If you Must use PowerPoint, Break Glass and Follow these Tips
Though oft mocked and ridiculed, PowerPoint (and similar presentation and slideshow tools have their place). If you’re going to use the tool, use it correctly.
Start with a title page slide. It should have the title of the presentation, name of conference or speaking venue, both logos, and the date. Keep your introduction brief. You have about three minutes to capture the attention of the audience. Don’t tell them why they should listen to you; the value of your presentation should speak loudly enough. Let them ask afterwards who you are and what you do.
Follow the rule of sixes. Six bullet points or fewer per slide. Six words or less on each line.
Don’t use all capitals. Use a font that is easy to read (Arial and Helvetica are good) and try to keep it at least 24 point. Make sure that the contrast between background and text is significant. Be specific in your examples and move quickly. Many speaking submissions request a “rapid-fire” pace.
Graphics should be simple and clear. Use images when they make sense, not simply to add visuals to your slideshow. Graphs should be easy to understand. Don’t use too many colors, patterns, or graphics on one slide. Remember that a quality illustration (verbal story or literal picture) will be more memorable to most people than statistics and facts. Tell a great story and people will tie that to and remember you.
When you’ve got a great presentation… Practice. Practice. Practice. Don’t memorize the precise words, but the story you want to tell. Be familiar with your material and don’t read from your slides! Your audience can do that all by themselves. Do time your presentation. Aloud. Don’t underestimate your audience. Allow time for interaction, but have more than enough material so even advanced students will gather new info.
*You may also wish to read Give Better Presentations and Get that Gig!
To hire Fletcher to give an engaging presentation call 715-584-6773 today.
Terra L. Fletcher
518 S. Union Street Shawano, WI 54166
(715) 584-6773
