24. Killing Me Microsoftly

In this essay Julia Keller, the Tribune's cultural critic, writes about the use of language to compel an audience, specifically through powerpoint presentations. She begins by narrating the sullen mood in the locker room and gives the coach one of two options to compel his team to go on: to give a heart-touching and emotional speech, or use a powerpoint to go over the dull, rudimentary aspects of the game. From this narration she concludes that there are two kinds of people: those who believe in the power of words and the emotion behind them, and those who believe in powerpoint. She continues by stating that there is an overwhelming use of the powerpoint as a means of expression, stating how it has drastically changed modern society and business by the change in how information is conveyed. Furthermore, she draws a timeline of the forms people have used communications over the years, presenting the drastic change from the "old-school memo" to the "modern" visual aid incorporated through the powerpoint. The powerpoint added the element of the verbalization of ideas, giving confidence to the speaker while also creating an organized display of their arguments. Nevertheless, she goes overs the danger of an over-condensed and summarized powerpoint, which compromises thought and invariably changes the effect the presentation has. Furthermore, she writes about the history of the powerpoint, from its conception to its distribution among software companies to its "world domination."She continues by describing the attachment a person creates to the program, establishing a new way of expressing oneself easily and clearly. Some people dislike this program due to the limitations it imposes on society and the flow of information, furthermore it limits one's ability to think for themselves. Nevertheless, it has become a requirement in the business world, yet it limits a child's ability to make an argument. A powerpoint does not require the same interactions in a classroom, creating a sometimes detrimental tool which limits learning in depth. She ends her essay by pondering on how the powerpoint reflects on society and presenting a dilemma. This dilemma is between the positive aspects of technology and the effects it has of turning everything into a summary.

In her article Keller uses very affective language and compelling arguments, both of which give strong support for her main purpose. She handles a great amount of data effectively, clearly transitioning through them to support her points by presenting counter arguments and arguments supporting the use of powerpoint. Keller tackles several social issues involving the role of society in the lives of the young and in every day life. These issues are heavily backed up by various sources which are both credible and informative. Furthermore, she is very thorough, presenting evidence several times for emphasis while also shedding light from the perspective of different authorities. Nevertheless, she does have some logical fallacies, namely in her introduction where she presents two choices. These two choices, preferring powerpoint presentations or an emotional appeal, do not present the whole spectrum of available routes one can take. Although it may be misleading, it does not distract the reader from the main point of the essay. Furthermore, her tone is challenging, for she is able to create room for the reader to formulate their own opinion by presenting an unbiased portrayal of each. Overall, her essay is successful in conveying her message and fulfilling the purpose of her essay: exposing the dilemma the powerpoint presents in modern society.