As a class project, I have designed a PowerPoint that discusses the best practices in presentation design and delivery. Based on several articles, I chose the key ideas I felt were most beneficial for presenters to deliver their message in the best way possible.
20. References
• Top Ten Slide Tips by Garr Reynolds:
http://www.garrreynolds.com/preso-tips/design/
• Presentation Software:
http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointtips/qt/planning
ppt.htm
• 12 Steps to a Successful Slideshow Production:
http://www.sandsoftimemultimediacreations.com/articles/12Steps
.htm
• The 7 Key Components of Effective Presentations:
http://www.publicspeakinginternational.com/blog/bid/169588/The
-7-Key-Components-of-Effective-Presentations
• Presentation Skills Success: http://www.presentationskills.ca/
• The Three Basic Secrets of All Successful Presentations:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2013/02/22/the-threebasic-secrets-of-all-successful-presentations/
Editor's Notes
The background images, as well as the images incorporated into your presentation visually make an impact on the audience. Because of this, it is important that the images are of high-quality. This means no blurry or grainy photos. The use of nice images also enhances the quality of your entire presentation.
The less text on a slide, the better. Text can be distracting for your audience, and for yourself. If you have too much text, the audience will spend time reading the text rather than focus on what you’re saying. Also, if the text is on the slide, odds are you are going to want to read it word-for-word. The less text, the more you need to know your information, which enhances the quality of your presentation and the level of professionalism.
When using limited text, the text you do put on the slides is important for the audience to read. The use of large, clear fonts is crucial to a successful presentation. Without it, your ideas will become unclear and confusing to the audience.
The use of colors is important when creating a presentation. Colors can make or break the ability to read the text. They can also add an extra element to the slide show. By putting certain colors together, it creates a mood for the specific topic you are discussing which can be beneficial at times.
While a general theme is important, the use of templates is not encouraged. Microsoft PowerPoint has several templates, many of which people use on a regular basis. Because of this, the audience will get bored with the templates. Change up the backgrounds and layout of the slides for an added element of uniqueness.
Animations and transition effects can be distracting to the audience, and a bit tacky at times. The less objects and slides that move, the better; they will take away from the information you are sharing.
If your slides are in order, your information will also be organized and orderly. There is nothing worse than sitting through a chaotic presentation where the presenter is all over the place with their ideas and has no clear direction.
A successful presentation must have an obvious, clear direction. Once the direction is determined, the next step is to figure out who you are presenting for. A business presentation will look different from a personal, more casual presentation and visa versa. By figuring out the purpose of your presentation on all levels, your ideas and the formality of the presentation as a whole will be appropriate.
Audiences enjoy when an overview of the topic is provided. There is nothing worse than getting half way through the presentation and wonder where in the topic the presenter is. An overview allows the audience to more easily follow what is being discussed and anticipate a conclusion, allowing for more connections to be made between the introduction, body and conclusion of the presentation. This can also keep the presenter more organized.
Language is a very important aspect of a presentation. Obviously the words coming out of your mouth need to be clear and concise, but body language is also necessary. No one wants to watch someone look uncomfortable in front of an audience; it makes them uncomfortable too. Natural body movement is comfortable for others to watch, and it also helps the presenter get out any nervousness they may be experiencing.
The element of eye contact adds a whole other dimension to a presentation. This shows the audience that the presenter recognizes their attention, and wants to engage them in their presentation. It is also evidence that the presenter is comfortable enough with what they are presenting to get their eyes out of the notes, or the screen and focus on other things such as audience participation.
While having accurate information is great, it’s all about how you deliver it. Listening to someone who is monotone and not interested in their topic is boring for the audience. Be passionate about what you’re discussing and show emotion both with your words and your body language.
Unless the audience can hear you and understand what you are saying, your message will not be delivered effectively. It is safe to say that you will have virtually to no chance at communicating with your audience.
It is unrealistic for you to assume the audience will remember every single detail of your presentation. Therefore, the audience is going to remember what you make them remember; use this to your advantage. By emphasizing the key points, they are more likely to not forget the ideas you highlighted.
It is easy for an audience to sense a lack of confidence. Even if you’re nervous, it is important to get up in front of people as if you have all the confidence in the world. Remember that the audience does not want you to fail; they want to see you success. Eventually, the nerves will fade and your confidence will remain.
Incorporate some interesting facts or pieces of evidence into your presentation. Present yourself in a way no one will be able to forget. Emphasize what you want your audience to remember. By doing these things, your presentation is sure to be a unique and memorable one.
