Presentation Tools for Students

Written by Julalak Kaewsai

*Please note: FAU will retire use of Webex on June 30, 2023. The Webex platform will no longer be available for use in meetings after this date. Webex will be removed from Canvas on May 8, 2023, at the end of the Spring term. Users should download any important cloud recordings or meeting information before this date. Zoom and Microsoft Teams will still be available for meetings and office hours sessions.

For assistance with Zoom or Microsoft Teams, visit our TechEvents Calendar or schedule an appointment with one of our staff here.*

As newcomers, freshmen have many things to adapt to, including tight class schedules, important University deadlines, and even cultural and language differences. Students should prepare for success by familiarizing themselves with presentation software and tools to help them meet course expectations.

Create an Effective Presentation

1. Identify your goals.
2. Choose an appropriate tool for your assignment or project.
3. Add significant content, images, and activities.
4. Practice your presentation.

Tip: Check your software’s latest tutorials to create the most effective presentation!

Choose Your Presentation Tools

Three of the most popular presentation software tools are PowerPoint, Sway, and WebEx. Each tool offers distinctive features.

• PowerPoint is the most popular presentation software. It is used worldwide to create professional presentations by incorporating text, images, and videos in a slideshow format. PowerPoint is simple, easy to manage, and can be used for both large and small displays. PowerPoint files are easy to share with peers for collaboration. Learn more at Microsoft PowerPoint Tips and Tutorials
• Sway is a presentation software from Microsoft. It is part of Microsoft Office 365 Online. It can be accessed on the web, via an iOS app or on Windows 10. In contrast to PowerPoint, Sway lends itself best to presenting ideas onscreen rather than to an audience via a presenter. Sway offers vertical, horizontal, and slideshow layout options. Sway presentations such as tutorials, topic introductions, interactive reports, and newsletters can be easily shared or embedded in websites. For tips and tutorials for Microsoft Sway, click here.
• Cisco WebEx is an online meeting tool often used by instructors to schedule online meetings with individual students or the entire class. Its many features allow for content-rich presentations and interaction between you, your classmates, and your instructor. WebEx enables you to share files and meet face-to-face anywhere and anytime.

Deliver Your Ideas Effectively

• Outline your objectives and goals.
• Use critical thinking to choose your content and references.
• Use concise text on your slides.
• Integrate short videos, when applicable.
• Choose simple and effective images, questions, and activities to keep your audience engaged.
• Think in English.
• Always practice your speech in advance.
• Consider taking a public speaking class to further improve your presentation skills.

Present Professionally

• Choose an appropriate presentation tool.
• Present information clearly and precisely.
• Know your audience and cater your presentation to them.
• Use different strategies in your presentation. Engage your audience by asking questions, showing videos, and encouraging discussion.
• Avoid phrases such as “you know what I mean.”
• Make eye contact with your audience.
• Have a backup plan in the event you lose files or experience technical difficulties in the course of your presentation.

Julalak Kaewsai is pursuing a Master’s in Instructional Technology and is graduating next summer.  She loves technology, golf, and music.