There is no doubt, PowerPoint is a fantastic tool. There is also no doubt it is used incorrectly so many times.
Yet with a little planning you can make fantastic presentations with PowerPoint.
So why do we all suffer death by PowerPoint so often?
Here are 10 industry standard tips to getting the best from PowerPoint in your presentation.
1) Preparation is your best insurance. Know your audience and what they expect. Then prepare to meet their expectations.
2) Preparations start on Paper: There is no doubt PowerPoint has some fantastic templates but they restrict your creativity. Use pencil and paper and sketch out your presentation, a rubber helps.
3) Tell a story: Have a start a middle and an end to your story. Take the audience with you as you tell your tale.
4) One concept per slide: Don’t muddy the waters with confusing messages. Remember KISS?
5) The 30 Point Rule: Never use a font smaller than 30 point. Not everyone in the audience has 20-20 vision and it’s just your luck those people will be sitting at the back.
6) NO BULLETS EVER: Bullets are fantastic in a report, letter, marketing document but should never be used on a slide show EVER. Email me for all the reasons why not.
7) No Starbursts: Great in a shop window or a web site but a big No-No in your presentation.
8) Clutter. Its easy to clutter a slide with lots of fade ins and the like. This only detracts from your presentation. And you have to give your audience 10 seconds every time you change something on your slide.
9) Loose the Logo: Branding gets in the way! Branding detracts from your message, Branding ads to the clutter. Loose it
10) Less is More: By cutting down on your slide contact, you can react more easily to changes in your audience and meet their expectations.
Most people who are recognised as good or great presenters follow these simple rules. The one you will all know is Steve Jobs of Apple. Typically he uses 3 slides. One slide to introduce him, one with just a photograph of the product usually no copy, and one at the end wrapping up his presentation. Richard Branson hardly ever uses visual aids of any sort.
If anyone wants to talk to me and wants a free review of their presentations please contact me through comments and leave your contact details.
Pop back soon, for more business and knowledge tips
Here’s to more success in Business
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