POWERPOINT PRESENTATION TIPS

The top three critical elements of a great presentation are developing the appropriate content, creating interesting and informative PowerPoint slides and delivering the presentation with confidence. If you can conquer these three techniques then you will be ahead of the game. It seems like simple fundamentals but you’d be surprised at how many people do not follow these basics and end up with a very horrible power point presentation.

 The first questions you must ask yourself are the obvious. Who, What When, Where, How and Why? What is it that you want to tell them? After that you need to define 10 items that are important. The answer “Because we have always done it that way!”  will not work anymore. You are doing this presentation for a purpose define the purpose. In developing the content you need to first define the subject matter or topics. Within that topic identify at least three different areas to be covered. Clearly define what you want them to know. Do yourself a favor and ask yourself these questions. Decide what and how much your audience REALLY needs to know. Clearly state where they should go if they have further questions on this topic. As well as when they should go ask for assistance. Focus on eliminating or limiting the fire drills. After you have answered all of these questions and written out your answers review your content. But don’t stop there you need to review it and review again and again. Ask peers to review it as well.  These are all great power point presentation tips.

After you have your content now you need to create your power point slides. Choose 17-20 words per slide. It doesn’t have to be exact but around there, this will be pleasing to the eye. So you don’t have too much information on one slide. You should choose a single font and use color. Use parallelism to your advantage. If it’s appropriate use picture or clip art. Use the correct format if your company has a format. Using bold letters is a good way to keep the audience attention. When you are giving your presentation you need to be able to talk about the slide not read it. Each slide should contain three ideas, while creating the slides you should be thinking in threes. Try to coordinate the colors on each slide if color is an option. You should always number and date your presentation. It’s important to have a heading at the top of the slide, this keeps your slides organized.  Lastly, review, review, review. If you need to print to review, do it. Just make sure everything flows smoothly. Always use spell check. You don’t want to be giving a presentation and everyone concentrate on the word you spelled incorrectly. If you need to go bring up other files, utilize hyperlinks.

After you have developed the content and created the power point slides and reviewed everything you are ready for the delivery. Always arrive early and cue up your presentation. Make sure your notes are set up in a place easily accessible by you. Be sure to use the restroom and check your appearance. Get a bottle of water, in case you need a sip during the presentation. If you need to point things out on the screen be sure to grab a laser pointer, the last thing you want to do is talk to the screen as you are point. If you need to take notes during the presentation make sure you use a pen that doesn’t click and be sure it writes before your presentation. As long as you prepare well you have 75 percent of the presentation in the bag. Practice, Practice, practice. Practice makes perfect or close to. It will also give you confidence. Wear something you like, something that gives you confidence. If you need to hold something like a special pen, do it, if it’s going to make you more comfortable. Pay attention to your body while you are practicing and have someone watch you. Make sure you are not jingling change in your pocket or swaying back and forth. Always face your audience. Find a happy face in the room and talk to them.

Here are a couple tips for Making a Good Power point Presentation:

• Use a pointer/laser/pen
• Stay out of the InFocus light
• Don’t sway your body
• Avoid laughing out loud
• Make sure to dress for the presentation
• Deliver the subject matter as the expert, and don’t let them see you sweat!

Be sure to develop the appropriate content, create interesting and informative power point slides and deliver the presentation with confidence! And remember preparation is 75 percent of getting the job done. Hope you enjoyed these power point presentation tips. No go get ‘em!