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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|


The international flavour of many people's jobs naturally means that... Read More
Did the "Painless" part of the title get your attention?Speaking... Read More
It is both good planning and considerate to provide auditors... Read More
There are many definitions for presentations. When you present there... Read More
Do you ever get frustrated with your marketing? Are you... Read More
First and foremost, you must deal effectively with your own... Read More
Regardless of what response technique may be convenient in a... Read More
Summer is here! It's time to bring out your summer... Read More
What would we do without our cell phones? Wow, there's... Read More
Kvetching is the Yiddish word for complaining, hand to the... Read More
Super Preparation ?Keys to Getting a Great Start to Every... Read More
I had been working on a logo idea for several... Read More
Company attire says a lot about your business philosophy to... Read More
"I didn't have 3000 pairs of shoes. I had only... Read More
As the meeting began, the project manager of the buying... Read More
Since the events of September 11th and the economy slipping... Read More
Interview with Julia Apple-Smith, Manager of Employee Development at Sauer-Danfoss... Read More
Your job as an event planner doesn't stop with the... Read More
As a former owner of a National Speakers Bureau, I... Read More
As I travel around the world I always enjoy sampling... Read More
LESSON PLAN DEVELOPMENT: Lesson plans, believe it or not, are... Read More
SUCCESSFUL DEMONSTRATIONS: All of us have seen demonstrations in one... Read More
Whether you need to address large groups or small, familiar... Read More
Myth 1: Executives belong in meetings.Although the demands of business... Read More
People love stories. We love to hear about other people,... Read More
In recent years, companies have recognized the need to expand... Read More
Cattiness is something no one ever wants to be accused... Read More
If you really aware and alert, your audience's behavior -... Read More
Last week my husband and I attended an awesome 4... Read More
Ever had that uncomfortable feeling of not knowing where to... Read More
"I have a love/hate relationship with PowerPoint. In the right... Read More
Preperation is vital when conducting a successful videoconference session. Thus... Read More
People take it for granted that leaders have achieved some... Read More


I had a chance to go to one of those... Read More
Audiences around the world are all different. Cultural, social and... Read More
Some speakers say, "I could never use humor in my... Read More
Every day, so many tens of thousands of innocent clients... Read More
"Let it be known, no person, thing, or situation... Read More
In recent years, companies have recognized the need to expand... Read More
Conventional wisdom is that the more choices customers have, the... Read More
If you deliver electronic presentations using PowerPoint or other programs,... Read More
Whether you are speaking in front of a civic group... Read More
Flash chart, flash map, flash graph may be mistaken for... Read More
There is an old saying: "The first thing to do... Read More
You speak before a group. You present your message. You... Read More
As I travel around the world I always enjoy sampling... Read More
ALTERNATIVES TO THE LECTURE FORMAT: How often do you use... Read More
Whether you need to address large groups or small, familiar... Read More
Most of us would agree that having humor in our... Read More
Most people love to hide behind the lectern.. It makes... Read More
DEVELOPING LESSON PLANS: In developing lesson plan formats, two things... Read More
THE LITTLE-KNOWN SPEECHWRITING SECRETS THAT WON GEORGE W. BUSH THE... Read More
"I have a love/hate relationship with PowerPoint. In the right... Read More
Whether you use a mouse or a remote control to... Read More
Like most good achievements, a magnificent meeting depends on planning... Read More
Exhibiting in a trade show can involve a major investment... Read More
It is both good planning and considerate to provide auditors... Read More
Never rehearse at the last minute. This creates undue tension... Read More
MANAGING MEETINGS--BEING PREPARED MAKES A DIFFERENCE: You can schedule all... Read More
Regardless, if your goal is to make a sale or... Read More
Converting PowerPoint to Flash would be absolutely a good choice... Read More
First and foremost, you must deal effectively with your own... Read More
"I didn't have 3000 pairs of shoes. I had only... Read More
Interview with Julia Apple-Smith, Manager of Employee Development at Sauer-Danfoss... Read More
Believe it or not, preparation is a better determinant of... Read More
There are five key elements that can make... Read More
Presentation |