PowerPoint is a highly effective tool which can definitely add value to your presentation, if used correctly. It’s even - after email - the most-used communication tool by business professionals. However there are still plenty of people presenting with PowerPoints which are crammed with slides and information. That already sounds boring right? Well it will definitely not catch your audience! The Gazette thought the same and published an article a while ago with unbreakable PowerPoint tips. We’re sharing the highlights below.
PowerPoint Do's and Don'ts
1. First: Do You Need to Use Slides at All?
In case of a small audience, you might create more distance between you and your audience by using a presentation tool. Also think about what you’re trying to do, maybe a presentation will get in your way instead of helping you.
2. Use Sticky Notes, or… a Prezi.
Before building your presentation, map out your story so you are sure to get your story straight and clear for your audience. Prezi makes this super easy for you, so if you have a difficult story to tell, maybe turn to Prezi.
3. Your Slides Should Support Your Story, Not Be the Story
The best way to get your story across, is by telling an engaging story. This story should be supported with just a few key words on the slide, not whole stories. Science has proven that people can’t read and listen at the same time, so they will disengage more easily.
4. Visuals
Sometimes a picture says it all. When you’re telling a certain story, you might only want a picture to visualize your story instead of key words.
5. Less is More
Okay, so it might be cool to get yourself lost in the world of charts and data visuals, but keep it simple. No 3D, no unnecessary lines. Easy. Also make sure your fade ins are smooth.
6. Font & Color
Don’t go loco on fonts and colors, stick to two fonts max and don’t overuse color in your presentation.
7. Use Whitespace
People will find the important content if there is not too much clutter. By using whitespace navigating will become easier and it gives your presentation calmth.
Did it help you preparing a good PowerPoint?
