Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Google Presentation, Emaze, or Prezi: Which presentation platform is right for you?

If you don't want the pros and cons, check out Final Summary at the end of the post.

The most interesting content can appear dull if you do not choose an appropriate presentation platform. Powerpoint is no longer the only way to inform an audience, and in my opinion that is a great thing.

Google Presentation, Emaze, and Prezi are three examples of FREE presentation platforms that one could use. You can easily embed your presentation in a website or blog or share your presentations with fellow collaborators using any of these platforms. However, there are differences that should influence your decision. Check out the pros and cons below.

Google Presentation
Just another tool that Google Drive provides. In Google Drive choose Create>Presentation to create your own.

Pros:

  • Easy to use: If you have used Powerpoint before this will be familiar.
  • Hyperlinks: You can add a hyperlink to any object you can click. Text, image, or other.
  • Great for collaboration: Allows you to add comments and even chat with other collaborators.
Cons:
  • Boring: Powerpoint is old news. People don't engage with paragraphs of text on blank slides.
Google Presentation in action

A beta platform that will amaze and delight you.

Pros:
  • Looks great: Emaze is never boring. The templates that are provided will keep your audience engaged.
  • Easy to use: The controls are straight forward and mostly familiar.
  • Hyperlinks: You can add hyperlinks to objects such as text.
Cons:
  • Glitchy: Emaze is a beta site, so you can expect some glitches. This is generally not a problem if you patiently wait for it to catch up.
  • Limited template options: Your options are limited, but the templates the do provide are stunning.
Emaze in action
Powered by emaze
If you have a bit of time to learn Prezi, your content will not be dull. Viewers will stay engaged.

Pros:
  • Looks great: With a little creativity, you really can do anything in Prezi.
  • Many template options: There is a template for any presentation.
  • Smooth: Both Emaze and Prezi have great visuals, but Prezi has smoothed out nearly all of the glitches.
Cons:
  • Takes a bit of getting used to: If your presentation deadline is in 10 minutes and you have never used Prezi, don't start now.
  • No Hyperlinks: You can paste an entire link into a textbox, but you cannot create a text link.
Prezi in action



Final Summary
  • Use Prezi if you want to amaze your audience and you have a bit of time to figure out the controls.
  • Use Emaze if you want to amaze your audience and don't have as much time. You also may want to consider another option if you cannot endure a glitch now and again.
  • Use Google Presentation if you have a lot of text and a lot of slides. Especially if you're working with others that have Google accounts.

2 comments:

  1. i really love using emaze.com. it is simple, easy to use and ver high quality designs... they also have 3D templates and it is really cool!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree more, BRB. Nothing quite like the look on the audience's face when you've started your presentation!

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