For a long time, speakers have used and misused Microsoft Powerpoint as a tool for visual communication when making a presentation. This tool has come under criticism, especially through the popular phrase, ‘death by Powerpoint’. It is worth noting that the said ‘death’ is not caused by MS Powerpoint software. The problem lies with its users.

To overcome the shortcomings of Powerpoint and spice up your presentation, use more recent software. Zoomable User Interface (ZUI, pronounced zoo-ee) is a visual tool that enables you to change the scale of the viewed area in order to see more detail or less, and browse through different documents. An example of ZUI is Prezi, downloadable at www.prezi.com. Prezi is a great presentation tool for spicing up the mundane PowerPoint that you’ve been using for the past 10 years. It allows for new kinds of visualizations and opportunities to link imagery to motion, which in turn creates a deeper understanding and retention duration. Prezi is not your typical slide-based presentation tool. You start with a blank canvas and can add and manipulate content anywhere on the page. It allows you to link images with movement. It also allows you to seamlessly link presentations with video and audio files.

Visit the Prezi website and view samples of presentations. You can as well download their users’ manual and turn your next presentation to an exciting adventure for your audience.

For more guidance on using ZUI and refining your writing or presentations, visit the Strathmore Writing Centre on the 2^nd floor of the Student Centre. You can write to us on writingcentre@strathmore.edu