones these days. The Flip Ultra HD shoots pretty decent HD video at 720p resolution.
Generally speaking, WMV is the preferred format for Windows machines running a
presentation. If you are using a Mac, then the QuickTime format is the way to go. Using
video in Keynote is a breeze; PowerPoint 2010 also promises to make using videos in
presentations as easy as falling off a log.
