At one time, they were the latest “gee whiz” innovation. Now they are an over used, highly ineffective communication tool. Especially at public meetings.
Unfortunately, powerpoint presentations are regularly flashed up on screens at meetings of the Shreveport city council, the Caddo commission and their committees. Rarely can elected officials, staff and the general public read much less follow the progression of graphics, texts, graphs, etc. Even more rarely are “hard copies” of the presentation made available for simultaneous viewing.
Both the council and the commission should amend their rules of procedure to require copies of powerpoints to be distributed before the presentations. Copies for the media and the general public should also be made available at that time.
Additionally, copies of handouts presented by public officials to these bodies at meetings should be made available to the press and the public at the same time. If nothing more, powerpoints and handouts could be scanned and posted on websites before the meetings.
Its really not that hard to keep the public informed, if only the effort is made.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.