The Importance of Slideshow-Like Technologies and Variations on their Uses for Social Communication in Different Contexts
The increasing role of slideshow-like technologies has led to their perception as an alternative to popular mobilization of movements in the streets because when applied to resolution of policy issues, it allows presentation of technical questions as demonstrations in the form of charts, graphs, models, and simulations (Stark & Paravel, 2008). Stark and Paravel (2008) demonstrated the diversity in application of PowerPoint to different contexts through case studies. The distinctive morphology of such technologies in providing different affordances thrashes initial assertions by critics that denounce the technologies’ ability to capture cognitive style, which is critical in driving communication. As a result, slideshow-like technologies are gaining significance as strategies for influencing technical and social communication and public discourse in democratic societies. Traditional approaches such as canned keynote speeches are taking a lesser role because of they are inflexible and time constrained (Leigh, 2009).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The paradigm shifts in communication instigated by slideshow-like technologies is evidenced in the transformation of traditional business practices. Scott (2007) observed that audience-driven ‘unconferences’ are taking the place mainstream communication strategies in business and social settings. Dozens of meetings emerging in different sectors show the variations in the use of the technologies in addressing diverse technical and social issues. Demo camps are becoming a common phenomenon and slideshow-like technologies present the most plausible channels to aid virtual conferencing and other aspects of cloud computing that are driving social communication in the current technological era. According to Gross and Harmon (2009), the technologies can be designed to specifications of different audiences and articulated and organized to integrate visual and verbal messages into a whole for easier conceptualization and understanding.
References
Gross, A. G., & Harmon, J. E. (2009). The structure of PowerPoint presentations: The art of grasping things whole. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication , 52 (2), 121-137.
Leigh, B. (2009). Sick of canned keynote speeches? Inc. , 31 (10), 124-128.
Scott, K. (2007). Take your PowerPoint and.... Business Week, Issue 4034, 73-74.
Stark, D., & Paravel, V. (2008). PowerPoint in public: Digital technologies and the new morphology of demonstration. Theory, Culture & Society , 25 (5), 30-55.
