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Re: Question: How to convert a PowerPoint into anaccessible page?

for

From: John E Brandt
Date: Jul 14, 2014 8:39AM

I think Olaf has covered at least part of my question to the original author
of this question. My question is:

Why bother sharing a PowerPoint presentation in any format other than as the
original PPT file?

IMHO...<rant>

The only purpose in sharing a PowerPoint - in any format - would be to give
it to someone who was preparing to present on the same topic and by doing
so, would save them the time in making their own slides.

If the purpose is to share information about or from one's oral
presentation, a set of PowerPoint slides should be the least helpful - IF
the PowerPoint is created in a "proper" way.

In reality, many/most people simply create a set of notes - or worse, an
entire speech - and convert that into a PowerPoint with perhaps some bullets
and images. Then they drive the participants crazy by simply reading the
slides to the audience. Yuck.

A well-constructed set of presentation slides should only seek to illustrate
and amplify the presenters words - not replace them; providing a visual
representation that attenuates the spoken word. Think Steve Jobs - single
words, pithy phrases, lots of images.

So if you need it to communicate the content of an oral presentation - just
create a set of speakers notes, along with your charts and graphs, images
and graphics, and make it into a nice accessible digital document and share
that with the participants. If done well, you can even share this with the
participants before the event so they can read ahead saving everyone some
time. You can also share resources and links in this format, so you audience
will listen to you and not be busily trying to write down notes of what you
are sharing.

</rant>

Granted, people use PowerPoint for all kinds of reasons, not just oral
presentations. But depending on those reasons, there may be many ways to
present this content as a fully accessible digital document.

~j

John E. Brandt
jebswebs: accessible and universal web design,
development and consultation
<EMAIL REMOVED>
207-622-7937
Augusta, Maine, USA

@jebswebs