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Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things about Your Favorite Presentation Program Review by Tushar Mehta
Think of solutions rather than focusing on the product and the value of this book increases
Two disclosures: (1) I have known the author for several years, both as a colleague and a friend; (2) I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, O'Reilly.
One of the first things that strikes the eye on cracking open the book is the grey border that occupies the outside third of each page. If you are unfortunate and like me pick a few pages each with an empty border it seems a strange -- even annoying -- design choice. But, flip a few more pages and it quickly becomes apparent that the book uses the border creatively to (1) hold the reader's interest by breaking the monotony of the typical linear flow, and (2) impart interesting tidbits. Several minutes into the book I caught myself, upon turning over a page, checking the borders first!
Swinford also makes interesting use of the archetypical savior of many a computer geek -- the paper clip. Scattered through the book are curious contortions of the paper clip. She also lets the reader know she shares their frustrations with PowerPoint with the judicious use of sketches of a pencil snapped in several pieces.
Lest one think these are but gimmicks to cover a lack of substance, nothing could be further from the truth.
Content wise, I would have expected nothing less from the author and she delivers. The book is well organized with sections dealing with broad roles starting with "Presenting Your Presentation," going through every (well, the vast majority in any case) possible uses one might conceive for PowerPoint and ending with "Printing and Distribution." One could nitpick on whether some of the topics addressed might belong in another section, but it is doubtful that any categorization would satisfy every reader.
Browsing through the book, I found myself nodding to myself at the various "annoyances" she has addressed. Having used PowerPoint from when it was first released by Microsoft, and as one who regularly tests its limits -- I have had my share of...let's call them experiences...with the product. The author succinctly identifies each problem and offers a solution be it using PowerPoint or in conjunction with another program. Swinford's expertise and knowledge of not only the program but more importantly of how to use it productively are apparent in the many solutions she presents.
Something new (and impressive I might add) that I learned about her from the book was her knowledge of how other programs can improve one's productivity with PowerPoint. For example, she notes two programs that can assist one "reapply animations." While other programs do cost money, it is a trade-off all of us make routinely: time vs. money.
She is also not afraid to write "No, it cannot be done in PowerPoint." And, she is right. No program can be everything to everyone. And, to that end, she has done her research. Instead of simply stating "use another program," she suggests one. In fact, on page 179, she lists 15(!) programs under the category of "Other Charting Options" -- together with each program's web site and cost.
Clearly, this is not a book from one learns PowerPoint. It is more like a reference book, one that both the beginner and the experienced are likely to turn to when they encounter problems. The author's writing style makes for easy reading and it would not hurt one to read it page by page. For instance, if one hasn't worked with a particular PowerPoint capability it would be a good idea to go through the related section and educate oneself on what to expect. Essentially, this book is best used as a reference.
And, that leads to the biggest "problem," if we can call it that, with this book. Though, to be fair, it is a problem with all such books. A printed book can never do justice to a reference work. A very useful companion would have been an electronic version of the book, something one can search as needed. Take it a step further, and maybe the author and the publisher will consider a purchaser-only companion website for the book. Take the next logical step, and they can charge a fee for new content added to the website.
Be that as it may, all in all, this is a book that PowerPoint users should have within easy reach.