How to Make a Great PowerPoint Presentation

How to Make a Great PowerPoint Presentation

Choose images - big, clear, relevantDon't put an image in as filler. Use a blank slide with one word on it rather than using an irrelevant or distracting picture.

Notes

Write speaker's notes as you go along and amend them every time you practice the presentation or if something new occurs to you.

Timing

When you think you have it down, time yourself.

So What

Say "So What?" to yourself when you are practicing. If you can't answer the "So What?" drop the slide or the word or the point

Helper Not The Core

Slides are a helper in presentation not the core You will need to prepare the topic before hand and explain the questions that viewers ask.

With The Audience In MindPrepare the content with the audience in mind as well as yourself. A corporate PPT on financial review will look a lot different than one on a scientific project or a nature oriented one. Also you yourself must relate with the topic to do justice to it.

Question To Be AvoidedAvoid asking, "Do you have doubts?" or "What do you think about it?" These may trigger the negative associations in the audience. Ask only if proficient in the subject. Try asking, "How would you like to implement it with additions?" or "What more would you like to see added into it?"

Do Not Make Further Comments

If experienced and know already that have done a good job with the PPT, DO NOT ASK and DO NOT MAKE ANY FURTHER COMMENTS once it's over. Let audience decide and wait for it. It's worth the effort to let them come out clapping or with their own comments without nudging.

Brief Outline / Flow ChartDuring the very beginning of the PPT, give a brief outline or a flow chart about the basic topics. First: The audience will be ready to capture the flow of PPT Second: An uninterested audience will either leave or will come to know about them as delivering content.

Hardcopy

If finances permit, give out a text copy of the major points before begin. This is not only a good practice but also helps audience to review slides they may have missed.

Tips If use images, make sure give attribution to the owner of the picture. 10/20/30 Rule -- no more than 10 slides, no longer than 20 minutes, and no smaller than 30 point font. Avoid the trap of using jazzy graphics display and animations, concentrate more on the content and let the PPT help presentation.

Warnings Practice makes perfect. Not too many words unless it is a quote. Never read slides word for word. When brain-dumping, do it on paper. When miss a slide or a topic, move along Be patient and let the concerned authorities handle the projector.