State of the Art

Abstract

Presentations given with slides or videos characterize the presentation form of the last century. In contrast, breathtaking advances in computer technology now combine motionless with moving pictures in a laptop, which produces sound or music when desired. Although the technical possibilities of the computer seem unlimited, they often surpass the capabilities of the user. If in the past the speaker struggled with mixed-up slides, poor lighting on the lectern, unfamiliar laser pointers and the next-slide-button, today he battles against the computer keyboard. The vitality of a medical presentation — once provided by truly brilliant speakers — unfortunately fades with this presentation form. Bent over slightly, with his eyes fixed on the laptop display rather than on his audience, the motionless speaker anxiously types around on the keys. Improved software will hopefully reduce the number of such moments in the future.