Sunday, May 28, 2023
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Tips for Making an IMPACTFUL PowerPoint Presentation
QUALITY POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
1. Avoid using patterned backgrounds because they can reduce readability.
2. Use contrasting colors for text and background. Light text on a dark background is best.
3. Use great-quality images that reinforce and complement your message. Ensure that your image maintains its impact and resolution when projected on a larger screen.
4. Make sure the slides are readable from the back row seats. Text and graphic images should be large enough to read but not so large as to appear “loud.”
5. Have a Plan B in the event of technical difficulties.
6. Practice with someone who has never seen your presentation. Ask them for honest feedback about colors, content, and any effects or graphic images you’ve included.
7. Do not read from your slides. The content of your slides is for the audience, not for you, the presenter.
8. Know your audience.
9. Select a single sans-serif font such as Arial or Helvetica. In addition, avoid serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Palatino because these fonts are sometimes more challenging to read.
10. It is more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen
11. Speak comfortably and clearly.
12. BE YOURSELF.
13. SHOW YOUR PASSION for the work your organizations offers to people in need. People can easily sense genuine, heartfelt presentations.
PRESENTATION LIMITATIONS
1. Limit punctuation and avoid putting words in all-capital letters. Empty space on the slide will enhance readability.
2. Limit the number of slides. Presenters who constantly “flip” to the next slide will likely lose their audience. A good rule of thumb is one slide per minute.
3. Simplify and limit the number of words on each slide. Use key phrases and include only essential information.
5 Ways to Practice Your PowerPoint Presentation
1. Rehearse in front of a crowd.
Standing in front of a group of people, giving your speech, and seeing their reactions is a great ways to boost your confidence in your material and delivery.
Whether it’s a small group of friends, co-workers, family, or even a random group of strangers, giving your presentation allows you to see reactions and get natural human feedback. This will calm your nerves and make you more comfortable with the entire experience.
You’ll often find that your worst mistakes will surface on this first go-around, leaving you with plenty of time and feedback to correct and re-organize your thoughts.
2. Record yourself.
You can judge your voice's inflection, speed, and enunciation by hearing and seeing yourself. You always want to put yourself in your audience’s position, seeing and hearing yourself as they would see you.
It is not so much about perfecting your orating skills are essential. However, the most IMPACT and ENGAGEMENT comes from showing your passion and personality through your words. To come across as original and confident, you want to show your true character and that you’re comfortable in your speech.
It comes down to carefully observing yourself and constructively criticizing the elements of your speech. You have to take the time to honestly grade yourself before you can expect to deliver a solid presentation.
For example, TED TALKS speakers train themselves and prepare extensively in advance for their talks.
Comfortably, be yourself. Again, blend your passion and personality with your message and find the happy medium between your goals and the outcome.
Honestly, answer these questions to yourself: What do you think? Was this helpful? Do you have any additional tips or guidelines about preparing for a presentation?
3. Experiment.
Refrain from repeating the same lines repeatedly if you think it sounds boring or awkward.
Let loose and find ways to make your presentation exciting for your audience.
Experiment with variations of words, including a funny story, and make a joke.
Relax! Remember, your presentation's two most essential things are being transparent and passionate. You can have a lot of fun if you free yourself from the boring presentation structure and have a little fun out there.
4. Time yourself.
Timing is crucial in presentations.
Effortless presentations take practice. The general rule of thumb is to keep it short, simple, and to the point. Since your goal is to decrease time while maintaining quality, practice trimming your message to include the most important and relevant information without the fluff.
Set a goal of the time you think is appropriate for your audience, then refine or beef up your talk accordingly. The more comfortable you are with your time, the more flexible you can be as you give your presentation.
5. Take notes.
As you practice, it is helpful to stop whenever you notice a mistake or an uncomfortable moment and jot down a few notes.
In any practice situation, do not hesitate to analyze and re-analyze your presentation as you go.
Write down things like cutting down on time on certain parts, making sure you enunciate tricky words, or refining the structure of your talk.
You would be surprised by how many issues you can find when you take the time to look at yourself closely.
Good luck, and feel free to contact us for more help!
