Tip #235: Using Cartoons in PowerPoint

This Tip focuses on using cartoons in Powerpoint to enhance meaning or comment on a topic in a philosophical way.

Clip Art in PowerPoint Does Not Enhance Meaning

It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

That may be so, but it is unlikely that many would feel that this description applies to clip art. For the most part, clip art is used to add color, emphasis, humor and/or interest to PowerPoint slides. It rarely expands on or enhances the meaning of the text on the slides.

Cartoons in PowerPoint Crystallize Meaning

On the other hand, cartoons- whether one panel or several panels in a comic strip format- can serve to crystallize meaning or comment on a topic in a way that enables the learner to:

  • see things from a different, deeper, and humorous perspective;
  • interact with and analyze the idea presented;
  • focus in and think on a higher level; and, as a result,
  •  better retain the concept.

“A cartoonist is a writer and artist, philosopher and punster, cynic and community conscience.

He (She) seldom tells a joke, and often tells the truth, which is funnier.

Cartoons Illustrate History

In addition, the cartoonist is more than a social critic who tries to amuse, infuriate, or educate. He (She) is also, unconsciously, a reporter and historian.

Cartoons of the past leave records of their times that reveal:

  • how people lived,
  • what they thought,
  • how they dressed and acted,
  • what their amusements and prejudices were, and
  • what the issues of the day were.”

( Ruff, Thomas P., and Jennifer T. Nelson. Classroom Ready Activities for Teaching History and Geography in Grades 7-12. Needham, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1999.)

Philosophical Cartoonists

There are many cartoonists whose cartoons show philosophical truths that resonate with deeper insight and meaning.

My favorite comic strip cartoonists include:

  • Charles Schulz (Peanuts);
  • Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes);
  • Scott Adams (Dilbert);
  • Bill Amend (Foxtrot); and
  • Cathy Guisewite (Cathy).

My favorite one-panel cartoonist is Randy Glasbergen.

Yes, a great deal of clip art is free, while cartoons are generally not. However, individual cartoons and compilations of cartoons can often be purchased for very reasonable rates. The bottom line is that cartoons are a much more effective educational visual than clip art.

Related Posts

Get New Blog Posts in Your Inbox Weekly.

Learn at your own pace with these online learning courses

It doesn’t have to be difficult to Deal with Difficult People.

 

How to Manage Change in Your Business for Smooth Transitions

 

Share This Post

Get New Blog Posts in Your Inbox Weekly.