Effective Presentations using PowerPoint

Not long ago I gave a talk on tips for presenting using PowerPoint for those who were new to it. I thought I’d share the thoughts I had on using PowerPoint in your presentations. Remember, not every talk you give needs to have a PowerPoint.  The PowerPoint should emphasize what you are saying, rather than what you are saying emphasizing what is on your PowerPoint. 

1. Know Your Audience

• Their knowledge, background – anticipate their questions
  
• Address the three types of learners – auditory, visual, and tactile
  
• Put the audience first and “sell” the Benefit, inspire, unleash the potential in people, rather than here’s about me…and here’s more about me

2. Know Your Topic – Be on Fire and Enthusiastic About It

• Praise people
  
• Show them they have the potential
  
• Convey yourself with confidence
  
• Tell powerful, memorable, and actionable stories
  
• Invite participation so the tactile folks don’t get bored

3. Slide Design: the Balance of Text, Images, and Color

• Avoid death by text
  
• Use animations sparingly
  
• Create focus
  
• Use effects for emphasis only
  
• Drive home a point – what you are saying is the main thing, not the PowerPoint
  
• Typically, design the background color in the Master slide, then all slides look alike
  
• Add your logo to at least the title page, possibly part of the Slide Master footer or background
  
• Put your company name in the footer on the Master slide, so it shows on all slides

4. Additional Tips

• Shoot for about 1 slide or less per minute
  
• What you say, what is on the slide, and what you hand out …three different things
  
• Hand out paper AFTER you speak UNLESS it is interactive for tactile learners
  
• Speaking notes – reminders of what to say in bullet form, not sentences
  
• Practice and make sure your presentation is within the time allotted 

Let me know if I can offer help regarding PowerPoint. I would be happy to review your PowerPoints with you or for you.  Contact me by email.