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.

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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!

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Coaching Students How To Ask For Help

It’s true. Many students fail because they did not ask for help. Failure to ask for help results in poor academic performance, stronger challenges with future education, and lowered self-esteem. There are countless reasons why students don’t ask for help, but MileStone Academy educators have created several strategies to coach students how to ask for help. Wherefore, its student become stronger advocates of their learning styles. In order to find a solution, we must first and foremost answer the following three questions: Does the student know they need help? Why do students struggle to ask teachers for extra help? Has the teacher created a safe space to encourage their students to ask for help?

In this article we will discuss three techniques MileStone Academy use to coach students how to ask for help.

IMPROVE META-COGNITION 

Meta-cognition refers to a student’s awareness and ability to control their own thinking. Parents and teachers usually act as arbitrator for students. Students first need to know that they need help, and then they need to understand that they’ll be supported when they ask for it. This should begin as early as elementary school.

It is important for parents and teachers to allow students to self-monitor pre-and post-performance. Essentially, encourage self-awareness. For example, after a test or project, try asking open-ended questions. An open-ended question is a question that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” response. Open-ended questions allow respondents to include more information, including feelings, attitudes and understanding of the subject. Try using these open-ended questions after their next test or project:

Try using these open-ended questions after their next test or project:

• Can you tell me at least one thing that has helped you to be successful? What would you have done differently? How did you prepare for the __? 
• Which strategies do you want to try using more often? 
• How do you think you’re doing in _____? 
• How do you know, and have you confirmed this information with your teacher? 

Self-awareness should grow outside of school work, because it plays a valuable role in the progress of emotional and social situations. Writing down your thoughts, also known as, journaling allows people to observe their thoughts and feelings. This allows them to gain valuable self-knowledge. 

HELP ME, HELP YOU

When a student does not pass or do their best performance on a project or test, the first thing their parent and teacher asks is: Why didn’t you ask for extra help? Unfortunately, many students, at any age, struggle to ask teachers for extra help for various reasons. They may feel shame or embarrassment. For example, teachers often notice when a student is sitting in silence with a look of confusion and will call their name to encourage them to organize their thoughts or ask for help. Other students are independent and would rather try to fix the problem on their own. They may fear that asking for help shows weakness or failure in their personality, yet wise adults could tell them that asking for help is instead a sign of maturity and strength.

MileStone Academy helps students understand how they learn best and allow them to be advocates for their own learning by teaching them how to ask for help.

TWO WORDS: SAFE SPACE

Many people would agree that they would not ask for help if they thought someone would laugh at them. Therefore, students need to feel safe in order to be vulnerable and honest enough to ask for help. Team-building activities increase the sense of community in the classroom. Coach students by creating posters that reiterate classroom rules and values and hang inspiring quotes on the walls have been very successful at MileStone Academy.

Another awesome method for teachers to promote an open and affirming classroom is to: BE HONEST TOO. When a teacher makes a mistake, accidentally or on purpose, use this as an opportunity to talk about flaws and how to be strong in self-awareness. Plus, students enjoy catching their teacher making mistakes! 😋

Do you know a student who needs coaching on how to ask for help? Contact the Cox Firm to schedule your first or next consultation.

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