Should PowerPoint slides provide support to the overall presentation?

PowerPoint slides should indeed provide support to the overall presentation. When designed effectively, slides serve as visual aids that reinforce the spoken content, enhance audience engagement, and facilitate better understanding of the material being presented. They can highlight key points, display relevant images or charts, and organize information in a way that makes it easier for the audience to follow along.

Using slides as a supportive tool can help to maintain the audience's attention, breaking down complex information into digestible parts. This strategic use of visuals aligns with adult learning principles, which suggest that combining verbal and visual information can enhance retention and comprehension. Therefore, having PowerPoint slides that complement the presentation is an essential practice for effective communication and learning in a classroom or professional setting.