Mid-South Instructional Technology
Conference 1999
Proposal #51

Title: Effective Use of Audio in Multimedia Presentations

Name: Brenda Kerr

Type of Session: Lecture/Presentation

Preferred Track: Track 4: Best Practices

Abstract: Today's new versions of traditional presentation software and hardware easily allow faculty members to enhance presentations with audio media. Most faculty are comfortable placing visual images in their presentations but may not be aware of simple ways to add audio media.

This session will demonstrate various scenario for using audio media such as speech (narration and dialogue), music, and sound effects in presentations. The audience will be provided information for obtaining various tools and information needed to enhance their own presentations via handouts and access to World Wide Web (WWW) pages posted on the MTSU Digital Media WWW site.

Description: Today's new versions of traditional presentation software and hardware easily allow faculty members to enhance presentations with audio media. Most faculty are comfortable placing visual images in their presentations but may not be aware of simple ways to add audio media. This session will demonstrate various scenario for using the three elements of audio media speech (narration and dialogue), music, and sound effects in presentations along with the use of silence.

Cognitive and affective reasons for using audio media will be discussed along with the roles they play in enhancing communication. Narration can be used to deliver concrete information, replace text, save screen space (guard against visual clutter) and direct viewerÆs attention. Narration or dialogue can be used to effect the perceived intensity of the presentation by setting the pace or changing tone quality.

Sound effects in presentations can be both contextual or narrative. When sound effects are used in the narrative context they can be used to describe the visual or communicate additional meaning.

The audio element, music, can be used to establish the locale, time, or identification of a visual. Music can also be used as a transition between sections of a presentation or to set the pace. Music can be used in the to 1) define a locale with ethnic melodies, 2) establish time with musical elements that suggest a period in history such as the 1960's or the Roman era, 3) identify characters and events with recurring themes, 4) provide a sense of transition from one idea to another, and 5) establish the pace of the presentation. This pace can parallel the visual media or be used as a counterpoint to provide tension or irony.

Roles of audio media in multimedia production include defining the visual with the sound, defining the sound with the visual, using sound and visuals that have the same meaning, and using sound that provides counterpoint to the visual image.

The audience will be provided information for obtaining various tools and information needed to enhance their own presentations via handouts and access to World Wide Web (WWW) pages posted on the MTSU Digital Media WWW site.

Length: 45 Minutes

Audience: General

Audience Level: All

On-site Equipment Requirements:
Windows-based PC, Speakers, CD-ROM drive, Quicktime on PC, Projecting source for PC

Contact Information:
Brenda Kerr
Middle Tennessee State University
Digital Media Center
904-8191


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