PowerPoint

I happen to enjoy PowerPoint. I like the endless permutations of slide designs, options for audio and video, photos, links, words. But let's consider what is the best use of PowerPoint and when it's best to leave it out. Your meeting requires a more formal presentation of content to a group large enough to warrant a presentation projected in the front of the room? Go for it. A colleauge at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's use of PowerPoint is so brilliant, engaging and worthwhile that I don't know that I'd ever turn away from his use of this tool. On the other hand, does your meeting involve a small group of people that may be much better engaged by actually looking at each other in the eye from across the table? Leave the PowerPoint out.