Power Point presentations have become the de-facto standard for almost all business presentations. Like any technology tool, it has both positives and negatives. Like it or not, you cannot afford to ignore the world’s most commonly used presentation tool. By following these simple tips, you can use power point effectively.
1. Presenter not Presentation
Conclude Powerfully
Research has shown that audiences remember the last point made by the presenter. Be sure to end your presentation with a powerful call for action or an idea that you want the participants to remember. You should end your slide show with a powerful take away message.
You as the presenter must be the
focus. Your power point slides should not distract audience attention from
you. In a presentation, it is
interaction that is important – not just reading. Engage your audience’s
interest with few succinct points and elaborate your points on the slides
through examples and emphasize through repetition. All the rules public
speaking like; eye contact, voice modulation, appropriate gestures are all
applicable to making power point presentations too. Remember, the audience are
there to hear you talk and interact with you. So ensure that you engage them
with your voice and body language and don’t let the presentation usurp the
presenter
2. Visual aid
2. Visual aid
First and foremost, power point
slides are just a visual aid. It should not be a substitute for putting pages
of text for reading. Use it as an “aid” to enhance your presentation but do not
depend entirely on power point. If the audience can read everything on the
slides, then you might as well give them a print out and they could read it in
leisure!
3. Avoid Clutter
Don’t do the mistake of putting all the points in a single slide. The best practice is to adhere to the 4 x 4 rule. It states that each slide should not have not more than 4 bullet points and under each bullet point not more than 4 words. Many speakers forget this rule and lose the attention of the audience. Follow this simple formula for effective presentations.
4. Use Visuals Wisely
Power point is a powerful visual aid. So when you plan your presentation, visualize the flow of your thoughts.. Learn how you can translate information into visual forms. Audience would love to see a pleasing visual. At the same time avoid using the clip-art that has been done to death – use scans from your photographs or source good quality photos from websites and always mention the source.
3. Avoid Clutter
Don’t do the mistake of putting all the points in a single slide. The best practice is to adhere to the 4 x 4 rule. It states that each slide should not have not more than 4 bullet points and under each bullet point not more than 4 words. Many speakers forget this rule and lose the attention of the audience. Follow this simple formula for effective presentations.
4. Use Visuals Wisely
Power point is a powerful visual aid. So when you plan your presentation, visualize the flow of your thoughts.. Learn how you can translate information into visual forms. Audience would love to see a pleasing visual. At the same time avoid using the clip-art that has been done to death – use scans from your photographs or source good quality photos from websites and always mention the source.
Conclude Powerfully
Research has shown that audiences remember the last point made by the presenter. Be sure to end your presentation with a powerful call for action or an idea that you want the participants to remember. You should end your slide show with a powerful take away message.
Next time you step on the stage
to deliver your PPT, just keep in mind these 5 simple steps and you’ll be able
to deliver a memorable presentation.
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