PowerPoint presentations can be an effective presentation tool when used properly. They allow inclusion of text, graphics, sound and video on individual slides that can be arranged and displayed to an audience. When designed well according to best practices, PowerPoint can make learning easier and more engaging for students while also making presentations more concise and visually focused for business purposes. However, overreliance on PowerPoint features and simply reading slides verbatim can have negative effects and bore an audience. Proper analysis of needs, audience and environment, along with creation and evaluation according to principles of visual design, can help ensure PowerPoint enhances rather than detracts from a presenter's message.