Huh!
I missed this entirely the first time it was posted.
Having been on both sides of numerous seminars and other presentations, I find I prefer the smaller, closer, and more personal type where I can interact with the attendees. Question and answer sesions are always more fun, assuming that I'm quick enough to get the answers out and adept at keeping on subject...sometimes I'm neither, but then again, poboy's nerfect.
I agree that small items may need to have a larger scale picture projected to show details. It also helps in some cases to have enhanced pictures projected to show small details on larger items, such as proof marks, manufacturers stamps, etc.
In many instances I enjoy a demonstration, if it can be arranged so everyone can see, of techniques, such as disassembly/reassembly of a gun (I could have used this with my first Ruger Standard .22 auto pistol. I never could get it back together withour a major efort.) Hands-on is even better, but seldom possible for any number of reasons.
Quality hand-outs are mandatory, but please, NO row upon row of tiny print rambling on and on. hit the points with large, easy to read type, pictures or drawings, and color where possible. Avoid charts and graphs unless they are essential to the subject (and outside of science, math, or statistical reports they seldon are). No one can remember everything, even from a short session.
About Power point presentations. They are fast, econmical, reproducable, bright, easy to create and use, and I hate them. I've almost never seen one with any personality.
Finally, in addition to printed hand-outs, I have made good use, when money allowed, of audio and video tapes, and CDs and DVDs.
I hope this is what you were looking for when you posted the question.
Thanks for bringing it up.