How to Create a Professional Powerpoint
There are few tools as effective as a well-designed PowerPoint presentation. The combination of strong visuals and an engaging speaker makes PowerPoint-driven presentations an exemplary means to introduce ideas, sell products or present academic lessons. A bonus to this program is its simplistic design features. Nearly everyone can master PowerPoint development. It's a wonderfully easy program to learn. But we've all sat through PowerPoint presentations that missed the mark. For whatever reason, the speaker didn't send the message home to the audience. With a few tips, you can avoid those errors and create a truly powerful, professional PowerPoint presentation.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Start with an outline. All speakers have a central idea to convey. This may be supported by several sub-points. But don't allow your minor points to overwhelm the presentation. PowerPoint slides are very easy to create and add. But a danger is with this including too many slides that take the focus off your main topic. In creating your presentation, keep clarity of your main message central. Stay focused as you create.
-
2
Know your audience. With PowerPoint, or any presentation, understanding your audience is vital. Including media or graphics for children or young adults might be appropriate. In the boardroom, this may take credibility from your message. Though you can add "drum roll" sound effects or create a font that bounces in and out like a boomerang, doesn't mean these are suitable for a polished professional presentation. When in doubt, keep it simple and free of extra effects.
-
-
3
Maintain control of your presentation. Do not let PowerPoint visuals overpower your words. In a professional presentation, your credibility counts. Expand verbally on the slides, but don't let them speak for you. PowerPoint should support your verbal knowledge of the topic. Keep from reading off the slides word for word, and be natural when you speak.
-
4
Make use of contrasting colors and brilliant backgrounds. Color is a wonderful tool for visual expression. For instance, a single sentence or word on a contrasting background can serve as a standalone, strong statement, enforcing your point clearly. Experiment and customize template backgrounds. However, it's best to stick to one color palette.
-
5
Watch your word count per slide. Your audience will get quickly bored reading extensive volumes of text off slides. Build slides with short, five word concise sentences. Five lines or less for each slide are recommended by professional speakers. Offer longer verbal explanations in place of lengthy slide text.
-
6
Think outside the box by incorporating other media into your PowerPoint. Upload different templates, visuals, font or video clips to create your own unique presentation. Even a few uploaded images on slides offer the audience points of interest. A single, powerful picture can serve as one slide, in place of text or charts.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use the "B" key to blank the screen for extra focus on your words during presentation.
Always practice and rehearse the entire presentation to check timing, graphics and content.
Remember to use spell check.
