Introduction
As years pass by, new innovations are becoming more and more familiarized within different social sectors for better communication. Different users have varying notions on how these tools applicability. Prezi and PowerPoint are two examples of emerging presentation tools which have taken learning and business organizations by storm. They are both considered as effective tools during presentations such as those of TED conferences but varying opinions have developed about the efficiency of one over the other. This paper seeks to highlight the differences and comparisons of both programs with regard to articles by Phil Bird and David Wicks.
Both Bird and Wicks are full of praise of the new Prezi software and consider it as an alternative to Microsoft’s PowerPoint and Apples’ Keynote. Furthermore, they have both praised its zooming and map layout technique which is an improvement to PowerPoint’s’ shortcomings. However, Bird criticizes its ability to uphold live presentations since its visual capabilities draw attention away from the message.
According to Wicks, Prezi has four differences from PowerPoint. PowerPoint is more of a linear program as compared to Prezi which he considers Non-linear. In addition to this, Wick continues to suggest that it has a flexible printing opportunity while that of Prezi is limited. Furthermore, one can gather from the presentation that Prezi is web based thus can be shared by phones and computers through twitter and Facebook while PowerPoint is only applicable through computers.
Despite the accolades that these programs command within business conference circles, there are some disadvantages and positive feedbacks that limit their application.
Prezi’s Advantages
Prezi is an all new kind of presentation tool which links descriptions to motion thus giving a deeper understanding to its audience. This also leads to greater retention period from the audience due to its exciting visualization.
The program is flexible due to its linear slide by slide display which enhances its visual uniqueness and manipulation flexibility . This software is also free of charge since it can be accessed on the website which can further be modified through Facebook and other social media accounts. It can also create great imagery examples through its zooming capabilities which is a great learning tool for students.
Disadvantages
Since it is found on the web, poor wireless connection can limit the use of Prezi thus hindering its usage. In addition to this, the program has also been known to cause motion sickness due to its imagery tool. This nauseating effect can be harmful to students.
With all these in mind, one can safely apply the software in learning institutions which require visualization to understand deeply and also some of thrill so as not to get bored easily.
PowerPoint’s Advantages
This application is considered by many as the easiest learning tool of all presentation tools. It can easily add and manipulate images. Apart from adding images, PowerPoint can also include media, recordings and note pages which are often necessary for consistent presentations .
Disadvantages
Often has too much clip arts and gallery which can distract the ability of the audience to grasp the message being conveyed. Apart from this, PowerPoint presentation relies heavily on a person’s own computer gadgets since foreign softwares can damage its storage and conveyance. Finally the process of creating new presentations is time consuming.
PowerPoint presentations are best suited for formal business meetings which require more of conveying the message rather than the imagery of the slides.
Conclusion
Both Wicks and Bird complement the brilliance of these two presentation tools. This does not make them ignore the fact that with every innovation there exists flaws. Prezi is a new tool which has capitalized on PowerPoint’s shortcomings but with it comes new challenges. Different users know what presentation tool best suits them thus raising the question; Do new innovations solve the shortcomings of the earlier ones or just create new challenges?
Reference
Bird, Phil. "philpresents." 30 August 2011. wordpress. 27 July 2013 <http://philpresents.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/two-reasons-i-dont-recommend-prezi/>.
