PowerPoint Presentations: How to Use This Tool More Effectively

Many of us use PowerPoint to convey a message to both small and large groups. Too often we see "death by powerpoint" in the corporate environment where people don't use it effectively. Get clever when using your PowerPoint ? this article has 20 tips for becoming a more engaging presenter when you use this tool.

Only use a maximum of six (6) words on each line. Too many words is too much clutter and hard for your audience to read.

Only use a maximum of six (6) lines of text on each slide. If you have too many lines of text your audience will spend their time reading your slides and not listening to you speak.

Keep slides clear and uncluttered. Avoid using many graphics or too busy with information - make your message clear.

Use animation where relevant but don't overdo it. This feature can really highlight a key message... or distract your audience if not done correctly.

Use sound effects and movie clips to enhance your presentation. This is a great technique when it works! Be sure to test your presentation in the live environment before you show your audience. Just because it worked at home or your office... doesn't always mean it will work when your audience appears.

Don't talk to your Powerpoint ? remember you have an audience that can read. Don't insult the intelligence of your audience and assume they can't read your slides. Use different words to the ones on your slides.

Keep your slides to a minimum ? people want to hear your message not be distracted by too many slides. They have come to hear a real person, not an electronic presenter. Only use slides to enhance and reinforce your message.

Don't use dark coloured backgrounds - this makes it hard to read from the back of the room. Be aware of the effects of different background colours.

Use large font only as small font is too hard to read from a distance.

Change the font size of words on the same slide to emphasize key words. Don't make every word the same font - if you want to make words stand out, use different colours and fonts.

Don't rely on your PowerPoint ? technology can sometimes fail us ? know your content and also have a hard copy of your presentation with you at all times.

Get creative with photos and images

---

Presentation Skills: Be More Productive Using a Facilitator Mode

There are many definitions for presentations. When you present there... Read More

Transitions: Building Bridges to Your Points

Presenters often tell me that they fear losing their train... Read More

Media Training 101: Mastering the Television Interview

As I travel around the world I always enjoy sampling... Read More

How to Teach: Lecture vs. Discussion

WHEN ONLY A LECTURE WILL DO: Under certain circumstances, of... Read More

Group Meetings: Being Prepared Makes a Difference

MANAGING MEETINGS--BEING PREPARED MAKES A DIFFERENCE: You can schedule all... Read More

The End is the Beginning

People remember best what you say last. In a presentation,... Read More

I Love the Smell of PowerPoint in the Morning: The 5 Sensory Approach to Business Presentations

You're in a conference room. You're giving a PowerPoint presentation... Read More

Speech in Business

The social skills of a small businessperson, franchisee, independent contractor... Read More

Tips to Energize Your Presentations

"There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be... Read More

Be Bold, Branded, and Bespoke - Your Customers Want You to Choose

I had been working on a logo idea for several... Read More

Developing Successful Demonstrations

SUCCESSFUL DEMONSTRATIONS: All of us have seen demonstrations in one... Read More

Death by PowerPoint!

The most critical job of a manager, when you boil... Read More

Move Key Audiences to Actions You Want

How?Try a blueprint like this: people act on their own... Read More

Plasma Screen Hire ? What Do You Need to Know for Presentations

How many people will need to see the screen? A... Read More

Cell Phone Dos And Dont During A Meeting

What would we do without our cell phones? Wow, there's... Read More

Qualities of Good Communication

Webster's Dictionary defines communication as "a giving or exchanging of... Read More

7 Myths That Make Meetings Miserable

Myth 1: Executives belong in meetings.Although the demands of business... Read More

Watch Out For Power Thieves

"I'm not an expert on this topic, but . .... Read More

The Secret Language of Money

At a number of business seminars and presentations, I passed... Read More

Conducting Successful Training Activities

Whether you are training preschoolers in the classroom or executives... Read More

Nonverbal Communication in Business

There are five key elements that can make... Read More

Story Telling As a Business Tool

Long long ago, it was the time when time itself... Read More

Choosing a Presentation Remote Control

If you deliver electronic presentations using PowerPoint or other programs,... Read More

Networking: How to Network Within Your Organisation

Although there are any number of different networking groups and... Read More

Steps to a Successful Audience/Trainer Relationship

A major cause of trainers being unreceptive to their audience... Read More

Give Your Audience Something to Talk About

There is an old saying: "The first thing to do... Read More

Present Statistics In Context

"I didn't have 3000 pairs of shoes. I had only... Read More

Four Different Ways People Process Your Information

There are four different ways that audience members assimilate information.... Read More

Choosing the Right Work Shirts for Your Small Business

Company attire says a lot about your business philosophy to... Read More

Lecturing from the Lectern

Most people love to hide behind the lectern.. It makes... Read More

The Ten Essential Tips On Writing A Powerful And Persuasive Presentation

Have you ever had to give a speech?Do you remember... Read More

Cross Cultural Presentations

The international flavour of many people's jobs naturally means that... Read More

How To Run Your Greatest Conference Ever

Like most good achievements, a magnificent meeting depends on planning... Read More