The Backlash Against Power Point The most recent issue of American Libraries is one of many places I've seen articles lamenting presenters reliance on Power Point. (Steven J. Bell, "End PowerPoint Dependency Now!" American Libraries v. 35 n.6 (Jun/Jul 2004): 56-60. Available through Academic Search Premier for subscribers at http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=13347884&db=aph.) To this I have to say, FINALLY! Ever sit in a session with someone reading their slides word for word from the screen and not even turning around to look at the audience? Ever been so caught up in all the movies and animations that you forgot what the presentation was about? I'm pretty sure that some people hide behind their slides to get over the fear of public speaking. Read this article and others on the subject and learn how to talk to your audience with occasional references to the slides.
(edit) Here are some other valuable discussions relating to scientific/technical information and powerpoints: Michael Nielsen (see the comments, too), Doron Zeilberger, Aaron Swartz, all pointed out by Sean Carroll.
*Aside: why can I only find the article through a paid database? Why is the ALA access to ebrary 2 issues behind?  ¶ 9:22 AM| |cites (technorati) |