Knoblauch2008

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Knoblauch2008
BibType ARTICLE
Key Knoblauch2008
Author(s) Hubert Knoblauch
Title The performance of knowledge: pointing and knowledge in Powerpoint presentations
Editor(s)
Tag(s) EMCA, communication, communicative culture, knowledge, knowledge society, performance, performative, powerpoint
Publisher
Year 2008
Language English
City
Month
Journal Cultural Sociology
Volume 2
Number 1
Pages 75–97
URL Link
DOI 10.1177/1749975507086275
ISBN
Organization
Institution
School
Type
Edition
Series
Howpublished
Book title
Chapter

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Abstract

Powerpoint and similar technologies have contributed to a profound transformation of lecturing and presenting information. In focusing on pointing in powerpoint presentations, the article addresses aspects of this transformation of speech into `presentations'. As opposed to popular attacks against powerpoint, the analysis of a large number of audio-visually recorded presentations (mainly in German) demonstrates the creativity of these `performances', based on the interplay of slides (and other aspects of this technology), speech, pointing and body formations. Pointing seems to be a particular feature of this kind of presentation, allowing knowledge to be located in space. Considering powerpoint as one of the typical technologies of so-called `knowledge societies', this aspect provides some indication as to the social understanding of knowledge. Instead of `representing' reality, knowledge is defined by the circularity of speaking and showing, thus becoming presented knowledge rather than representing knowledge.

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