Does anyone know of a resource that lists rules or guidelines for effective use of powerpoint presentations in a live webinar format? Thank you for your suggestions!

I don't think the guidelines for webinars are any different than an in-person presentation.

In my book, you should use visuals with a purpose and only when you need them to communicate a concept.

Also, are you talking about a "webinar" in which there is a large audience attending a sales or other presentation, or are you talking about training in a virtual classroom environment?

Webinars tend to be one-way information with very large audiences: presenter ---> participant. The visuals support the information you are presenting, they should not *contain* the information you are saying. I recommend the book Beyond Bullet Points if you want to get outside the box in your presentation style.

Training in a virtual classroom is collaborative, interactive, and engaging (or it should be!) and isn't any different than classroom training. Visuals merely support the instructional strategy not dictate it or drive it. If you are looking for improved presentation skills in the virtual classroom, I suggest the book The Synchronous Trainer's Survival Guide by Jennifer Hofmann-- and the courses offered by her comany InSync Training (www.insynctraining.com)

No or little animation is best. Depending on which tool you're using, it may not display or display correctly. For example, I've used Microsoft LiveMeeting for our webinars and it can really mess up the animation.

Another tip to make it interactive, instead of just one way communication, is use polling slides or electronic whiteboard (if available in your tool).

Jon Frank
Training Manager
NPower Seattle

T & D JJ:

I use powerpoint in Adobe Connect without a hitch. My ppt has large font size and I use the arrow in the meeting room when ready to move to the next slide. I use a 2nd computer sitting next to my 1st computer to login as a participant so I know what they see. It was fascinating to see that the presenter can get a list of all slides but the audience doesn't see that.

Hope this helps!

Eileen Dittmar

Visual support should be just that - visual support. The presentation should be meaningful and engaging and connective even if the technology goes "kaflooey"