The Rules of Powerpoint to Rule a Powerpoint

SS10Wismer

The Rules of PowerPoint to Rule a PowerPoint

In the sections below you will receive tips that will turn a formal presentation from being dreadful to being dynamite! Make sure to follow all the points closely, but also – be inventive!

VISUAL

Continuity – Make sure that from one slide to the next there is a standard format/scheme/colour system/font. Continuity links to all of the following topics as well.

Colours – Make sure the colours you choose complement each other and the focus of the PowerPoint. One must also make sure that the background colours do not make the text unreadable

Visuals/Pictures – Use plenty of visuals to keep the audience engaged, but not so many that it clutters things. Make sure the visuals are linked to the ideas being projected on that slide. Try for at least one visual per slide.

Text – Make sure your text is large enough and stands out from the background so that it is easy to read.

Effects – Fancy visual effects can help enhance the overall presentation if they are done tastefully.

CONTENT

Order – Content should be constructed in a logical order which will create understanding and flow in your presentation.

Organized – Create a well-organized system of headings and sub-headings, title pages and titles for pages, to help create that order.

Concise – Written content should highlight major ideas and be displayed in point form on the slide. The presenter should then enhance the written content verbally.

Edited – Make sure there are no errors in your content. Check it over for writing (spelling, grammar, etc.) and factual errors.

PERSONAL PRESENTATION

Knowledge – The most important part of the presentation is the presenter’s knowledge. Knowing your subject matter and only relying very minimally on cue cards or the screen makes one look professional and prepared.

Eye Contact – Creates connection with the audience and makes the presenter look confident. Also helps to reinforce the fact that you are knowledgeable.

Clear Voice – Try to project your voice so that it is clear and at an adequate volume. Hearing a presentation is key to understanding, enjoying, and being engaged by it.

Body Language– Stand up straight, hands out of pockets, do not lean – if you do these things you do not appear lazy, but instead, engaged.

Personal Connection – Much of the personal connection is built through your physical interaction (eye contact, clear voice, etc.) with the audience. But including things like metaphors that everyone can relate to, personal stories, questions that ask for a group response (hands up, yes or no) that draw on personal experience, or even just questions that as for personal reflection, can draw people’s attention and draw them into a presentation topic.

Dress Code – Make sure to dress for success, as first impressions do matter. This does not necessarily mean a tuxedo or ball gown, what it does mean is that you should do up your top button, tighten your tie, tuck in your shirt, comb your hair, brush your teeth, do not wear too much make-up, wear clean clothes, etc.

Confidence – You choose your own destiny. If you are confident that you will do well, and you have put in the preparation time, you have put yourself in the best possible position to own your presentation.