Learning Public Speaking

One of the most used programs on my Mac laptops is Keynote.

The presentation program has proven to be visually superior to the Microsoft product, PowerPoint. I was excited to see this product on the iPad.

The iPad’s Keynote is a less powerful version of of the Mac app. But there is a lot to like.

First, the app will only work in Landscape mode. You can import Keynote and PowerPoint files through iTunes and the iPad converts them. You can also create very nice presentations on the device and share them through PDF, email or save them and download it when you sync your device.

I believe setting up animations are a little simpler on the iPad. When you press the “Animations” icon on the bar, you will be able to choose what element of the slide is first and how you want the audience to view that slide. It is also really simple to edit and copy/paste elements within slides. You can also move, hide, and delete slides.

Now, there are a few things that is does not do.  It does not have all of the fonts available in full Keynote on your desktop or laptop. When the iPad coverts your Keynote presentation, you will likely run into a nasty screen telling you want the program could not do.

This may or may not impact your presentation.

However, every presentation uploaded to the iPad got the “Sorry I can’t do this” message. Also, when presenting the speech, you won’t have access to any speaker’s notes. I don’t use them, but if you do this could be an issue. Finally, the only way to move from slide to slide is to touch the screen. Period.

I tried attaching a Bluetooth keyboard to the iPad. No joy. Keynote Remote on the iPhone/iPod Touch? Fail. You have to be physically near the device to change slides. Hopefully this is something that can be fixed with the next app update. If you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone with Keynote Remote installed, why not pair it with the Keynote on iPad.

Note: When I worked with a VGA projector. The cable worked perfectly. I plugged one end of the cable in the iPad Dock and the other into the projector’s VGA cable. Everything worked great. Even if the iPad is in Portait Mode, it will present the slides in Landscape Mode.

I will probably create new presentations on the iPad itself, which will be simplified presentations based on my current decks. It will take some time. But it will be worth it. It is a $9.99 app. But if you are a presenter, teacher, or speaker, then you will not regret the purchase.

P.S. – I would recommend you to convert any Powerpoint files into Keynote on your Mac before sending it to your iPad.

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