What are detractors saying about PowerPoint, and why are they condemning it? Present data that shows the pros and cons of using and not using PowerPoint.

PowerPoint has been around for over twenty-five years.  This type of longevity indicates that the pros outweighs the cons.  However, this does not negate legitimate cons of the use of PowerPoint for certain presentations.

Detractors from the use of PowerPoint feel PowerPoint is not suitable for certain types of presentations such as a detailed process.   One major con of using PowerPoint to present a detailed process is that PowerPoint slides forces the presenter to reduce complex subjects to a set of bullet items which are too weak to support decision-making or show the complexity of an issue.

Click on the following link http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/discourse to read an article that focuses on the cons of NASA using a PowerPoint presentation to discuss a detailed process in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. 

 Outlined below are pros and cons of using PowerPoint.

Pros of using PowerPoint

Cons of using PowerPoint

·         can enhance clarity, interest, and retention   ·         can address multiple learning styles ·         can illustrate complicated pictorial, statistical, or conceptual material ·         can alleviate public speaking fear ·         can make logical structure of arguments more transparent ·         can enhance comprehensibility of nonnative speakers ·         can reinforce a message (two channels better than one)

·         not suitable for certain types of presentations (commencement speeches, poetry, etc.) and detailed processes ·         bullet-point templates can lead to staccato summaries ·         rigid structure can alienate audiences (no room to digress) ·         dependence on technology

(https://www.baruch.cuny.edu/tutorials/powerpoint/tips.htm)

In conclusion, when using PowerPoint as a means to teach or persuade, the information in your presentation should be accurate and easy to understand.  Additionally your presentation should be used as a visual to capture your audience attention not to replace your words.